Fossoy, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France (still wine)
100% Pinot Meunier
biodynamic

Benoit Dehu, Coteaux Champenois Blanc, 'La Rue des Noyers' 2018. A white still wine from Champagne made with 100% Pinot Meunier from single vineyard 'La Rue des Noyers'. Vinification is done in 100% oak, unfined and unfiltered. Golden yellow in colour with a nose of ripe apples, caramel and sweet spices.
 
With a vision toward natural viticulture and a desire to deeply understand the potential of the Meunier grape, Benoit roped off a 1.7 hectare parcel known as “La Rue des Noyers”, which he farms biodynamically and partially ploughs with a horse. From this parcel he makes a Champagne and a Coteaux Champenois white and red, all made from 100% Meunier.
 
Benoit cut his teeth at Bollinger, and was inspired to pursue biodynamics in a small plot of his family’s Domaine upon returning, creating his eponymous Champagne label, dedicated almost entirely to the Pinot Meunier grape. From this 1.70 hectare plot, Benoit crafts two sparkling wines and two still wines, all of which are vinified in oak, and are bottled without any further interference of fining or filtering, and zero dosage after disgorgement. Heavy limestone soils provide incredible lift to the Meunier grape, emphasizing its floral, zesty tones. La Rue des Noyers Blanc is entirely Meunier, showing off ripe red fruits and the classic Meunier salty-smoky quality.