Champagne Deutz owns 42 hectares of vineyards, which supply 20% of its grapes. The rest of the grapes are sourced from growers, many of whom have been working with Deutz for generations. Grapes are harvested from the Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, and Vallée de la Marne, with over 80% of the grapes coming from vineyards that are rated Premier or Grand Cru.

Weather: In 2013, the growth cycle was delayed, with the vines flowering as late as July in some places due to the long winter and cool spring. Hailstorms caused some damage, but overall the summer was hot and dry. The weather turned wet towards mid-September, causing outbreaks of rot. The harvest was long and started late, on September 24th. However, most of the picking of the abundant yield (12,0008 kg/ha) took place in cool conditions in October thus contributing to a classic cool and linear style of Champagne. Taking into consideration the challenging season, the wines have positively surprised with their pure fruitiness, racy palates and stylish restraint. There is heterogeneity in the results, but the best belong to the Champagne elite. This vintage is greatly underrated and will likely become better appreciated over time, when the region's most iconic wines are released.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 37% Avize | 33% Oger | 12% Mesnil | 6% Epernay | 6% Villers-Marmery | 6% Villeneuve-Renneville
Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay
Dosage: 9 g/l
Ageing: 7 years on the lees
Alcohol: 12%
Disgorged: 2020
Drink: Now to 2030

Tasting Note: There is the trademark Deutz smoky chalk aromas and then you see some ripe lemon and bright red apple and some yellow fruit with a hint of tropical. On the palate it is fresh and a creamy yet mineral texture, typical of the chalky rich soils of the Côte des Blancs in which most of the grapes grow. The finish is long lingering and remarkably intense.

Champagne Deutz, based in Ay, one of Champagne's historic and most renowned terriors. Founded in 1838 through the association of William Deutz with Pierre-Hubert Geldermann, both wine merchants from Aix-La-Chapelle. Their idea was that to make a great wine, first a great vineyard was needed, so they set off in the search for top local vineyards. Deutz soon became an international brand with Deutz and Geldermann using their knowledge and expertise of markets in their favour. Successors followed suit and tradition and through the 20th Century continued to purchase excellent vineyards in some of Champagnes best villages.

In 1993, Louis Roederer partnered with Deutz to save it from going into financial trouble, with Champagne Louis Roederer's help Deutz has increased production threefold and vastly improved methods and modernising cellars.
Currently under the leadership of Fabrice Rosset, Deutz still strives for excellence, terrior and sustainable viticulture.

Location: Ay
Cellar Master: Michel Davesne
Annual production: 2,000,000 bottles