Champagne Duménil

Champagne house in Chigny-les-Roses, Montagne de Reims.

Village: Chigny-les-Roses (Premier Cru)
Region: Montagne de Reims
Type of house: RM · Récoltant Manipulant
Founded: 1874
Cuvées in the guide: 9

Champagne Duménil is an independent family champagne house in the Montagne de Reims, founded in 1874 by Emile-Paul Duménil, who was both a winegrower and a café owner. The house is today run by the fifth generation, Frédérique and Hugues Poret-Duménil.

History and Origins The origins of the vineyards go back to the Middle Ages, when monks of the monastery of Saint-Remi in Reims discovered the vineyards in Chigny-les-Roses, Rilly-la-Montagne and Ludes. The Duménil family can be found in the archives of Chigny-les-Roses as far back as the 10th century. The champagne house was officially founded in 1874, but the winegrowing tradition in this region is centuries old.

Vineyards and Terroir The estate owns 8 hectares of vineyards, spread over 45 plots in the villages of Chigny-les-Roses, Rilly-la-Montagne, Ludes and Sacy. All plots are classified as Premier Cru. The soil is mainly chalky and clayey, which contributes to the fruity and elegant taste of the champagnes. The vineyards are ideally located on the slope of the Montagne de Reims, with exceptional exposure to sunlight.

Method and Vinification Duménil follows a craftsmanlike and respectful approach with minimal intervention.

They use horses to plough the oldest vineyards to prevent soil compaction.
The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully selected.
A traditional press (4,000 kg) is used so that only the high-quality first juice is used.
The champagne ages for at least 3 years in the cellars, while special cuvées and vintages are aged for 5 to 10 years.
The house follows agriculture raisonnée (balanced farming) and some champagnes are certified vegan.

Champagnes and Cuvées Duménil produces champagnes from the three traditional grape varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Some well-known cuvées are:

Grande Réserve: A balance of the three grapes, with long ageing in a perpetual reserve.
Blanc de Blancs: Made from 100% Chardonnay, known for its freshness and citrus aromas.
Prestige / Les Pêcherines: A high-quality cuvée, often with a higher percentage of Chardonnay.
Rosé: Made from Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir, with aromas of red fruit.
Millésimés: Vintage champagnes that age for more than 3 years.

The champagnes are known for their fruity character, freshness and elegance, with a focus on precision in the blending and long ageing times.

Cuvées by Duménil

Duménil Amour de Cuvée

Duménil Blanc de Blancs

Blanc de Blancs

Duménil Histoire de Chardonnay

Blanc de Blancs · Brut · 100% Chardonnay

Tribute to the Chardonnays of the Montagne de Reims.

Duménil Les Pêcherines

Blend · Brut · 80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir

Old-vine cuvée from vines planted in 1969.

Duménil Millésime 2019

Blend · Brut · 2019 · 60% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir, 20% Meunier

Vintage released after more than seven years of ageing.

Duménil Nature

Blend · Brut Nature · 33% Meunier, 33% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay

Zero-dosage cuvée described as nothing but fruit.

Duménil Réserve 27

Blend · Brut · 33% Meunier, 33% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay

Perpetual reserve blend (1996-2022) for balanced, generous champagnes.

Duménil Trilogie Noirs de Montagne

Extra Brut · 60% Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay

Showcases the fruity elegance of Premier Cru Meunier.

Duménil Trilogie Rosé de Montagne

Rosé · Brut · 1/3 Meunier, 1/3 Pinot Noir, 1/3 Chardonnay, with 8% Meunier red wine

Rosé balancing fruit and elegance from Premier Cru Meunier.

Where it is sold

Shops and wholesalers carrying Duménil: Papez Spiritz.

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