NV Dhondt-Grellet Dans un Premier Temps

With 70% from 2019 and made from 50% Chardonnay from Sezanne, 30% Pinot Noir from Avenay val d'Or, and the rest Meunier from Cuis, the NV Champagne Dans Un Premiere Temps Extra Brut pours a rich straw appearance and takes a strong stance out of the gate. Coming out swinging, it opens to aromas of preserved citrus, honeycomb, saline broth, and golden apple. This moves seamlessly to the palate, which fills with ripe orchard fruit, a broad, pithy texture, and a mouthwatering finish. A bold entry to the range, it’s great for moving into these cooler months ahead. Drink 2023-2028. Disgorged in May 2023. 3 grams per liter dosage.

The NV Extra Brut Dans un Premier Temps (2020 base) is a blend of 50% Chardonnay from Sézanne, 30% from Avenay Val d'Or in the Marne Valley and 20% Meunier from Cuis in the Côte des Blancs based on 2020 with 30% reserve wines from a perpetual reserve that dates back to 1986. It's a lovely wine for the year, with pretty hints of citrus peel, almond, crushed rocks and sage. Light and airy, with impeccable balance, the 2020 base is very nicely done, especially within the context of the year. Floral and mineral top notes grace the finish. Dosage is 3gr/L. Disgorged: January, 2023. (AG)

Each of the three wines presented in the range from Dhondt-Grellet have 70% from the base vintage of 2018, with the remainder from perpetual reserve wine going back to 1986. The NV Champagne Dans Un Premier Temps Extra Brut is 50% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, and the remainder Meunier, with 2.5 grams per liter of dosage. It has attractive, ripe aromas of honeysuckle, apricot, and pineapple that translate to the palate with juicy fruit and tangerine citrus. This is drinking well now and makes for a wonderfully versatile wine. Disgorged in October 2021. Drink 2022-2032.