In this episode ofEntre Deux Vins, we had the privilege of talking to Charles Duval-Leroy, Managing Director of Champagne Duval-Leroy, an iconic family house founded in 1859 in Vertus, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs.
A family heritage, a story of passion and balance
The Duval-Leroy story began with an alliance between two families with complementary expertise: the Duval family, vineyard owners, and the Leroy family, wine merchants. One produces, the other sells. A union first economic, then human, and six generations later, the house is still in the hands of the same lineage. Today, Charles and his two brothers form a trio at the head of the company, with an organization based on the desires and talents of each: Julien oversees production and vineyard relations, Louis plays the role of ambassador, and Charles looks after marketing, sales and communications.
Champagne: more than a wine, a universal symbol
Charles says it with simplicity but clear conviction: "You're in Malaysia, deep in the jungle, Australia or Chile... you say 'champagne', and people know. Even if they've never drunk it." Champagne immediately evokes festivity, celebration and positivity. Unlike whisky, or even wine, which may have a more serious connotation or be more rooted in local culture, champagne is a universal language of joy.
Commitment to excellence: a strong link with the gastronomy professions
In the 2000s, while the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF) competitions were already honoring many manual trades, sommellerie was absent from this national recognition. With the help of personalities such as Philippe Faure-Brac and Olivier Poussier, Duval-Leroy financed and launched the creation of this category. It's a powerful gesture, demonstrating the company's determination to defend gastronomic expertise, and to promote the value of the culinary professions as a whole.
A home on a human scale... and a rare model
Duval-Leroy occupies a special place in the Champagne landscape: neither a big house, nor a small winemaker, but both. Unlike the majority of houses that buy their grapes, Duval-Leroy controls nearly 80% of its needs in-house. This allows for 100% in-house vinification and a strategic focus on their preferred terroir: the Côte des Blancs.
Today, the trend is towards winegrower champagnes, increasingly prized for their strong local identity. Charles accepts this reality: "If someone wants a champagne from Bouzy, they should go and see a winegrower in Bouzy. We're a house from Vertus, rooted in the Côte des Blancs. And we assert our identity."
Transmission, authenticity and roots
Transmission is at the heart of the family project. The grandmother already takes the grandchildren to the grape harvests. She introduces them to blending and tasting, without taboos or prohibitions, with intelligence and moderation. Charles sums it up this way: "They don't need to transgress. We give them the option of tasting, and as a result, they often say no."
In keeping with this family tradition, the house recently launched the Héritage boxed set, a selection of rare vintages from their Vinothèque - wines made by previous generations, blended with those of the current generation. A bridge between past and future.
A natural conversion
Before taking over the management of Duval-Leroy, Charles followed a classic business school career path, then co-founded a marketing consultancy. Ironically, Duval-Leroy was at first just one of the agency's clients, representing 5% of its time... then 10%, 20%, 30%... until the day when the switch was obvious. It was time to take the plunge. And he did. Today, he infuses the company with his fresh, strategic vision, grounded in reality and open to the world.
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🟡 Duval-Leroy is a house that embodies tradition, precision and a modern vision of champagne. A resilient family model, a house of terroir proud of its identity, and an agile structure on a human scale, which continues to shine internationally.
🎧 A must-listen in Entre Deux Vins, produced by Oeni: a deep, human and inspiring exchange with Charles Duval-Leroy.
🔗 Link to episode 4 on youtube: https: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DY1vuOLbx8&t=2s
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