Gracious bubblies – Champagne Duval-Leroy

Apparently, it’s celebrations everywhere now! Popping a bottle of bubblies and having a bit of joy and glamour in a chain of countdown soirees become a ‘must-do’ event, the good thing is, finding a great reason to drink some good champagne taking advantage of the festivity, also, something that I want to do as it’s been quite a while for me to write something about champagne! In MMD, champagne is one of my favorite topic, and even without the countdown event, one can always appreciate a glass with a few good friends or even on your own, when you were off-work, relax at home in a very cozy and warm atmosphere, playing some chillout music, it can be very enjoyable. To me, it will be even better to take the enjoyment to another level if having a champagne pairing dinner, right? Great wine with fine cuisine, which brings the sensation even higher, and that’s exactly what I did few weeks ago, being in a group of champagne connoisseurs and enthusiasts, having a delightful champagne pairing dinner event, co-hosted by a reputed French champagne house, Champagne Duval-Leroy. And with this rare opportunity, having one of their family member to be present during the event, and that’s how I met Mr. Edouard Duval, having him to share some beautiful and incredible legacy about champagne making by his family.

Established since 1859, Champagne Duval-Leroy has been associated with high standard and innovation in terms of champagne making, gaining its prestige with premium quality, preserving the artistry of champagne making, and, partnerships with renowned sommeliers and chefs worldwide. Currently the house is run by Mrs. Carol Duval-Leroy, who was the first woman to be elected as the Chairman of the Association Viticole Champenoise in 2007, along with her three sons, now as the 6th generation of the Duval-Leroy family.

One thing that I have to applaud, is that apart from the remarkable quality of the champagne, the entire business is still run by the family themselves despite the challenges and competitiveness nowadays in the winery industry, which is very admirable to demonstrate the strong bond and commitment with the family value, and, the persistence of maintaining the know-how of champagne making in the present, as a way of preserving the heritage and glory of the house.

Excel at using chardonnay to produce the finest champagne, thanks to the location of the house located in a village in the Côte des Blancs, which the result is surprisingly gracious that I have ever experienced before, in particular with two memorable and rare champagne which selected during this pairing dinner: the ‘Petit Meslier 2007’, and, ‘Cuvee des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France - Sommeliers’, these two has completely caught my heart in that evening.

With a refreshing and fruity aroma, ‘Petit Meslier 2007’ has been one of the precious vintage champagne of the house, with only around 3,700 bottles produced, the white fruit and floral fragrant is simply pleasant at the nose when sniffing from the goblet; complexed in the mouth with and medium-bodied; what I like about this, perhaps it’s the texture and complexity, that doesn’t taste too acidic nor intense compare with the typical pure chardonnay champagne, which I guess, with the lightness and elegance, that’s the reason why it is ideal to pair with a first course (or entrée).

Meanwhile, for ‘Cuvee des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France - Sommeliers’ (meaning ‘the blend of the best Craftsmen of France – Sommeliers’), is another exceptionally refined champagne with a great embodiment of the origins of the prestigious and Grand Cru of the house. Elegant and refreshing, with a clear light gold palette, this precious champagne also possesses a very pleasant character with the white floral and white fruit aroma, a bit of pear and confectionery fragrant at the nose, yet, interestingly, a bit of nutty aroma (something like chestnut) either in the goblet, or in the mouth; despite it’s a blend with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, again, it’s another impressive work with such smooth texture, and, well-balance in terms of acidity and tannin.

In the end, a glass of fine champagne is literally a stylish indulgence, even after the New Year party, one can always sit back and relax, have a sip of some gracious bubblies, with or without food, it’s purely for your own enjoyment.

Happy celebration!

Image courtesy of Champagne Duval-Leroy, EMW Wines

http://www.duval-leroy.com/en/home/