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Sparkling dry
A true icon among prestige cuvées, Duval-Leroy Femme de Champagne Brut Grand Cru 2008 embodies the artistry and patience of great Champagne. Crafted from the remarkable 2008 harvest, this wine reflects an extraordinary balance of depth, purity, and refined freshness.
The celebrated 2008 vintage in Champagne is known for its outstanding structure and long-lived potential. Femme de Champagne unveils a sophisticated bouquet of acacia blossom, brioche, and delicate vanilla, evolving into layers of dried fruits, candied citrus, and subtle minerality. On the palate, the mousse is fine and persistent, caressing the senses with its creamy texture and crystalline precision. The finish is exceptionally long and harmonious, echoing elegance and finesse.
This Grand Cru Champagne is composed of meticulously selected Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the finest plots that have supplied Maison Duval-Leroy for decades. The 35–45-year-old vines hold HVE Level 3 and Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne certifications, a testament to the house’s environmental commitment.
Aged for an impressive 17 years, including 15 years on fine lees, the wine achieves extraordinary aromatic depth, silk-like texture, and luxurious complexity.
Dosage: 5 g/L
Serve chilled at 8–10°C, ideally paired with mushroom ravioli in a creamy cheese sauce, seared scallops with lemon butter, or pheasant with truffles and potato purée.
Established in 1859 in the village of Vertus, in the heart of the prestigious Côte des Blancs, the Champagne house Duval-Leroy was founded by wine merchants Jules Duval and Edouard Leroy. After World War II, their production began to grow rapidly, and the company further strengthened its position when Jean Charles Duval took over its management. He introduced modern technologies and advanced equipment, significantly contributing to the company's expansion. Following the unexpected death of J. Ch. Duval, his wife Carol Duval-Leroy, often referred to as the "iron lady," took the helm. Following the example of famous Champagne widows – Veuve Clicquot, Lily Bollinger, and Louise Pommery – she continues to successfully lead the company to this day.
In 2007, Carol Duval-Leroy became the first woman elected as the head of the Association Viticole Champenoise (AVC), demonstrating her leadership and influence in the region. Duval-Leroy owns 200 hectares of vineyards in the prestigious Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, and Vallée de la Marne regions and is the ninth-largest vineyard owner in Champagne. It is a family-owned company that has managed to remain independent even as major Champagne producers were being sold or merged with large conglomerates. The high quality of their Champagnes is consistently recognized – in 2008, Duval-Leroy was the only Champagne to be included in the list of the World's Top 100 Wines, and in recent years, almost all of their main Champagnes have been rated 90 points or higher.
Wine Style
Duval-Leroy Champagnes are characterized by elegance, subtlety, and excellent balance, reflecting the specific terroir of the different Champagne regions. Great emphasis is placed on the ‘Chardonnay’ variety, which dominates their vineyards in the Côte des Blancs.
Prestigious Vineyards
Duval-Leroy owns vineyards in three main Champagne regions, each contributing to the character of their Champagnes:
The yields from these different terroirs and meticulous work in the cellar allow Duval-Leroy to create diverse and high-quality Champagnes.
Aging and Drinking Period
Duval-Leroy Champagnes are aged in cellars for an extended period, often exceeding the appellation requirements. This imparts greater complexity, finer bubbles, and a longer finish. While some Champagnes can be enjoyed in their youth, the top-tier cuvées, especially the “Blanc de Blancs,” have excellent potential to age and evolve for many years, gaining even more elegance and nuance. Duval-Leroy Champagnes are valued for both their youthful freshness and their mature complexity.
