Dhondt-GrelletCramantGrandCruBlancdeBlancsBV21NV

Founded in 1986. Dhondt Grellet’s focus on biodynamic farming has translated into vivid champagnes from great parcels across the Côte des Blancs. The domaine is 6ha of Grand Cru and 1er Cru vines, with an average age of 40 years. A family run business, their son Adrien is now at the helm, together with his sister Alice. Inspired by the great white winemakers of Burgundy, Adrien is taking his family’s wines to another level, focusing on chardonnay and terroir. The quality of Adrien’s cuvées was recognized when he was voted Winemaker of the Year 2017 in the Trophées Champenois.rrThis NV Blanc de Blancs is all from two vineyard parcels in the top Grand Cru Village of Cramant with the average vine age over 55 years old. The wine is fermented in older oak barrels and partially go through malolactic fermentation to soften the acids. All farming is organic and biodynamic, with plowing done by Adrien’s horse, Thor.rrWeather: The 2021 Champagne vintage was one of the most challenging in recent decades, marked by severe spring frosts, persistent rain, and widespread mildew that drastically reduced yields â€?in some areas to just 10â€?0% of normal production. The cool, damp growing season led to uneven ripening, but the grapes that survived produced wines noted for their freshness, purity, and high acidity, reflecting a more classical, restrained Champagne style. Overall quality was highly variable across producers and vineyards, making 2021 a small but potentially interesting vintage for those able to harvest healthy fruit.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 100% Grand Cru| Lieu-dit: La Garennes & Les Longues VergesrGrape Varieties: 100% ChardonnayrBase Vintage: 70% from 2021rReserve Wines: 30% from a perpetual reserve with the oldest wines from 1986rDisgorged: July 2024rBottling date: May 2022rLees ageing: 28 monthsrDosage: 2.5 g/LrProduction: 6,000rDrink: Now to 5 years +rrTasting Note: The wine is expressive and harmonious, offering notes of lemon zest, cedar nut, smoke and toast. It has a bright, lively personality, concluding with an immensely long, saline finish. Its quality and potential are a testament both the judicious élevage and the visionary work in the vineyards. â€?Tasted by Kristaps Karklins