Champagne Duval-Leroy – Femme de Champagne Brut Nature, Grand Cru – 2002

Description

PRODUCER NOTE:
Champagne Duval-Leroy was founded in 1859, with the alliance of the Duval and Leroy families and has subsequently been passed down for six generations. Today, it is one of the last remaining independent, family-owned Champagne Houses. In 1991, Carol Duval-Leroy took over and today successfully leads the house, together with her three sons, Julien, Charles and Louis. Carol Duval-Leroy is the first and only woman to date to be appointed president of the Association Viticole Champenoise. Certified HVE3, the family is firmly committed to sustainable development in the vineyards and in the cellars under the watchful eye of chef du cave, Sandrine Logette-Jardin. Based in Vertus, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, they create distinctive Champagnes of finesse and elegance, while capturing the essence of the terroir of their 200-hectare estate, which comprises 40% of Premier and Grand Cru villages in the Côte des Blancs and in the Montagne des Reims.

VINTAGE:
2002 was a year of exceptional maturity in Champagne. Dominant winds form the north and east kept the vineyards healthy. A dry year, which lead to significant water stress during the early summer, concentrating the flavours in the juice. Harvest took place mid-September and the musts were very rich in sugar, balanced by good acidity. 2002 is considered to be the vintage of the decade; one of magnificent quality.

VINEYARD:
The three revered Chardonnay Grand Cru sites of Oger, Cramant and Le Mesnil sur Oger and the Pinot Noir Grand Cru site of Ambonnay produced the grapes for this cuvée. Champagne Duval-Leroy was one of the first Champagne houses to be HVE3 certified. Measures are taken to combat the run-off of rain water, to limit the pollution of both underground and superficial water; grass cover crops are grown and processes to combat soil erosion are employed. Biodiversity is positively encouraged, sustainable fertilisers are used and sexual confusion of predators takes place instead of insecticides. The plots and weather conditions encountered are carefully monitored, with soil testing and cartographic, computerised traceability of products used.

WINEMAKING:
This cuvée is a reflection of the close collaboration between Carol Duval-Leroy, President of the House, and Sandrine Logette-Jardin, her Head Winemaker. It is only produced in the most exceptional years. The grapes were hand-harvested and fermented with selected yeasts at temperatures of 18°C in stainless steel tanks. The still wine underwent malolactic conversion resulting in a softer mouthfeel and the still wine did not have any lees contact, maintaining the purity of fruit. 20% was matured in used Château d’Yquem barrels, imparting texture and richness. Bottle-aged for 20 years on the fine lees.

TASTING NOTE:
A Champagne of exceptional finesse and aromatic complexity, with brioche, hazelnut and tobacco nuances layered with minerality and wonderful depth of fruit expression. Silky and elegant with great concentration and superb length.

GRAPE:
Chardonnay 95%, Pinot Noir 5%.

COUNTRY:
France

REGION:
Champagne

SUB-REGION:
Champagne Grand Cru