How Duval-Leroy is breaking norms in ‘conservative Champagne’

“We are trying something new in the conservative world of Champagne,” said Champagne Duval-Leroy president, Julien Duval-Leroy about the maison’s decision to tie-up with a tattoo artist. He was speaking with db earlier this year about a new partnership concerning a set of late-release vintages from the producer’s cellars, which Duval-Leroy is bringing to the market in a bold package – a gift box featuring designs by Chaim Machlev. Based in Los Angeles, Machlev – who operates under the brand DotsToLines – has made his name through his geometric tattoos, which he will feature on the Champagne house’s ‘Héritage Gift Box’. This collection features three vintages of Duval-Leroy’s Fleur de Champagne: 1988, 1997, and 2002, which will be taken directly from the producer’s cellars following extended period ageing relative to their initial releases. This isn’t the only release for 2025, however, as Duval-Leroy is also launching its prestige cuvée called Femme de Champagne (blanc & rosé) from the 2008 vintage. The producer makes the point that this release is particularly special as it marks the first vintage of Femme de Champagne assembled by Sandrine Logette-Jardin, who is celebrating her twentieth anniversary as Duval-Leroy’s cellar master this year. Speaking to db more generally about the brand, Julien Duval-Leroy said during a meeting in January this year that it was his intention to raise the profile of Champagne Duval-Leroy worldwide, especially the UK. “We are trying to get our message to the public that we are a little jewel of a house,” he told db, adding, “We do well in France, but we need to improve elsewhere, such as the UK.” Continuing he said, “We have more than 15 cuvées, which is a large range, including parcellaire Champagnes – with our grower cap on – to premier and grand cru expressions, and Champagnes from forgotten varieties, like our Petit Meslier.” He also reminded db that Duval-Leroy “was the first Champagne house to create an organic cuvée and the first to have a woman winemaker,” before commenting that his plans for the future were “to be more well-known.”