RM Harvesting-Handling (RM Récoltant-Manipulant)
18 Acres / 40,000 bottles per year
7, rue de la Gare
51360 Verzenay (Montagne de Reims)
THE HOUSE
For four generations, the Pehu family has produced champagnes bottled at the estate. Widow Pehu began in the early 1900s followed by Antonin Pehu. In the early 1970s, the Pehu Simonet label was created by the parents of David Pehu (pictured) with the introduction of vines from his mother's side. In 2002, Christine Fresnet joined the estate, which further increases the complexity of the cuvées. David Pehu has been involved in winemaking since 1988 and, alone in charge of the cellar since 1995, he can make the wines he dreams of.
WINE ESTATE
David Pehu has 18 of which 14 are classified Grands Crus. The rest is Chardonnay in Villers-Marmery which he sells to the merchant because he only wants to produce Grand Cru champagne. His plots are in Verzy, Verzenay, Mailly, Sillery and Le Mesnil. We can say that this is the North ’of the Montagne de Reims. Since 2008, one hectare in Mailly has been cultivated organically to find total authenticity.
VINIFICATION
David Pehu studied oenology in Burgundy and has been using barrels since 1988. Vinification in barrels or in steel vats depends on the wine. Malolactic fermentation is strictly avoided for all wines, a tradition of the house. Only the vinosity of the ripe fruit and a precise dosage compensates for the acidity.
TASTING
Sélection Brut
Dominance of Pinot Noir, fruits of Verzy, Verzenay and Sillery, worthy ambassador of the North of the Montagne de Reims.Easy to drink. Aperitif, magnums for the holidays.
"You can tell that Pinot Noir dominates this wine. It's big, powerful, hinting at raspberries as well as delicious richness. There is white peach and pink grapefruit flavors but the yeast and the brioche side are also fascinating. The finish is in line with this richness while structure. 93/100" - Roger Voss in Wine Enthusiast 2009
Brut de Brut / Transparence
Without dosage. Dominance of Pinot Noir, the same fruits as the Sélection (above). Very fresh and light. Ideal as an aperitif and to accompany shellfish.
Rosé Brut
Du Sélection with 10 to 12% red wine from Verzenay, vinified in barrels. Very cool. As an aperitif or with a red fruit sorbet.
"Brilliant rosé with a strong effervescence. Powerful aromas of strawberry, raspberry, smoked meat and pears. The fresh and energetic red fruits as well as the flavors of blood orange are balanced by a beautiful minerality. Wild strawberries and citrus notes impressively persist at the end, highlighting the liveliness of this champagne. 91/10" - Josh Raynolds for Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, November 2008.
Millésime Brut 2004
"It is a blend of 50% Pinot Noir from Verzenay and 50% Chardonnay, especially Mesnil and a small part of Verzenay. 70% were vinified in barrels which seems to give breadth and perfection to the palate. It balances opulence and liveliness in an unusual way: it is round and racy at the same time. The fragrant aromas of lemon zest, spicy apple, kirsch and clear honey seem to balance the best of both worlds. It's already complex in flavor, with smooth refinement and a subtle nuance on the finish. While delicious to drink now, it can only get better over time.. Note *(*)" - Peter Liem in ChampagneGuide.net