Dehours : Les Vignes de la Vallée

Characteristics and tasting notes of Vignes de la Vallée Dehours

Tasting

Appearance
This wine reveals a pale gold colour, enlivened by exceptionally fine and persistent bubbles forming a delicate mousse.

Nose
Opening up after a few moments, the aromatic bouquet reveals floral notes of rose water mingled with hints of honeycomb. Fruity aromas of mirabelle plum, citrus and stone fruit further enhance this beautiful complexity.

Palate
The attack offers a slightly waxy texture, a testament to its lengthy ageing. Both generous and elegant, the palate is mineral and smooth, carried by a fine balance between freshness and fruit, extending into a finish of excellent length.

Food and wine pairings

This cuvée pairs wonderfully with seafood, particularly oysters, as well as delicate white fish. It also matches perfectly with poultry in cream or butter sauce, fresh or aged goat cheeses, and fine charcuterie. This wine is also ideally enjoyed as an aperitif.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate this cuvée, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature above 10°C in a large white wine glass. Decanting is entirely possible.

A mineral and smooth champagne, a true expression of the Vallée de la Marne

The estate

Founded in 1930, Dehours developed in the heart of Champagne, in Cerseuil. Today, Jérôme Dehours runs the family estate alongside his sisters Caroline and Laurence. The vineyard covers approximately 14.5 hectares spread across 42 distinct plots. A pioneer in sustainable viticulture, the estate is HVE3 certified and stands out for its approach respectful of biodiversity. The estate is particularly renowned for its character-driven cuvées, showcasing Meunier and the authentic expression of its terroirs.

The vineyard

Located on the left bank of the Marne, this Champagne vineyard thrives across the villages of Mareuil-le-Port, Oeuilly, Cerseuil and Troissy. The vines grow on clay-limestone and sandy-limestone soils, ideal for cultivating Meunier. Vineyard management strictly respects biodiversity: the soils are worked mechanically, without any herbicides, and natural grass cover is maintained between the rows. Meticulous canopy management is also practised to ensure optimal grape ripeness.

The blend

This non-vintage cuvée comes from a blend composed of approximately 70% wines from the harvest year and a significant proportion (around 30%) of wines from a perpetual reserve, whose creation dates back to 1998.

Vinification and ageing

Alcoholic fermentation is carried out exclusively with indigenous or estate-selected yeasts, followed by a full malolactic fermentation. The wines benefit from ageing on full lees. Clarification is performed by natural decantation, without any fining or filtration. Finally, the wine enjoys lengthy bottle ageing on its lees, lasting from 42 to 54 months before disgorgement.

Grape varieties

This blend is mainly composed of Meunier (55%), complemented by Chardonnay (30%) and Pinot Noir (15%).