Champagne Duval-Leroy Fleur de Champagne 1er Cru Brut NV
In 1911, when the vineyard classification became official, Raymond Duval-Leroy had a desire to pay tribute to his predecessors and create an exceptional wine. He was the first to work on a Champagne which would bring together Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape varieties selected only from villages classified as Grand Cru and Premier Cru within the Grande Vallée de la Marne, Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs regions. During the first tasting sessions back in 1911, Raymond Duval-Leroy distinguished an aroma of white flowers evoking the scent of the 'wine flower' in June. This led to the creation of the cuvée named 'Fleur de Champagne'. The first Champagne to be certified Premier Cru, this cuvée is composed of Chardonnay (70%) and Pinot Nor (30%) and the blend has remained unchanged since it was first created in 1911. At the winery the still wine underwent malolactic conversion resulting in a softer mouthfeel and the still wine did not have any lees contact, maintaining the purity of fruit. 2% of the reserve wines were aged in French oak, imparting subtle complexity. Champagne Duval-Leroy Fleur de Champagne 1er Cru is refined with graceful effervescence and aromatic complexity of almond, toasted and white floral notes. Precise on the palate with a silky texture and notes of citrus and fig through to a savoury finish.