Redempteur - Dubois P & F

Claudy Dubois and her sons Cédric and Vincent run a family estate in Venteuil, in the Marne Valley, with an unusual history. By their own account, the Dubois family have been growers since 1789. Their ancestor Edmond Dubois defended the profession and the Champagne appellation so fiercely during the growers' revolt of 1911 that he became known as the Rédempteur de la Champagne. In English, that means the Redeemer of Champagne.

From revolt to a brand of their own

Venteuil was where the 1911 revolt began, and Edmond Dubois is regarded as its instigator. After these events he made his own champagne and created a brand of his own. In 2011 the house celebrated 100 years of the Champagne du Rédempteur brand. Several cuvées also carry the family name today as a tribute.

Vines, ageing and cuvées

The Guide Hachette lists around 7 hectares of vines around Venteuil in the Marne Valley. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier are grown. The estate is HVE certified. The champagnes spend 10 to 12 months in oak foudres and then a long time in the cellar. The rosé comes from a single parcel of old Pinot Noir vines of around 3 hectares.

• Rédempteur Tradition and Blanc de Blancs, both Brut
• Claude Dubois, a Blanc de Noirs
• Les Almanachs, a Rosé de Saignée
• Cuvée du Centenaire (2006 vintage) and vintage champagnes such as the 2012
• Nouvel R, made among other things without added sulphites and as a Brut Nature

Visit and tasting

The tour lasts about an hour and takes you from the press to the riddling room. Along the way you get to know the house's cuvées. The estate is open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm. You will find it at 30 Route d'Arty in Venteuil, telephone +33 3 26 58 48 37.