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In this episode ofEntre Deux Vins, we had the privilege of speaking with Charles Duval-Leroy, General Manager of Champagne Duval-Leroy, an iconic family-owned house founded in 1859 in Vertus, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs.
A Family Legacy, 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, négociants. One produced, the other sold. What started as an economic union evolved into a human one, and six generations later, the house remains in the hands of the same lineage. Today, Charles and his two brothers form a trio at the helm of the company, with an organization structured around each person's desires and talents: Julien oversees production and vineyard relations, Louis acts as an ambassador, and Charles handles marketing, sales, and communication.
Champagne: More Than a Wine, a Universal Symbol
Charles states it simply but with clear conviction: "You're in Malaysia, deep in the jungle, in Australia or Chile… you say 'champagne,' and people know. Even if they've never tasted it." Champagne immediately evokes festivity, celebration, positivity. Unlike whisky, or even wine, which can have a more serious or locally rooted connotation, champagne is a universal language of joy.
A Commitment to Excellence: A Strong Connection to the Culinary Arts
In the 2000s, while the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF) competitions already honored many manual trades, sommelierie was absent from this national recognition. With the help of figures like Philippe Faure-Brac and Olivier Poussier, Duval-Leroy funded and launched the creation of this category. This was a strong move demonstrating the house's commitment to defending gastronomic expertise and promoting all culinary professions.
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A Human-Scale House… and a Rare Model
Duval-Leroy holds a unique position in the Champagne landscape: neither a grand house nor a small grower, but both at once. Unlike most houses that purchase their grapes, Duval-Leroy controls nearly 80% of its needs internally. This allows for 100% in-house winemaking and a strategic refocus on their preferred terroir: the Côte des Blancs.
Today, the trend is towards seeking out grower champagnes, increasingly valued for their strong local identity. Charles acknowledges this reality: "If someone wants a Bouzy champagne, they should go to a grower in Bouzy. We are a house from Vertus, rooted in the Côte des Blancs. And we proudly 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 harvest. They are introduced to blending, they are allowed to taste, without taboo or prohibition, with intelligence and moderation. Charles summarizes it this way: "They don't feel the need to transgress. We give them the option to taste, and as a result, they often say no."
In this spirit of family continuity, the house recently launched an Heritage box set, a selection of rare vintages from their Vinothèque – wines crafted by previous generations, blended with those of the current generation. A bridge between past and future.
A Natural Transition
Before taking over the management of Duval-Leroy, Charles followed a classic business school path, then co-founded a marketing consulting agency. Ironically, the Duval-Leroy house was initially just a client of the agency, accounting for 5% of his time… then 10%, 20%, 30%… until the day the shift became obvious. He had to dive in. He did. And today, he brings a fresh, strategic perspective to the house, 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 terroir-driven house proud of its identity, and an agile, human-sized structure that continues to shine internationally. 🎧 A must-listen on Entre Deux Vins, produced by Oeni : a profound, human, and inspiring exchange with Charles Duval-Leroy. 🔗 Link to episode 4 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DY1vuOLbx8&t=2s 🔗 Discover the other Entre Deux Vins encounters
