winery

Dhondt-Grellet

Champagne, France

Philosophy

Low-intervention barrel fermentation with indigenous yeasts; no cold stabilization, fining, or filtration. Minimal sulfur (circa 40 ppm). Perpetual reserve system since 1986. Horse plowing since 2021; parcel-driven approach favoring transparency of terroir over assemblage.

Reputation

Established in 1986 by Eric Dhondt and Edith Grellet when they ceased selling grapes to négociants and began bottling under their own label in Flavigny, at the heart of the Côte des Blancs. The Dhondt family, originally Belgian farmers, had acquired vineyards in the Sézannais in the 1960s; the Grellet family maintained deep roots in Cuis and Cramant.

AllocationLes Terres Fines confirmed as Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs from multiple parcels in Cuis and Grauves (north-facing, cooler sites). Base vintage varies; most recent documented: 70% 2021 base, 30% perpetual reserve (disgorged April 2024, dosage 2.5 g/L). Adrien took over 2012, age 22. No formal organic/biodynamic certification despite practicing both; sources list as 'organic practicing.' Perennial reserve system continuously maintained since domaine founding. Winemaker voted Trophées Champenois 2017. Grand Cru Selections is primary US importer per multiple trade sources; Kellogg and Thatcher's are secondary retailers. Website www.dhondt-grellet.com verified via Vignerons Indépendants de Champagne directory. Production volume unavailable from sources. Chouilly also documented as holding. Succession clean: son Adrien to parents; sister Alice assists. No parent company or corporate ownership detected. | Importer overflow captured (importer_other): "Thatcher's Wine (California)"

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