Benot Dhus La Rue des Noyers is one of the more compelling
Pinot Meunier
Champagnes weve had on the shelf recently, especially for anyone who gravitates toward grower producers and site-driven bottles.
The wine comes from
a single biodynamically farmed parcel
in
Fossoy
in
the Valle de la Marne,
planted entirely to Meunier.
Rather than blending across multiple vineyards,
Dhu treats this cuve as a true vineyard expression
, allowing the vintage and the site to shape the final wine.
The 2018 was
aged for 11 months
in
barrel on the lees before bottling
, which gives the wine
texture and structure without masking its freshness.
The oak is not about flavor as much as form. It adds depth through the mid-palate and a gentle frame that supports the fruit and mineral profile.
Finished with no dosage
, the wine remains dry, precise, and fully transparent to the character of the vineyard and vintage.
In
the glass, the
Meunier shows
in
credible dimension.
Orchard fruit, subtle spice, and a lightly savory note unfold with air,
carried by
fine mousse and a clean, mineral finish.
The combination of barrel aging and zero dosage gives it both
breadth and precision
, which is a balance that Meunier handles beautifully when grown and farmed with this level of care.
For Champagne drinkers who appreciate producers like Laherte Frres
or other terroir-driven growers, this bottling is worth a look. Single parcel, 100% Meunier, biodynamic farming, and non-dos is a very
in
tentional set of choices, and you can taste that clarity
in
every glass.
