Why Duval-Leroy’s 2008 vintage shows ‘meticulous vinification’
The release of Champagne house Duval-Leroy’s 2008 vintages is a much anticipated event. db investigates what makes it special. The post Why Duval-Leroy’s 2008 vintage shows ‘meticulous vinification’ appeared first on The Drinks Business.
The release of Champagne house Duval-Leroy’s 2008 vintages is a much anticipated event. db investigates what makes it special.
Speaking exclusively to the drinks business about the release, Duval-Leroy’s cellar master Sandrine Logette-Jardin explained: “2008 is widely-regarded as one of the greatest vintages in Champagne’s modern history, offering remarkable balance, freshness, and longevity.”
After all, she insisted: “At Duval-Leroy, we have taken the time to let this vintage fully mature, ensuring that it reaches its peak expression. We are among the last houses to release our 2008 vintage, a testament to our dedication to extended cellar ageing and our philosophy of patience.”
Ultimately, it is a reflection of the house’s true style. Explaining what makes the release so crucial, Logette-Jardin explained: “2008 was a rare and outstanding year in Champagne. The wines from this vintage display exceptional purity, precision, and aging potential. Our 2008 release stands out because it embodies the unique Duval-Leroy style—elegance, finesse, and complexity—while showcasing the full potential of long maturation. This careful ageing process has enhanced the depth, texture, and aromatic complexity of our Champagnes, making this release truly special.”
What sets it apart has a lot to do with its ethos and consistent pursuit for quality. Highlighting this, Logette Jardin revealed: “Duval-Leroy has always been a house of both tradition and innovation. Our uniqueness lies in our commitment to excellence at every stage of winemaking, from sustainable vineyard practices to meticulous vinification.”
She pointed out that “as a family-owned house, we have the flexibility to focus on precision and quality over quantity. We uphold the ethos of patience, savoir-faire, and a relentless pursuit of refinement, ensuring that each cuvée tells a story of time, terroir, and craftsmanship.”
Offering a look into how this level of quality is achieved, Logette-Jardin told db: “Cellar ageing is at the heart of what makes great Champagne. At Duval-Leroy, we believe in giving our wines the time they need to fully develop. The extended ageing process allows for greater complexity, depth, and harmony. This commitment to tradition is what defines our house, yet we also embrace modern techniques to refine our methods while staying true to our heritage.”
Logette-Jardin also admitted that the release is particularly meaningful for her since she is celebrating her 20th anniversary as cheffe de cave this year. As such, the Femme de Champagne 2008 vintage was the very first she crafted from start to finish, and now, after more than 15 years of ageing, she has the opportunity to taste and present this remarkable expression of her expertise and dedication.
Giving an insight into what to expect, Logette-Jardin insisted that the 2008 vintage reveals an “extraordinary aromatic intensity” and said “the Blanc de Blancs 2008 presents a stunning minerality with an elegant vinosity, evolving into a long and refined finish”.
She added: “The Femme de Champagne 2008 is a masterpiece of balance, offering layers of candied citrus, mandarin and vanilla, with an exceptional persistence on the palate. These Champagnes are crafted for connoisseurs who appreciate depth, elegance, and the magic of time.”
Speaking exclusively to the drinks business about the release, Duval-Leroy’s cellar master Sandrine Logette-Jardin explained: “2008 is widely-regarded as one of the greatest vintages in Champagne’s modern history, offering remarkable balance, freshness, and longevity.”
After all, she insisted: “At Duval-Leroy, we have taken the time to let this vintage fully mature, ensuring that it reaches its peak expression. We are among the last houses to release our 2008 vintage, a testament to our dedication to extended cellar ageing and our philosophy of patience.”
Ultimately, it is a reflection of the house’s true style. Explaining what makes the release so crucial, Logette-Jardin explained: “2008 was a rare and outstanding year in Champagne. The wines from this vintage display exceptional purity, precision, and aging potential. Our 2008 release stands out because it embodies the unique Duval-Leroy style—elegance, finesse, and complexity—while showcasing the full potential of long maturation. This careful ageing process has enhanced the depth, texture, and aromatic complexity of our Champagnes, making this release truly special.”
What sets it apart has a lot to do with its ethos and consistent pursuit for quality. Highlighting this, Logette Jardin revealed: “Duval-Leroy has always been a house of both tradition and innovation. Our uniqueness lies in our commitment to excellence at every stage of winemaking, from sustainable vineyard practices to meticulous vinification.”
She pointed out that “as a family-owned house, we have the flexibility to focus on precision and quality over quantity. We uphold the ethos of patience, savoir-faire, and a relentless pursuit of refinement, ensuring that each cuvée tells a story of time, terroir, and craftsmanship.”
Offering a look into how this level of quality is achieved, Logette-Jardin told db: “Cellar ageing is at the heart of what makes great Champagne. At Duval-Leroy, we believe in giving our wines the time they need to fully develop. The extended ageing process allows for greater complexity, depth, and harmony. This commitment to tradition is what defines our house, yet we also embrace modern techniques to refine our methods while staying true to our heritage.”
Logette-Jardin also admitted that the release is particularly meaningful for her since she is celebrating her 20th anniversary as cheffe de cave this year. As such, the Femme de Champagne 2008 vintage was the very first she crafted from start to finish, and now, after more than 15 years of ageing, she has the opportunity to taste and present this remarkable expression of her expertise and dedication.
Giving an insight into what to expect, Logette-Jardin insisted that the 2008 vintage reveals an “extraordinary aromatic intensity” and said “the Blanc de Blancs 2008 presents a stunning minerality with an elegant vinosity, evolving into a long and refined finish”.
She added: “The Femme de Champagne 2008 is a masterpiece of balance, offering layers of candied citrus, mandarin and vanilla, with an exceptional persistence on the palate. These Champagnes are crafted for connoisseurs who appreciate depth, elegance, and the magic of time.” 
