Dhondt-Grellet Dans un Premier Temps Extra Brut Champagne

In 1986, Eric Dhondt and Edith Grellet decided to stop selling off grapes to negociants and started Dhondt-Grellet. Their focus on farming translated into honest Champagnes from great holdings across the Côte des Blancs. Now with their son, Adrien, assuming a larger role, they are refocusing their efforts and producing some of the best Champagnes they ever have. Nowadays the company is lead by Eric and Adrian.

The vineyard is situated primarily in Grands and Premiers Crus of Cote des Blancs namely Cramant, Chouilly, Cuis but also Sézanne for their Chardonnays. They also cultivate some Pinot Noir in the Vallée the la Marne. Mainly located in mid hillsides on easy to work, very lightweight calcareous soils, their plots enjoy an outstanding location and a southeast exposure. The average age of the vines is 40 years. They also have their own cellars in Flavigny to age the wines before bringing them on the market.

Please note: Disgorgement dates can vary. Please contact the store if you would like to check which disgorgement is currently available.

Other Reviews....
Disgorged in January 2020 with three grams per liter dosage, the NV Extra-Brut Dans un Premier Temps (2018) is excellent, bursting with aromas of peach, citrus oil, white flowers, fresh bread and stone fruit. Medium to full-bodied, ample and layered, with a demonstrative core of fruit and succulent acids, it's vinous and enveloping, drinking especially well out of the gates. Drink 2021 - 2028.
92 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Sept 2021)

Each of the three wines presented in the range from Dhondt-Grellet have 70% from the base vintage of 2018, with the remainder from perpetual reserve wine going back to 1986. The NV Champagne Dans Un Premier Temps Extra Brut is 50% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, and the remainder Meunier, with 2.5 grams per liter of dosage. It has attractive, ripe aromas of honeysuckle, apricot, and pineapple that translate to the palate with juicy fruit and tangerine citrus. This is drinking well now and makes for a wonderfully versatile wine. Disgorged in October 2021. Drink 2022-2032.
92 points
Audrey Frick - jebdunnuck.com