Duval-Leroy Champagne

Duval-Leroy Champagne: A traditional house in the heart of the Champagne

The Duval-Leroy champagne house was founded in 1859 in Vertus, a charming village on the Côte des Blancs. As one of the few remaining large family businesses in the industry, it has made a name for itself for over 160 years and is now one of the top ten champagne houses. The house has been run by Carol Duval-Leroy since 1991, who has managed to preserve the company's tradition while integrating modern techniques.

Historical overview

The History of Duval-Leroy Champagne began with the marriage of Jules Duval and Edmée Leroy in 1859, a union that laid the foundations for the champagne house, which focussed on quality and innovation from the very beginning. Over the decades, the company grew steadily and expanded its vineyards and production capacity.

After the death of Jules Duval in 1907, his widow Edmée took over the management of the company and successfully guided it through the challenges of the First World War and the economic crisis. Under her leadership, Duval-Leroy flourished and became internationally recognised.

In the 1950s, Raymond Duval-Leroy, a grandson of the founders, joined the company and increasingly focussed on export markets. Under his leadership, Duval-Leroy Champagne expanded to North America and Asia and established itself as a global player in the champagne business.

Location and vineyards of Duval-Leroy Champagne

The headquarters of Duval-Leroy are still located in Vertus, a municipality in the Grand Est region of France. The geographical location on the Côte des Blancs is ideal for the cultivation of Chardonnay, one of the company's main grape varieties. Duval-Leroy cultivates its own 150 hectares of vines, making it one of the largest winegrowing Champagne houses. These vineyards are planted equally with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, which guarantees a balanced blend of grape varieties.

Best-known champagne: Femme de Champagne

One of the best-known cuvées of Duval-Leroy Champagne is the Femme de Champagnewhich has been one of the house's flagship wines since its launch. This noble champagne is made from the best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes and matures for several years in the house's chalk cellars before being released to the market. Femme de Champagne is characterised by its fine perlage, complex aromas and elegant finish. It is a symbol of the high art of champagne production that is cultivated at Duval-Leroy.

Production and technology

Production at Duval-Leroy Champagne takes place under the most modern conditions. In 1989/90, the winery was extensively modernised and brought up to the latest technical standards. Today, it is one of the largest and most efficient wineries in Champagne. With a pressing capacity of 400,000 kilograms of grapes per day, Duval-Leroy can produce large quantities of champagne of the highest quality.

Annual sales total around 6 million bottles and the stock in the historic chalk cellars is an impressive 15 million bottles. These huge capacities enable the house to guarantee the constant quality and availability of its champagnes.

Employees and corporate structure

Duval-Leroy employs around 120 people in the areas of administration, cellar and viticulture. The team is made up of experienced professionals who bring their expertise and passion to the production of high-quality champagne. Carol Duval-Leroy attaches great importance to a family business culture characterised by trust and commitment.

Product range and style

The Duval-Leroy Champagne product range comprises 13 different champagne cuvées, offering something for every taste and occasion. Particularly noteworthy is the dominance of the Chardonnay grape variety, which accounts for 65 % of the production. This gives the champagnes from Duval-Leroy their characteristic freshness, elegance and finesse.

In addition to the famous Femme de Champagne, the house also offers other remarkable cuvées such as the Brut Réserve, the Blanc de Blancs and the Rosé Prestige. Each cuvée has its own unique style and character, reflecting the diversity and quality of Duval-Leroy's champagnes.

Sustainability and innovation

Duval-Leroy Champagne attaches great importance to sustainability and environmental awareness. The company is committed to organic viticulture and uses environmentally friendly practices to conserve natural resources. This includes the avoidance of chemical fertilisers and pesticides as well as the use of modern techniques to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

In addition, Duval-Leroy continuously invests in research and development to further improve the quality of its champagnes and develop new innovative products. In recent years, the company has won numerous awards and prizes, confirming its outstanding quality and innovative strength.

Current information on vineyards and company development

Duval-Leroy's own vineyards cover around 25 % of the total grape requirement. For the remaining 75 %, grapes are purchased from contract winegrowers who work to the company's high quality standards. This combination of home-grown and bought-in grapes enables Duval-Leroy to guarantee consistently high quality and at the same time react flexibly to market developments.

The annual turnover of Duval-Leroy is currently around 76 million euros (as at 2002), and the company continues to grow and develop. International demand for Duval-Leroy's fine champagnes is steadily increasing, further consolidating the company's position as a leading producer in Champagne.

Conclusion

Duval-Leroy Champagne is an outstanding example of a successful family business in the champagne industry. With a long tradition, a strong focus on quality and innovation and a deep commitment to sustainability, the house has earned a firm place among the best champagne producers in the world. The famous Femme de Champagne and the other fine Cuvées are an expression of this excellence and delight champagne lovers all over the world.