David Pehu is a fourth-generation vigneron who produces estate-bottled Champagnes under his eponymous label. His grandfather sold Champagne under the Antonin Pehu label, and in the early 1970s his parents created Pehu-Simonet, with the introduction of vines from his mother’s side of the family. David has been involved in the production of the wines since 1988, and at the helm since 1995. Of Pehu-Simonet’s 7.5 hectares of vines, six are in Grand Cru villages. In addition to 3.5 hectares of vines in Verzenay, Pehu has holdings in Verzy, Sillery, Mailly and Bouzy in the Montagne de Reims, as well as 6.5 acres of chardonnay in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, in the Côte des Blancs. 

This is 100% chardonnay from five plots scattered across the chalky limestone of Le Mesnil – all fermented in stainless steel tanks, with no malolactic conversion whatsoever. David always blocks malo as he believes it better preserves the finesse and fruit expression in the long-run. With 84 months of aging on the lees, a long-lived wine is precisely what he’s after, and this wine is a monumental achievement that feels like it will last a lifetime!
A miniscule 1.5 grams-per-liter dosage allows the wine’s purity to come to the fore, bringing with it some lemon shortbread cookies, citrus zest, and mandarin blossoms. The wine is round and savory on the palate – even with the low dosage – with a light mushroom and fresh-turned earth note that sits atop a deep core of pome fruits and melon sensations. It’s super clean throughout, with a long, smooth finish. This sings clear and bright, with an energetic mousse…solid stuff from start to finish. There’s no doubt about it – it is both definitively Le Mesnil, and unmistakably a David Pehu wine. This is my new, slightly geeky, mostly cool, ace-up-the-sleeve to show-off to worthy and curious friends! We only have a few bottles to go around so now is the best time to grab ‘em while you can, my bubbly friends!