Portraits of winemakers

DUBOIS-DROUILLY, A FAMILY CHAMPAGNE HOUSE

Dubois-Drouilly: A Family Champagne House

A Tradition of Excellence Across Generations

Located in the heart of the Champagne region, Maison Dubois-Drouilly has been cultivating the land and vines for three generations. The estate upholds the ancestral and traditional methods of Champagne production within this exceptional vineyard. Maison Dubois-Drouilly is fundamentally a family story, characterized by the transmission of unique expertise from one generation to the next.

The current winemaker emphasizes the distinctiveness of his terroir and produces Champagnes using the Solera method. Originating from Andalusia, this technique involves stacking barrels in tiers. The bottom row, known as Solera, contains the oldest wine. During each racking, wine is transferred down a level and blended with the residual wine from the previous tier. This method ensures consistency and uniqueness in the Champagnes.

Balancing tradition and modernity, Christophe works diligently to produce Champagnes that are increasingly respectful of nature, including achieving environmental certifications. Passionate about his terroir and region, Christophe was introduced to the world of wine from a very young age. When he took over the estate more than 20 years ago, he worked as a self-taught winemaker, creating a new vision that blends modernity with authentic expertise.

Dubois-Drouilly in an Exceptional Vineyard

Maison Dubois-Drouilly is a family estate now spanning 3 hectares in the heart of Champagne’s finest terroirs, located in the village of Villenard. The vines flourish on the unique soils of the hills between Épernay and Sézanne. In the prestigious Côte des Blancs, Dubois-Drouilly’s vines contribute to producing some of the world’s most famous wines.

The estate cultivates Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Maison Dubois-Drouilly offers several Champagne cuvées: Brut Tradition, Rosé, Blanc de Blancs, and a Prestige cuvée. All grapes come from Grand Cru and Premier Cru plots, the best in the Champagne region. Careful vineyard management ensures consistently high-quality Champagnes. “We spend a lot of time nurturing our vines; we are constantly worried and monitor the weather minute by minute; we continually question ourselves to ensure always higher quality.”

Dubois-Drouilly Champagnes for Every Occasion

Dubois-Drouilly Champagnes are particularly cherished for their finesse and authenticity. The estate offers four exceptional cuvées: a Brut Tradition, ideal for any occasion, featuring a full, round palate with a long and structured finish; a Rosé with elegant, fresh notes; and a Blanc de Blancs with exceptional finesse.

The estate also offers a Prestige cuvée made using the Solera method, perfect for special occasions. Dubois-Drouilly Champagnes have a unique signature, utilizing a perpetual reserve of 20-year-old Solera Champagne. This custom blend of Solera with current vintage wines provides clients with unique and distinctive character.

Christophe’s favorite is a 2003 vintage Champagne. Following particularly challenging weather conditions, the harvest yielded an exceptional vintage. According to the winemaker, “It is the wine that most closely reflects our values of tradition and modernity, as well as our convictions of sharing, craftsmanship, and commitment.”