Derot-Delugny

About

Founded in 1929 when Philippe Dérot and Yvonne Delugny (both from winegrowing families already farming the Marne slopes) united their names to create Champagne Dérot-Delugny, the first growers in Crouttes-sur-Marne to vinify their own Champagne. The estate won a gold medal in Paris as early as 1933. Bernard Dérot (2nd generation) doubled the vineyard surface and introduced Chardonnay; François Dérot (3rd generation, joined 1975) reintroduced Pinot Gris, an old variety first planted by the founders, via the dedicated cuvée now known as 'Retour en Avant'. The estate is now run by 4th-generation siblings Laurent (joined 2010, viticulture/oenology background) and Claire Dérot (joined 2014, analytical chemistry background), alongside their father François. 13.5 ha, mainly in Crouttes-sur-Marne, certified High Environmental Value (HVE) and Sustainable Viticulture (level 3) since 2017. House practice: wines are aged in vats for at least a year before bottling in October, with champagnes marketed roughly 3-5 years after harvest (10 years for vintage cuvées). A small barrel program is used selectively: two Rhône (Condrieu) barrels for a 100% Meunier Coteaux Champenois (out of scope per house exclusion rule), and one Burgundy barrel for the still Pinot Noir red wine that forms the base of the blended rosé 'Bissextile', made only in years the base wine meets the house's quality bar.

From the House