Champagne Duval-Leroy - Prestige Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru 2006

Chalky, intense, refined, and deep, with an elegant finish.

Under the energetic and passionate leadership of Carol Duval, now supported by her sons, this house—established in 1859 in Vertus, on the Côte des Blancs—has continually raised its standards. The estate’s own vineyards are extensive, covering 200 hectares, with a significant proportion consisting of grands crus from the Côte des Blancs. This accounts for one-third of the house’s needs, as it produces 5 million bottles annually. The cellar master is also a woman, Sandrine Logette-Jardin.

A creamy mousse introduces a wine with a delicate, elegant structure, dominated by notes of peach, almond, dried apricot, lemon cake, fresh butter, and vanilla. The palate is carried by fine, crisp bubbles. A cuvée of beautiful purity.

With a bright pale yellow color, the 2006 Prestige Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru offers an alluring bouquet of chalky notes with yeasty hints, along with aromas of fruit, pear, apple, and citrus.  Full-bodied and elegant, this is a very intense and lively Blanc de Blancs, with finesse and character, and one that seems less ripe and less rich than so many other 2006 vintages.

Located south of the Côte des Blancs, this family-run estate has thrived under the strong and energetic leadership of Carol Duval-Leroy, supported by her sons Julien and Charles. It’s a recent success story embodied by a dynamic widow—just the kind Champagne loves. This Belgian woman, who is passionate about hunting, has transformed Duval into a modern, accessible brand that is now a partner to sommeliers. The cellar’s floor space (for barrel vinification and storage) has doubled since 2009. Sandrine Logette, one of the few female cellar masters, has been overseeing winemaking since 2007. She carries on the spirit of innovation in an eclectic range dominated by Chardonnay, featuring sparkling wines characterized by a creamy texture and fine bubbles.