Country: France

Region: Champagne

Type: Champagne

Grape: 50% Pinot Noir/50% Chardonnay

Bndicte Leroys parents moved to Essoyes in 1975 and started a small farm just above the town where they previously raised sheep. In the 1980s, it was no longer economically viable, and they learned that they could plant grapes on the land. Over time, they planted four hectares in Essoyes and No-les-Mallets, not including the garden and small pasture they kept for their own animals. All of the grapes were sold to the local cooperative.

In 2009, when her father was about to retire, Bndicte took over the domaine along with her husband Manu Leroy, on the condition that they could farm organically and make their own wines. Using his background in ecological construction, Manu built a straw bale winery on the family property, followed by a log-cabin home. In addition to the vineyards, Bndicte and Manu run a small farm complete with horses, cows, sheep, and chickens, as well as grow their own grains. The winery is certified organic and biodynamic. Their quest for the simplest winemaking has lead them toward the spirit of vin nature.’ Each cuve comes from a single vintage of a single vineyard and is bottled brut nature with no dosage. Since the 2013 vintage, no sulfur is used at the winery.

11, 12, 13…’ is the only NV cuve from Ruppert-Leroy. This cuve comes from a perpetual reserve that includes wine from every parcel of the domaine dating back to 2011, plus organically-grown grapes purchased from friends in the Aube. The single vineyard wines are dense, mineral-driven, and structured, while this cuve offers ample generosity in its approachability with a gentle earthy finish.