In This Newsletter:
Mad Men of Meunier Sale
Rosé of the Day
Mad Men of Meunier Sale
Stock Up & Save On:
Champagnes from Dehu, Baron, & Mignon
Mad Men of Meunier Sale
Rosé of the Day
Mad Men of Meunier Sale
Stock Up & Save On:
Champagnes from Dehu, Baron, & Mignon
Wine lovers adore the Champagne region in France. Its most famous styles among collectors are its 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs from Pinot Noir, and Brut blends, but have you tasted the rollercoaster of flavor offered by the humble Pinot Meunier?
This red variety was long derided as a minor blending grape. It grows best on the sand- and clay-heavy soils of vineyards of the Marne Valley. These have long been looked down upon for their ill-suitedness for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as their apparent lack of chalk in the soil (the horror!). Meunier’s sole role seemed to be taking up space on soils not deemed good enough for the fancier varieties. It seemed only good at offering up saccharine and simple flavors. But is that really it: Meunier sucks, end of story? Or could the problem be the derision itself is what creates the crap results?
Enter: the Meunier whisperers. We’ve mentioned the exquisite Champagnes of Benoît Déhu, Christophe Baron, and Christophe Mignon plenty of times before. They craft distinctive and nuanced Champagnes that draw oodles of praise, attention, and admirers. They captivate with all the depth and berried-fruit you’d expect from a Pinot Noir-based Champagne and entrance with the crunchy minerality and zippy acidity you’d expect from a Chardonnay-based Champagne. How could this be when they’re focusing on Meunier?
Though they work with unique terroirs and are trailblazers in style, they do share some techniques in the way they coax complexity from Meunier. And honestly, it’s devastatingly simple. They employ thoughtful farming on superior terroirs, and employ hands-off winemaking techniques with minimal use of sugar. (OK, simple to explain, yet an arduous, multi-generational task to execute. But when is chasing dreams ever easy?)
Exploring the terroir of Déhu, Baron, and Mignon would take a novel to do the subject justice. Know that each works with their family vines in the Vallée de la Marne. Déhu is the eighth generation to work his holdings after cutting his teeth at Bollinger. The majority of his grapes are sourced from his two-hectare vineyard, Rue De Noyers, which has some of the most prized and unique soil types the Marne region can offer: green clay overlaying pure limestone chalk. He works his vines biodynamically and plows by horse, a method favored by Baron, too.
We have Meunier itself to thanks for setting up the conditions for Christophe Baron to craft some of the best bubbles bottled in magnum. Baron, best known for his Cayuse wines from Walla Walla, works with four family vineyards on the hillsides overlooking the Marne River. In speaking about his project with The Wine Independent, he noted that he left Champagne for Oregon because of the snobbery directed at his home village’s wines and preferred grape, Meunier.
Each vineyard has widely varying soil types, so he bottles them separately (and sans dosage) to best capture their attributes. His parents planted most of the parcels back in the 1960s, though some vines date back to the 1920s—arguably the oldest Meunier vines in Champagnes. Interestingly, his plots, too, have rich veins of chalk not too far below the surface. Could it be that in judging the Marne Valley by its topsoil, detractors missed the complexity in its depths?
Christophe Mignon splits the difference in terroir between two vineyards, a cooler site in Le Breuil that contributes acidity and structure, and a chalkier site in Festigny that offers more fruit and concentration. To quote Peter Liem in his excellent book, Champagne, Mignon is a “dedicated and conscientious viticulturalist, yet while much of his work might be interpreted as organic or biodynamic, he refuses to adhere to any standardized systems required for certification.” Eh, rebels.
Under Mignon’s guidance, the wines show dramatic mineral notes with depth and tension. These are true works of art; ones we are pleased to share.
Meunier takes extraordinarily well to the Brut Nature-style. Its lifted fruit notes and bubblegum-like intensity needs no sugar to make an impact. All three of our gents lean in that direction, letting the purity of the grape shine through. With Meunier on the rise, now’s your chance to get in on the action.
This red variety was long derided as a minor blending grape. It grows best on the sand- and clay-heavy soils of vineyards of the Marne Valley. These have long been looked down upon for their ill-suitedness for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as their apparent lack of chalk in the soil (the horror!). Meunier’s sole role seemed to be taking up space on soils not deemed good enough for the fancier varieties. It seemed only good at offering up saccharine and simple flavors. But is that really it: Meunier sucks, end of story? Or could the problem be the derision itself is what creates the crap results?
Enter: the Meunier whisperers. We’ve mentioned the exquisite Champagnes of Benoît Déhu, Christophe Baron, and Christophe Mignon plenty of times before. They craft distinctive and nuanced Champagnes that draw oodles of praise, attention, and admirers. They captivate with all the depth and berried-fruit you’d expect from a Pinot Noir-based Champagne and entrance with the crunchy minerality and zippy acidity you’d expect from a Chardonnay-based Champagne. How could this be when they’re focusing on Meunier?
Though they work with unique terroirs and are trailblazers in style, they do share some techniques in the way they coax complexity from Meunier. And honestly, it’s devastatingly simple. They employ thoughtful farming on superior terroirs, and employ hands-off winemaking techniques with minimal use of sugar. (OK, simple to explain, yet an arduous, multi-generational task to execute. But when is chasing dreams ever easy?)
Exploring the terroir of Déhu, Baron, and Mignon would take a novel to do the subject justice. Know that each works with their family vines in the Vallée de la Marne. Déhu is the eighth generation to work his holdings after cutting his teeth at Bollinger. The majority of his grapes are sourced from his two-hectare vineyard, Rue De Noyers, which has some of the most prized and unique soil types the Marne region can offer: green clay overlaying pure limestone chalk. He works his vines biodynamically and plows by horse, a method favored by Baron, too.
We have Meunier itself to thanks for setting up the conditions for Christophe Baron to craft some of the best bubbles bottled in magnum. Baron, best known for his Cayuse wines from Walla Walla, works with four family vineyards on the hillsides overlooking the Marne River. In speaking about his project with The Wine Independent, he noted that he left Champagne for Oregon because of the snobbery directed at his home village’s wines and preferred grape, Meunier.
Each vineyard has widely varying soil types, so he bottles them separately (and sans dosage) to best capture their attributes. His parents planted most of the parcels back in the 1960s, though some vines date back to the 1920s—arguably the oldest Meunier vines in Champagnes. Interestingly, his plots, too, have rich veins of chalk not too far below the surface. Could it be that in judging the Marne Valley by its topsoil, detractors missed the complexity in its depths?
Christophe Mignon splits the difference in terroir between two vineyards, a cooler site in Le Breuil that contributes acidity and structure, and a chalkier site in Festigny that offers more fruit and concentration. To quote Peter Liem in his excellent book, Champagne, Mignon is a “dedicated and conscientious viticulturalist, yet while much of his work might be interpreted as organic or biodynamic, he refuses to adhere to any standardized systems required for certification.” Eh, rebels.
Under Mignon’s guidance, the wines show dramatic mineral notes with depth and tension. These are true works of art; ones we are pleased to share.
Meunier takes extraordinarily well to the Brut Nature-style. Its lifted fruit notes and bubblegum-like intensity needs no sugar to make an impact. All three of our gents lean in that direction, letting the purity of the grape shine through. With Meunier on the rise, now’s your chance to get in on the action.
5% off any 3-5 in-stock Champagnes from Dehu, Baron, & Mignon
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock Champagnes from Dehu, Baron, & Mignon
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Tuesday, July 1st at 9 am Pacific.
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock Champagnes from Dehu, Baron, & Mignon
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Tuesday, July 1st at 9 am Pacific.
We offer sixteen in-stock Champagnes from Dehu, Baron, & Mignon on sale now, including:
Christophe Baron ‘Les Alouettes’ Brut Nature, Charly-sur-Marne, Champagne 2019 1.5L Displayed Price: $269, that’s $255.55 at 5% off and $242.10 at 10% off, 2 magnums in stock now
James Suckling 97 points “This is a supremely poised and elegant Champagne. Lots of grapefruit, honeycomb, white tea, citron peel, white apricots and salted almonds here, yet it’s linear and racy, with tight bubbles and a cool yet intense and very long finish. 100% pinot meunier from a vineyard planted in 1968. From organically grown grapes. In magnums only. Zero dosage. Disgorged May 2023. Drink or hold.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Christophe Baron ‘Le Dessus du Bois Marie’ Brut Nature, Crouttes-sur-Marne, Champagne 2019 1.5L Displayed Price: $269, that’s $255.55 at 5% off and $242.10 at 10% off, 4 magnums in stock now
James Suckling 96 points “This has a beautiful bouquet of pink grapefruit, almond croissants, frangipani flowers, nectarines and cherry stones. So fresh, silky and elegant on the palate, with a lovely interplay of just-ripe fruit, flowers and delicate pastry. It’s bone-dry, but very far from austere. 100% pinot meunier, from a vineyard planted in 1966. From organically grown grapes. In magnums only. Zero dosage. Disgorged May 2023. Drink or hold.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
The next best price is $349
The next best price is $349
Christophe Mignon ADN de Meunier Brut Nature Millésime, Champagne 2016 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 8 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “A beautiful shimmering hue, with elegant highlights, delicate and persistent ring of bubbles. Refined nose with iodine notes. Creamy, distinguished and concentrated mouth. Subtle bitternessnice gritty and mineral tension.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Christophe Mignon ADN de Foudre Meunier Brut Nature, Champagne (2017) 750ml Displayed Price: $89, that’s $84.55 at 5% off and $80.10 at 10% off, 4 bottles in stock now
Importer Note “A beautiful shimmering hue, with elegant highlights, delicate and persistent ring of bubbles. Very clean and delicate nose, with subtle woody notes. Unctuous and round mouth, with toasted almond flavors.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Benoit Dehu La Rue des Noyers, Champagne NV (2019) 750ml Displayed Price: $119, that’s $113.05 at 5% off and $107.10 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “The NV (2019) Cuvée La Rue des Noyers is a gorgeous, beautifully understated wine. Citrus confit, mint, white pepper and slate are beautifully lifted in this striking, precise Champagne. As always, the Rue des Noyers is an especially savory Meunier. This is not the most obvious or overt Meunier out there, but it is among the most fascinating because of its dynamic energy and overall complexity. Disgorged: March 21, 2024.”
Benoit Dehu Cuvée Initiation Brut Nature, Champagne NV (2020) 750ml Displayed Price: $79, that’s $75.05 at 5% off and $71.10 at 10% off, 15 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 92 points “[Review for 2019-base] The NV Initiation, a blend of 77% Pinot Meunier and 23% Pinot Noir from two parcels in Fossoy, is a fine entry-level offering. Dried flowers, mint, spice and ginger all grace this attractive, mid-weight Champagne. There is a bit of reduction, but it works well in this style. I especially admire the finish here. Bottled with no dosage.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Benoit Dehu Cuvée Initiation Rosé Extra Brut, Champagne NV (2021) 750ml Displayed Price: $99, that’s $94.05 at 5% off and $89.10 at 10% off, 11 bottles in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 91 points “The (2021) Extra Brut Rosé Cuvée Initiation is superb. Here, the addition of 7% still red Pinot fills out the mid-palate and gives the wine some of the textural presence that is missing in the Blanc de Blancs bottling. Chalk, cranberry, mint and white pepper build into the tense, sinewy finish. Disgorged: January 25, 2024.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Benoit Dehu La Rue des Noyers, Champagne NV (2016) 1.5L Displayed Price: $269, that’s $255.55 at 5% off and $242.10 at 10% off, 6 magnums in stock now
Antonio Galloni-Vinous 94 points “Cuvée La Rue des Noyers Sparkling White) The NV (2016) Cuvée La Rue des Noyers, 100% Meunier, is bright, effusive and full of energy. In 2016, the Rue des Noyers is not as overt as it can be, but instead makes its case with energy and verve more than sheer power. I find it especially distinctive and elegant. Exotic dried flowers, ginger, apricot and spice linger. There is so much to like, and also so much to look forward to as the 2016 develops in the cellar. No dosage. Disgorged: May, 2021. (Drink between 2022-2030).”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Shop our complete collection of Champagnes from Baron, Mignon & Dehu!
Rosé of the Day
Ameztoi’s Rubentis
Bright and lifted, this semi-fizzy rosé is like bottled summertime. Snap up the last few bottles on our Close-Out Sale or check out the latest releases!
In Stock Now:
Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina, Spain 2021 750ml Was $24, Now $19, 29 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Pale orange. Finely etched red berry, citrus zest and floral aromas, along with building herb and mineral flourishes. Taut and nervy in the mouth, offering sappy strawberry, cherry and tangerine flavors that show fine delineation and spicy lift. Closes firm and right, with persistent red fruit notes and a refreshingly bitter edge.”
In Stock Now:
Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina, Spain 2021 750ml Was $24, Now $19, 29 bottles in stock now
Josh Raynolds-Vinous 91 points “Pale orange. Finely etched red berry, citrus zest and floral aromas, along with building herb and mineral flourishes. Taut and nervy in the mouth, offering sappy strawberry, cherry and tangerine flavors that show fine delineation and spicy lift. Closes firm and right, with persistent red fruit notes and a refreshingly bitter edge.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina, Spain 2022 750ml $24 special, 11 bottles in stock now
De Maison Importer Note “The iconic Ameztoi Rubentis rosé is a field blend of the local, indigenous hondarrabi zuri and hondarrabi beltza varieties, grown on traditional trellises high on the slopes rising above Getaria, an ancient Basque fishing village on Spain’s rugged northern coast. In the 2000s, when almost all of the other local wineries gave up on the indigenous red hondarrabi beltza vines, the Ameztoi family retained their old vines, in turn, lending their rosé such exceptional vibrancy and complexity. Rubentis, the region’s first pink wine, was inspired by the historic claret style wines which were once produced in the area long before the current global craze made rosé famous. The backbone of the blend comes from an old hondarrabi beltza vineyard planted in 1840, preserved by the Ameztoi family for generations. Ameztoi Rubentis is an authentic original, a wine that is often imitated but never replicated.”
This is the lowest listed price in the USA today!
Ameztoi Rubentis Rosado, Getariako Txakolina, Spain 2024 750ml $24 special, 36+ bottles in stock now
Producer Notes “Visual: pale pink with shades of fuchsia, his bright tone has a fine and elegant bubbles. Smelling: fine and sophisticated fragrance with notes of citrus and menthol. To taste: harmonious in the mouth, freshness reminiscent of strawberry sour caramel, and cheerful by their bubbles.”
Browse our fifty-six in-stock rosé selections now!
Don’t miss our additional sale going on now:
Brovia
5% off any 3-5 in-stock bottles of Brovia
10% off any 6+ or more in-stock bottles of Brovia
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Brovia sale ends Monday, June 30th at 9 am Pacific.