Independent Champagne producer Duval-Leroy has unveiled its Femme de Champagne Rosé de Saignée Grand Cru and Brut Grand Cru 2008.
Femme de Champagne Grand Cru 2008 vintages are the latest additions to the family estate's eponymous range. The new Champagnes are said to showcase the family's commitment to craftsmanship and excellence since 1859 in Blancs-Coteaux, France. The family's ambition is "to offer expressive wines, rich in emotion, with an incomparable sparkling: flavourful wines that speak the language of their origins and terroirs."
The 2008 vintage rosé is made with Pinot Noir from the south-facing Bouzy vineyard nestled between Épernay and Reims at the foot of the Montagne de Reims. Classified as Grand Cru since 1911, the terroir offers ideal conditions for growing vines to produce rosé.
2008 was a demanding year for the region, but in the hands of fifth-generation Champagne producer Carol Duval-Leroy and cellar master Sandrine Logette-Jardin, the Pinot Noir grapes from the vineyard transformed into an aromatic wine with a fresh palate. After 15 years of patience, the Femme de Champagne Rosé de Saignée Grand Cru 2008 is finally ready to enjoy.
The curvaceous bottle is designed to allow the deep pink Champagne with very fine bubbles to harmoniously descend into a glass. Made with 100% Pinot Noir, the Champagne greets the nose with complexity filled with aromas of grenadine, wild strawberries and subtle hints of mint, joined on the palate by vinous notes of wild red fruits. Perfect for pairing, the gastronomic vintage comes to life alongside veal carpaccio or a bright cheese like the Chaource.
Femme de Champagne Rosé de Saignée Grand Cru 2008 is now available with a suggested retail price of €293 (US$308).
Femme de Champagne Brut Grand Cru 2008
Femme de Champagne was conceived to showcase the finest parcels of the Maison, with a roll call of famous names such as Montaigu, Chouilly, Chapelle d’Avize, La Côte, Petite et Grande Roses, Carelle, and Volibarts from Mesnil-sur-Oger. These precious grapes are vinified separately, partly in oak barrels.
The 2008 vintage of the white Champagne is made with 76% Chardonnay and 24% Pinot Noir grapes from vines between 35-45 years of age. The Champagne was aged on lees for 14 years, resulting in aromas of acacia flower, stewed fruits with a mineral touch on the nose, and brioche, vanilla, and hints of lemon and mandarin on the palate. For a perfect pairing, the vintage can be enjoyed with Langoustines tartare or seared foie gras.
Cellar master Logette-Jardin commented: "Femme de Champagne 2008 is the ultimate expression of the Femme de Champagne style, showcasing the contrast between freshness and concentration in an exceptional vintage."
The estate has marked an exceptional year by also releasing a flagship cuvée Duval-Leroy Blanc de Blancs 2008. The cuvée is made with 100% Chardonnay from the finest Grand Cru-certified plots from six villages in Côte des Blancs and Vertus in Premier Cru with Barilliers, Faucherets and Monts Ferrés plots. The Duval-Leroy Blanc de Blancs 2008 retails at €61 (US$63).
The Femme de Champagne vintages are intended to reveal the quintessence of the Duval-Leroy vineyards: a plot-focused approach led by the best Grands Crus, long ageing in chalk pits and the barrel room, and high-end blends. The house's previous vintage bottlings include 1990, 1995, 1996, 2000 and 2002 vintages.
Celebrating legacy
Known for its open-minded approach with a notable history of women in charge, Maison Duval-Leroy combines modern and traditional methods, creating a sensory journey honouring the land and family legacy dating back almost 160 years.
The estate proudly upholds its family legacy into its sixth generation. The house has gained recognition under the leadership of the 'lady of Champagne', Carol Duval-Leroy. Carol took over the family vineyard in 1991 and is widely recognised for embodying French art de vivre. In the family story, she stands out as the female lead who has earned respect in a male-dominated industry. Carol's quest is joined by three of her sons: Charles, Louis, and the current president of the house, Julien Duval-Leroy.
The family unit forms an unwavering team thriving for collective excellence, a new commitment realised through promises and actions. The family is dedicated to producing Champagnes that exemplify finesse, lightness, and elegance, appealing to the public and professionals. The estate's champagnes are said to honour the French creative tradition while engaging in a dialogue for the future with a new generation of gastronomy enthusiasts.
