winery

Champagne Dhondt-Grellet

Champagne, France

Philosophy

Low-intervention, parcel-driven barrel fermentation with indigenous yeasts, minimal sulfur, extended élevage on lees without fining or filtration. Perpetual solera reserve maintained since 1986 forms the house's identity.

Reputation

Established in 1986 when Éric Dhondt and Édith Grellet abandoned grape sales to négociants and began estate bottling in Flavigny, just outside Avize. The Dhondt family, originally Belgian farmers, had acquired Sézannais vineyards in the 1960s; the Grellet family roots ran deep in Cuis and Cramant, binding two terroir lineages into one small domaine.

AllocationTwo-year discrepancy in Adrien's takeover year: some sources cite 2010, others 2012. Grand Cru Selections and regulatory listing confirm 2012 at age 22 as canonical. Biodynamic practices confirmed as non-certified (described as 'peasant viticulture'); sources consistently state no certification sought. Website confirmed in French. UK importer (Wine Source) confirmed from multiple sources. US importers identified: Thatcher's Wine (Bay Area, primary distributor), Grand Cru Selections (long-term partner), Kellogg Selections. Japan importer not definitively identified in searches. Pearl of Burgundy listed as Hong Kong-based international distributor covering Asia. Mentorship from Anselme Selosse documented. Trophées Champenois 2017 Winemaker of the Year award verified. Barrel program uses Burgundian coopers (Damy, François Frères). Perpetual reserve dating to 1986 confirmed. Vineyard age average 40 years, with some parcels (Le Bateau, Les Nogers, Cramant blocks) in 50–55 year range. Production volume not disclosed in public sources. | Importer overflow captured (importer_us): "Thatcher's Wine (Bay Area); Grand Cru Selections; Kellogg Selections" | Importer overflow captured (importer_other): 'Pearl of Burgundy (Asia/international)'

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