Even six generations in, nothing has deterred Duval-Leroy from the guiding principle of familial passion. Remaining entirely within their own ownership since 1859, this proud band of growers, like so many through the history of Champagne, began as a union between two prominent families. Not through marriage, but a simple coming together of two likeminded contemporaries, Jules Duval (a winemaker in Vertus) and Edouard Leroy (a wine trader further north in Villers-Franqueux), deciding their individual expertise of the Côtes des Blancs would burn brighter if shared.
It is from that same interdependent perspective that Carol Duval-Leroy makes her stand in the modern era, lovingly involving her three sons Julien, Charles and Louis in all day-to-day operations, whether that's in the fields, the office or among the barrels. After her husband Jean-Charles' unexpected passing in 1991, Carol stayed forever true to her pact made in his final hours, resisting all temptations to sell off the estate and raise the three boys elsewhere, and instead getting straight down to business. Having invested heavily in sustainable viticulture, multiple improved winery facilities, and an overall push for heightened quality and care that has seen her promoted as the first female president of the Assocation Viticole Champenoise, her fortitude and self-belief have allowed her house to thrive in an era of fierce competition and critical scrutiny.
We are particularly pleased to continue ranging their multi-layered and incredibly-valued Blanc de Blancs 2008, the first part of this week's Champagne Monday!Over a decade of aging on lees and a low dosage of 3g/L means the Chardonnay fruit from one of the finest vintages in the history of the region is allowed to fully express and impress, picked from across six Grand Cru villages. With 2008, there is always harmony between soaring acidity, concentrated aromatics, and sensual textural complexity, and this is no exception. The other label of theirs we're kicking ourselves for having not highlighted before is the Rosé Prestige 1er Cru; a soft and silky pink option where Pinot Noir dominates, supported by a pitch-perfect 9 grams of dosage and over three years of lees aging. There are vivid notes of strawberry, sponge cake, ginger biscuit and creamy delight that permeate the mid-palate, developing into a finish that's a little more supple and reserved, with slight flicks of tobacco, tea leaf and smoke. It'd go beautifully with tuna tartare, honey- glazed ham and fresh burrata toast.
Both options are down on special at the same brilliant price - our small way of paying tribute to the great tale still being spun by this astute Champagne family.
'I cherish our independence and familial roots.
We have a different perspective in what we do.'
Carol-Duval Leroy remains the respected matriarch of this historic house, having brought her three sons onboard to assist with winemaking, public relation and marketing matters.
'To the next generations, I like to say that we borrow the land.
We act on the long term.'
Duval-Leroy Rosé Prestige 1er Cru NV
$115 on special this week($135 RRP)
// 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay (from both Grand & Premier Crus)
Aged for over 3 on lees before disgorgement
9g/L dosage
"The colour is full and developed with a distinctive orange/copper shade that indicates skin-contact vinification. The bouquet is subtle and mellow, suggesting forest undergrowth with leaf-litter, tobacco and discreet red-fruit echoes. The palate is soft and round, the texture gentle and supple, a touch of sweetness helping round out the palate, which falls away slightly at the finish. A mellow, complex style of rosé." - 93 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
"The NV Brut Rosé Prestige Premier Cru opens with a perfect nose of fresh ripe strawberries bedded on cream and sponge cake. The palate is creamy and sprightly with a fine but lively mousse on a taut bright palate that is crisp and fresh, reflecting the pallor of its ink color in the tenderness of its flavors. This is fresh, taut and vivid." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Duval-Leroy Blanc de Blancs 2008
$115 on special this week($135 RRP)
// 100% Chardonnay from six Grand Cru villages in the Côtes des Blancs
Aged on lees for over ten years before disgorgement
3g/L dosage
"The 2008 Brut Blanc de Blancs, picked in the Côte des Blancs, underwent full malolactic fermentation and spent over ten years on lees. Lemon and wet chalk are distinct yet subtle on the nose, with their salty, bright, precise trail continuing onto the palate, where deeper saltiness reigns. This wine manages to be rich, smooth and sinuously slender and linear at the same time, with deep, delicious, umami-resonant savoriness. It is a wonderful wine of great elegance, with superb freshness and youthfulness. Lovely now, with nuance and even an overtone of licorice, but certain to evolve." - 95 Points, Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous
"Full, bright yellow colour; very rich and complex bouquet full of buttered toast aromas with lemon/citrus and background verbena/herbal nuances that remind us this is pure chardonnay. Finish is crisp, dry and appetising. Excellent mature blanc de blancs." - 94 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
If you wish to purchase either of these champagnes, please use the links above
If you have any questions, please contact us on (07)32521117 or email sales@thewineemporium.com.au
// Special price valid until Monday the 31st of August