Champagne DeutzWines from Aÿ, France
Owning a significant portion of its own vineyards, Deutz selects only top quality grapes from 275 acres of vineyards in the finest crus of Champagne. The wines are slowly and carefully aged in Deutz’ chalk-walled cellars far beneath the historic village of Aÿ. One of the oldest members of Champagne’s prestigious association of Grands Marques houses, Champagne Deutz has been making distinctive champagnes characterized by finesse, elegant vinosity and complexity since 1838. Backgrounder
When René Deutz and Alfred Geldermann inherited the business from their fathers in the late 1860s, sales of their Champagne had been consistently rising for years. Alfred Geldermann later married René's sister, Marie Deutz, strengthening the bonds of partnership. Deutz took its place among the great Houses of Champagne when it became a founding member of the Syndicat des Grandes Marques. In 1897, René Deutz died and Alfred Geldermann retired, handing the reins to his son Pierre. However, Pierre was not fated to lead the House for long. In 1904, he died, leaving no children to carry on in his stead. For the next two years, trusted employees Charles Pfeiffer and Henri Kockler ran the company, while Marie Deutz-Geldermann searched for a suitable replacement. In 1906, René Lallier, son-in-law of René Deutz, and Charles Van Cassel, son-in-law of Marie Deutz-Geldermann, took over. Surviving the War Years and the Great DepressionDuring the Great Depression, disaster was avoided when Marie Deutz reinvested a large part of her considerable personal wealth into the Company. A new commercial director was chosen to replace Charles Van Cassel. Georges Kaminski soon had the House's sales in order, and by 1934, a normal rhythm returned to the financial affairs of Deutz: 132,530 bottles sold, two thirds on the French market. This upward curve continued through the second World War.In 1938, just before WW II, René Lallier died, leaving the company to his son Jean Lallier. His first task was to get the winery through the war years. These were difficult times because there was no money to buy grapes, no bottles, no horses to help work in the vineyards, and above all no men to make the wine. But paradoxically, the Third Reich did nothing to stem the flow of champagne production. In fact, the wineries of Champagne were forced to collectively produce between 15 million and 18 million bottles in five years, and obliged to supply the German Army with a set number of cases in proportion to annual production. Up to the 1950s, Deutz & Geldermann survived on 200,000 bottles a year. Before regular commerce could be revived, the reconstitution of the champagne stocks had to be organized. Creating the Deutz StyleWhen Jean’s mother, Hèléne, died in 1952, he started to collect shares in the company. He succeeded in gathering the total capital of the Company into his name by 1966 when his aunt, Madame Van Cassel, died.In addition to being a shrewd businessman, Jean was also an excellent taster, and was continuously searching to improve the quality of the blends. In 1959, this constant striving for perfection reached its peak with the creation of Cuvée William Deutz, dedicated to the founder, and made from the best wines of the vintage from the very best crus. Jean’s son, André Lallier, took over as general director in 1972. He inherited a House with excellent stock, fitted with the latest technical advances, and a reputation for a distinctive style. Today, Champagne Deutz is much appreciated in the world of wine, backed by vineyards of the highest quality. Keeping With TraditionAndré Lallier instituted modern methods of management to meet the challenges of the '80s and '90s. While maintaining many of the winemaking techniques taught him by his father, André also asserted Champagne Deutz' modernity and implemented many technical upgrades in the winery - finer presses, a better tank room, and an improved disgorgement process. "The primary materials in the making of champagne have evolved so much," he said. "The present-day grapes are healthier, better cared for, vinified in vats of stainless steel instead of wood, temperature controlled, and all oxidation is avoided."André focused on improving Deutz' sales network in France, and production grew from 29,000 cases in 1965 to 85,000 cases in 1996. In 1996, André retired. His son, Jean-Marc Lallier, remains as Export Director. The new President of Champagne Deutz is Fabrice Rosset, a 20-year sales and marketing veteran with Champagne Louis Roederer. Today, the past and present live contentedly together at Aÿ, merging tradition and technology to create elegant champagnes in the timeless Deutz style. History
1838 Deutz & Geldermann is founded by two Prussian immigrants, William Deutz and Pierre-Hubert Geldermann. 1841 Alfred Geldermann is born to Pierre-Hubert and Clarisse Geldermann. 1844 René Deutz is born to William & Arsène d'Arragon, daughter of a local tax inspector. 1860 Alfred Geldermann marries his partner's sister, Marie Deutz, further strengthening the bonds of partnership. 1868 René Deutz and Alfred Geldermann take the reins. Sales reach 200,000 bottles. 1871 Pierre Geldermann is born to Alfred and Marie. 1873 Sales reach 300,000 bottles. 1882 Deutz becomes a founding member of the Syndicat des Grandes Marques. 1897 René Deutz dies and Alfred Geldermann retires; Pierre Geldermann takes over. Jean Lallier is born. Sales top 600,000 bottles. 1904 Pierre Geldermann dies, leaving no heirs. His mother, Marie Deutz-Geldermann, begins the search for a successor. 1906 René Lallier, son-in-law of René Deutz, and Charles Van Cassel, son-in-law of Marie DeutzGeldermann, take over. 1911 Vigneron riots destroy building on Boulevard du Nord, half the champagne stocks, and half the vineyard behind the winery. 1914 René Lallier experiments with new names for the company to stress its French ownership. 1919 Charles Van Cassel dies at the age of 45, leaving René Lallier at the helm. 1931 In the depths of the Great Depression, production sinks to 80,000 bottles. 1934 André Lallier is born to Jean and his wife, Anita. Sales rebound to 132,500 bottles. 1938 René Lallier dies, leaving management of the House to his son, Jean, who begins to purchase vineyards in Champagne. 1940 Champagne is occupied by Germany. Company survives the war years with sales of 200,000 bottles a year, with forced production and sales to the Third Reich. 1959 Jean Lallier introduces Cuvée William Deutz. 1972 André Lallier becomes Managing Director. 1993 A majority interest in Deutz is acquired by Champagne Louis Roederer through capital infusion; André Lallier maintains full management control. Current worldwide sales: 920,000 bottles (85,000 cases). 1994 Launch of the new Brut Classic non-vintage cuvée, the next step in the evolution of the Deutz style. 1996 André Lallier retires. His son, Jean-Marc Lallier, remains as Export Director and Fabrice Rosset, a 20-year executive with Roederer, takes on the mantle of Managing Director at Deutz. Fabrice Rosset
He pursued a double major at the University of Reims in Private Law and Business Administration. Furthermore, Fabrice Rosset obtained diplomas from the British, German, and Spanish Chambers of Commerce. More than 20 years ago, Fabrice Rosset joined the House of Louis Roederer and worked alongside Jean-Claude Rouzaud (owner of the Company) as Export Director, International Sales & Marketing Director and Vice-President. In 1996, he was named President of the DEUTZ / DELAS group, a subsidiary of Roederer. During his career in the wine-business, Fabrice Rosset held / holds the following positions:
Despite frequent travels necessitated by his role as supervisor of developments abroad, Fabrice is a devoted family man and father of four children : Patrick (23), Isabelle (20), Frédérique (13), and Marie-Emmanuelle (2). A sportsman as well, Fabrice is an avid skier and habitué of the French Savoyard Alps. He dreams of becoming a fine golfer, but the lack of free time is a great "handicap." Jean-Marc Lallier
Having grown up in a traditional winemaking family, Jean-Marc appreciates the pleasure and subtlety of marrying food with wine, but he also understands the need for business savvy and has built a strong background in marketing and economics. While attending a private business college, he interned at Credit Agricole in the export banking department, and after graduation worked in London at Wine Merchand for a year. After serving a brief term in the French army, Jean-Marc returned to Deutz in 1991 as Assistant to the Export Director. He was quickly re-acquainted with all aspects of his family’s business and within two years was promoted to Director of Export at Champagne Deutz, responsible for sales and marketing around the world. Jean-Marc is proud of his Deutz heritage and of the Deutz wines. Through his marketing efforts, he hopes to communicate this pride by increasing recognition for Deutz champagnes around the world. In his spare time, Jean-Marc likes to play tennis and windsurf. He is an excellent skier, and was on the French ski patrol while serving the draft in the French Alps. He also loves to travel, definitely an asset for an Export Director. Current VintagesAmour de Deutz 1999
Tasting Notes• A crystal-clear hue with pale gold tinges.• A very subtle nose that elegantly blends aromas of white flowers, such as honeysuckle, with citrus fruit, hazelnuts, fresh almonds and vanilla pods. • On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and supple, with clear-cut flavours that shows hints of tangerines and clementines, as well as other citrus fruit and some delicately perfumed notes of white flowers. • The finish shows remarkable length, bringing out the excellent qualities of the Chardonnay grape in this fine 1999 vintage. This wine has style in the true Deutz tradition, and will age very well. • Preferably served as an aperitif, it is the perfect accompaniment to shellfish, oysters, sushi, lobster, white fish and caviar, particularly Oscietra. Technical Information
Blanc de Blancs 2002The distinctive house style of elegance and finesse which has made Champagne Deutz one of the most respected of all Champagne houses, is reflected in this fine Blanc de Blancs Champagne. Forty percent of the grape supply is from Deutz' own vineyards, which rate 98 percent on the Champagne scale. Deutz' relationships with many of the vignerons that supply the fruit go back several generations.The grapes are harvested exclusively from Le Mesnil sur Oger (40%), Avize (50%) and Villers Marmery (10%). Forty percent of the grape supply is from Deutz' own vineyards, which rate 98% on the Cham¬pagne scale. The harvest takes place over a 10-day period, generally between Sept 15-Oct 15 and the grapes are hand-harvested using the utmost scrutiny. The grapes are then carefully transported to the press which uses automatic and traditional Coquard basket presses. 100 percent malolactic fermentation is used, then the wine is fermented in 3,000-gallon tanks at 62 degrees Fahrenheit for two weeks. The wines are then left to age and hand riddled in traditional riddling racks. Tasting NotesTASTING NOTES• The colour is fine and bright, showing a pale golden hue with bronze tinges. • A forward nose shows deliciously ripe aromas. Hints of flowers mingle with the main aromas of fresh pastry. • The first impression is clear-cut, and the wine continues, fresh and lively, in an elegant mode. The flavors are very pure and evoke white peaches, small berry fruit and grapefruit. The finishing notes are lingering with a distinctly mineral edge. • This is a wine to be drunk now for those who like Chardonnay, but it also can be cellared for a while. • This makes an ideal aperitif drink. It would also make a good match for dishes such as marinated salmon and scallops, roquette salad with sea-food, sole cooked with citrus fruit and a light vanilla sauce, oysters, or sushi. Technical Information
Brut Classic Non Vintage
Winemaker NotesThe color of the wine is an intense gold with fine effervescence that signifies long maturation on the lees. On the nose, the wine initially displays notes of hawthorn and white flowers, which are followed by aromas of toast, marzipan and ripe pears. On the palate, the wine is full bodied and elegant with the freshness of a Chardonnay and richness of a Pinot Noir. Overall, the wine is well rounded with a fruity finish.WinemakingThe grapes are harvested in Aÿ, Marne Valley, Cotes des Blancs, and Montagne de Reims. Forty percent of the grape supply is from Deutz' own vineyards, which rate 98% on the Champagne scale.The harvest takes place over a 10-day period, generally between Sept 15-Oct 15 and are hand-harvested using the utmost scrutiny. The grapes are then carefully transported to the grape press to be pressed using automatic and traditional Coquard basket presses. Malolactic fermentation of 100 percent is used. The wine is fermented in 3,000-gallon tanks at 62 degrees Fahrenheit for two weeks. The wines are then left to age and hand riddled in traditional riddling racks. Technical Information
Brut Rosé Vintage 2005
The Deutz Brut Rosé 2005 is produced exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes, from the Montagne de Reims (80 percent) and the Vallée de la Marne (20 perent). The specific nature of its style and its appearance comes from the addition during blending of 10 percent red wine from parcels of old vines from the Côte d'Aÿ, “La Pelle” and “Froide Terre,” and a parcel of land in Mareuil-sur-Ay known as “Le Clos,” which produces fruit of a maturity to guarantee the delicate aromatic complexity of the final blend. After aging for four years, the flavors, which have infused perfectly, offer the enthusiast a truly harmonious bouquet. They highlight both the subtlety and power of the leading Pinot Noirs. TASTING NOTES • To the eye, the appearance is striking: an antique pink color, with hints of orange. The sparkle is fine, lively and regular. The attractive frothy bead adds to the appetizing appearance. • The nose develops aromas of Montmorency cherries in eau de vie, strawberries and griotte cherries, enhanced by floral notes. • A precise, full and ample flavor, complemented by the richness of full-bodied, ripe fruit, emulating a high class Pinot Noir. • With a dense, tight texture, leaving in its wake lingering notes of great elegance. PAIRING NOTES A gastronomic champagne, it is the perfect accompaniment for salmon with mushrooms, beef wellington, duck in cranberry sauce, rack of lamb or pigeon stuffed with cherries. Turning to Asian cuisine, it is a sublime accompaniment for small kebabs or the iodine flesh of some sushi. Technical Information
Brut Vintage 2000
The grapes are harvested in Aÿ, Marne Valley, Côtes des Blancs, and Montagne de Reims. Of these vineyards, 40 percent of the grape supply is from Deutz vineyards that are rated 97 percent out of 100 on the Champagne classification scale. The harvest takes place over a 10-day period, generally between Sept 15-Oct 15 and are hand-harvested using the utmost scrutiny. The grapes are then carefully transported to the grape press to be pressed using automatic and traditional Coquard basket presses. 100 percent malolactic fermentation is used. The wine is fermented in 3,000-gallon tanks at 62 degrees Fahrenheit for two weeks. The wines are then left to age and hand riddled in traditional riddling racks. Tasting Notes• A golden hue with brilliant edges. Very fine bead. • Fine and expressive aromas on the nose, which shows fully ripe stone fruit alongside dried fruit.• Quite full-bodied on the palate, with flavours of pears and sun-ripened apricots. Richly expressive and pleasantly soft. • The finish is long and generous, with the characteristic volume that shows on Deutz' vintage wines n the best years. • Full of character, the Brut Millésimé 2000 will lend zest to white meat dishes, like veal in a cream sauce, liver mousse, crab flan, risotto with white truffles, and all full-flavoured fish such as skate, sea-bass, or anglerfish. Technical Information
Cuvée William Deutz 1998
Cuvée William Deutz is only made available to the discerning few - only 0.012% of the population will ever have the opportunity to taste this superb champagne. The cuvée is aged a minimum of 5 years in Deutz cellars buried 25 meters (82 feet) underground to ensure ideal conditions of humidity and temperature. TASTING NOTES • A crystal-clear, pale gold hue. • Powerful nose, rich and complex, that shows aromas reminiscent of baked apples, together with light and pleasant hints of preserved ginger and nutmeg, amongst others. • The entry is crisp and the wine then develops considerable finesse, also revealing delicate flavors of sultanas that evoke the charms of a sunny place. • With its deliciously rich and savory finish, the Cuvée William Deutz 1998 gives one the impression of a wine that has opened up fairly rapidly, showing a full range of secondary aromas that are usually found in Champagnes that have been aged for a longer period. • An ideal wine for matching with savory dishes that could show an oriental, slightly spicy touch. • A stylish aperitif, the Cuvée William Deutz shows its paces when matched with the most refined dishes : foie gras, caviar, lobster, fine fish, grilled on with a light sauce, or white meat dishes flavored with an exotic touch. It is the perfect foil for sushi or a large number of Asian dishes. Technical Information
Cuvée William Rosé 1999
Technical Information
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