Duval Leroy Brut
Duval-Leroy Brut Réserve is a classic non-vintage Champagne known for its finesse, elegance, and consistency. It showcases a harmonious blend primarily of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, offering fresh floral and fruit notes with subtle brioche complexity.
The Duval-Leroy Brut Réserve serves as the flagship and embodiment of the House style. Crafted with a high proportion of Chardonnay (around 40%) and Pinot Noir (around 40%), often supplemented with Pinot Meunier, it expertly balances richness and elegance. The blend incorporates a significant percentage of reserve wines (wines from previous vintages) to ensure remarkable consistency year after year. It undergoes extended ageing in the cellars (typically exceeding the minimum requirement), developing fine bubbles and complex aromas. On the palate, it presents a delicate balance between freshness, fruitiness (citrus, apple, pear), floral hints, and subtle notes of toast or brioche derived from its ageing. It's a versatile Champagne, perfect for aperitifs and celebratory moments, reflecting the quality and expertise of this family-owned house based in Vertus.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Pale gold colour with fine, persistent bubbles.
Nose: Delicate and fresh, revealing aromas of white flowers (like acacia or hawthorn), citrus fruits (lemon, grapefruit), green apple, pear, and subtle hints of brioche, almond, or toast from ageing.
Palate: Crisp, clean, and well-balanced. The mousse (bubbles) is fine and elegant. Flavours mirror the nose, with prominent citrus and orchard fruit notes, supported by good acidity and often a subtle minerality on the finish.
Recognition
It frequently scores in the 90-92 point range from publications like Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Decanter.
It has won numerous medals (Gold, Silver) in international wine competitions over the years.
Food Pairings
Seafood: Oysters, shrimp cocktail, scallops, sushi, sashimi.
Appetizers: Light canapés, smoked salmon blinis, gougères.
Main Courses: Grilled fish, white meats like chicken or pork tenderloin, light pasta dishes with cream or vegetable sauces.
Cheese: Soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, young Comté.
Serving Suggestions
Temperature: Serve well-chilled, ideally between 8−10 ∘ C (46−50 ∘ F).
Glassware: Use a Champagne flute or a tulip-shaped wine glass to best appreciate the aromas and bubbles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interesting Facts
Family-Owned: Duval-Leroy is one of the few remaining large Champagne houses that is still 100% family-owned and operated.
Female Leadership: It has been notably led by Carol Duval-Leroy since her husband's death in 1991, a prominent female figure in the Champagne region.
Location: Based in Vertus in the prestigious Côte des Blancs, an area renowned for high-quality Chardonnay.
Sustainability: The house has shown commitment to sustainable viticulture practices.