Benoit is an 8th generation winemaker who studied at Champagne Bollinger before returning to his family's pre-French Revolution (est. 1787) estate on the western edge of the Vallee de la Marne. He has turned the farming towards natural/biodynamic methods, and strives to elevate the Pinot Meunier grape. He favors oak barrels in the cellar - mostly sourced from the nearby Fossoy forest.

'Cuvee Initiation" is a blanc de noirs sourced entirely from 2019 vintage but released as a NV. disgorged April 2022. Blend of two parcels: Meunier from La Rue des Noyers (clay limestone), Pinot Noir from a small parcel at the bottom of the hill which Benoit planted using massale selection of Pommard clones from Burgundy (clay sand).

energetic lift of lemon misty zest, pretty white flowers, fresh salinity, morning toast, intense, vibrant, driving minerality.

varietals: 77% Pinot Meunier, 23% Pinot Noir

style: sparkling (Champagne method)

farming/cellar: practicing organic & biodynamic, hand harvested, base wine was matured 10 months on lees in 228L oak barrels before bottling and secondary fermentation lasts 24-30 months, no malo, unfined unfiltered, no dosage

pairing: caviar, fried chicken, coconut shrimp, mac and cheese