Dhondt Grellet winery
Dhondt-Grellet is a family-run Champagne producer located in Flavigny, in the Côte des Blancs region of Champagne, France. Established in 1986 by Éric Dhondt and Edith Grellet, the estate is now managed by their son, Adrien Dhondt, who represents the new generation of winemakers with a focus on terroir-driven, sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention in the cellar. The estate covers 6 hectares of vineyards, primarily planted with Chardonnay (85%), with smaller parcels of Pinot Noir (10%) and Pinot Meunier (5%). The vines are on average 40 years old and are located in prestigious villages including Cramant, Chouilly, Cuis, and Avenay-Val-d’Or, all classified as Premier Cru or Grand Cru. The soils are predominantly chalk, contributing to the finesse, minerality, and elegance characteristic of Dhondt-Grellet Champagnes.
Viticulture at Dhondt-Grellet is inspired by organic and biodynamic principles. The family avoids herbicides and chemical fertilizers, instead using natural compost and cover crops to enrich the soil and promote biodiversity. Vineyard work is done by hand, including harvesting, to ensure the highest quality grapes. Adrien Dhondt believes that healthy vineyards and careful farming are essential to expressing the unique character of each parcel, and that the winemaker’s role is to guide, rather than dominate, the process.
In the cellar, Dhondt-Grellet practices minimal intervention. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts, and most wines are aged in used Burgundy barrels, which add complexity without overpowering the delicate fruit and mineral notes. The wines are neither fined nor filtered, and dosage is kept low to preserve the purity and expression of the terroir. The estate’s flagship cuvée, “Dans un Premier Temps,” is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, sourced from multiple Premier Cru and Grand Cru sites. Other notable cuvées include “Le Bateau,” a single-vineyard Chardonnay from Cuis, and “Les Terres Fines,” a pure Chardonnay from Premier Cru vineyards in Cuis. Each wine reflects the specific identity of its origin, with a focus on balance, freshness, and precision.
Dhondt-Grellet’s approach has earned them recognition among Champagne enthusiasts and critics for producing wines of exceptional quality, depth, and character. The estate is a member of the prestigious “Les Artisans du Champagne” group, which brings together like-minded growers dedicated to excellence and authenticity. Adrien Dhondt continues to innovate, experimenting with new techniques and expanding the family’s commitment to sustainable viticulture. The domaine’s philosophy centers on respect for nature, tradition, and the unique heritage of the Champagne region, with a vision to produce wines that are both expressive and timeless.
Visitors to Dhondt-Grellet can experience their dedication to craftsmanship through tastings and tours, gaining insight into the meticulous process behind each bottle. With a combination of tradition, innovation, and a deep connection to their land, Dhondt-Grellet stands as a leading example of the new wave of grower-producers shaping the future of Champagne.