Dhondt Grellet Les Terres Fines 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2021
HK$ 829.49
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The latest NV Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Les Terres Fines, based on the 2021 vintage and disgorged in April 2024 with a dosage of 2.5 grams per liter, is sourced from small parcels scattered around Cuis with northeast exposures, complemented by about one-third from Grauves, which face both northeast and southwest, offering a complete representation of the northern part of the Côte des Blancs. The parcels that contribute to Les Terres Fines were planted between the 1950s and 2014, at different times, in other words. Matured for 11 months in 228-liter barrels (around one-third new) and enriched by 30% perpetual blend dating back to 1986, it unfurls from the glass with scents of biscuit, dried white flowers, crisp citrus fruit and toasted hazelnuts. Medium-bodied and with a pillowy mousse, it is slightly more linear than Roc Solare, laden with tangy acids and an abundance of chalky dry extract. Adrien notes that “the profile of 2021 base is more vertical” compared to the three previous renditions, which were shaped by sunnier conditions, and the wine reflects this.
Features
Type of wine
Pairings
Style
Occasions
Winery
Size
Appellation
Alcohol
12.0%
Grapes
Serving
Between 10ºC and 12ºC
Winemaking
Direct pressing, free run fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged on lees for 8 months in French oak foudres. Second fermentation in bottle (30% reserve wine) with a minimum ageing of 24 months and a dosage of 1,5 g/l (Extra Brut).
Description
Dhondt Grellet Les Terres Fines 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut is an exceptional champagne that represents the quintessence of elegance and complexity. This wine is a 100% Chardonnay from the Champagne region, specifically from the Côte des Blancs in France. The uniqueness of this champagne is largely due to its meticulous winemaking and ageing.
Winemaking
The production of Les Terres Fines is characterised by a combination of traditional and modern techniques. The Chardonnay used comes from the Cuis community, known for its chalky soils. Since 2010, Adrien Dhondt, the winegrower, has adopted organic farming practices and, since 2013, also certified biodynamic. Harvesting is done selectively and manually in several stages, ensuring the quality of the grapes. Fermentation is spontaneous, and the wine is aged in a mixture of stainless steel and oak barrels.
A distinctive feature of Les Terres Fines is that it is composed of 70% Chardonnay from the vintage and 30% from a Solera system that has been in operation since 1986. This method brings a unique complexity and depth to the wine. The champagne spends two years in contact with the yeasts, being disgorged in January with a dosage of only 2 grams per litre.
Taste
Dhondt Grellet Les Terres Fines stands out for its intensity and complexity. On the nose, it offers aromas of sweet citrus, quince and baked apple, complemented by notes of brioche and nuts. This aromatic profile is enriched with a slight oxidative character, reflecting the influence of Solera reserve wines. On the palate, the wine is powerful and full, with vibrant acidity and a citrus character. The texture is both athletic and polished, revealing layers of flavour that include intense mineral concentration and a long, captivating finish. The combination of fruit and minerality creates a vibrant and unique taste experience, making this champagne a fascinating and distinctive expression of Chardonnay from biodynamically managed 1er Cru vineyards.
Shipping to Hong Kong
Estimated transit time: 3 working days.
| Bottles | Price | Complete box |
|---|---|---|
| 1-5 bottles | HK$ 139.69 | 6 bottles, Free shipping! |
| 7-11 bottles | HK$ 139.69 | 12 bottles, Free shipping! |
| 13-17 bottles | HK$ 139.69 | 18 bottles, Free shipping! |
| 19-23 bottles | HK$ 139.69 | 24 bottles, Free shipping! |
| 25-29 bottles | HK$ 139.69 | 30 bottles, Free shipping! |
| 31-35 bottles | HK$ 139.69 | 36 bottles, Free shipping! |
| 37-41 bottles | HK$ 139.69 | 42 bottles, Free shipping! |
| 43-47 bottles | HK$ 139.69 | 48 bottles, Free shipping! |
| 49-53 bottles | HK$ 139.69 | 54 bottles, Free shipping! |
| 55-59 bottles | HK$ 139.69 | 60 bottles, Free shipping! |
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