Champagne Paul Déthune Brut Grand Cru NV

The Déthunes have 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay planted atop their Ambonnay Grand Cru site, all organically farmed using biodynamic principles such as integrated pest management, solar power, and a complete lack of chemical use in the vineyard. If these same vines in this location were owned by the big houses (Bollinger, Moet, Taittinger, etc.), these premium Champagnes would go for at least $100 a bottle, if not more. With Ambonnay set as arguably the centerpoint of the grower Champagne movement, the Déthunes have set an example that all others should strive to achieve.

The Déthune family owns a mere 6.5 hectares of vineyards in total, carefully tended to by hand in order to produce the highest quality of grapes. Their Champagnes have become synonymous with elegance, finesse, and complexity – all made using traditional methods to produce the most distinctive character and exceptional quality of cuvees. They’re one of the oldest families in Ambonnay, caring for vines on the village’s premium slopes on the Montagne de Reims since the early 17th century.

Pierre, son of Paul Déthune, runs the estate today alongside his wife, Sophie, with a commitment to continuing the family’s tradition of crafting some of the finest Champagnes in the world. He’s meticulously crafted his own style of Champagne that’s rooted in tradition yet always evolving, with the one constant of the rolling grasslands of Ambonnay remaining as his backbone. In line with the house’s traditional methods, this Brut Grand Cru is aged and vinified in 205-liter oak barrels prior to bottling and aging on the lees for 5 years. Finishing with a Brut dosage, it’s blossomed into something immeasurably stunning and intense.

You’ll notice loads of bright, mineral, and prominent aromatic notes coming from the glass, with warm, flaky croissants, honeysuckle, apricot, and orange blossom escaping into the air immediately. This theme continues to the palate, with a dry but not austere, wonderfully generous, long, and intense finish that lasts to the final sip. This is pedigreed perfection in a bottle, for a price that should encourage you to sprint to the cart – making it a worthy Champagne for any and all occasions!