Wine for sale: Pehu Simonet
PRODUCER OF THE WEEK
Pehu Simonet
This estate, currently ran by the fourth generation of winemakers, aptly names its collection of wines "fins-lieux", a clear reflection of the deep respect paid to their terroir. Find out about this estate, still relatively unknown in France, which cultivates its vines using organic methods.
Pehu Simonet
Located in the heart of Verzenay (Montagne de Reims), the Pehu Simonet estate spans 7.5 hectares of vineyards, producing around 40,000 bottles annually. The Pehu family has been run by four generations of the same family, and David Pehu has been managing the estate since 1995. Despite its understated profile in France, this family-run property exports nearly 90% of its Champagne. The cuvées stem from grand crus, with 5 hectares in Verzenay, Verzy, Mailly-Champagne, and Sillery, with one exception – a premier cru from Villers-Marmery. In the past, David sold his premier cru Chardonnay grapes to the wine merchants, but he now vinifies them himself to create his "Fins Lieux No. 7 Blanc de Blancs" cuvée.
The winemaking process involves fermentation in either oak casks or stainless-steel vats, depending on the wine. Malolactic fermentation is deliberately avoided to preserve the wines’ fresh, vibrant character – a signature of the house. With ripe fruit and precise dosage (a maximum of 5 grams for "Face Nord", and between 1.5 and 3 grams for the grands crus and the premier cru), the wines are perfectly balanced. Though still a hidden gem, this winemaker is already listed in a several prestigious hotels and is one to watch.