11,12,13…20, Ruppert-Leroy NV

Emmanuel and Bénédicte Leroy oversee the 4ha domaine Ruppert-Leroy, a winery we closely followed since their inception in 2010. Over the years, their progress has been remarkable, resulting in exceptional champagnes. Emmanuel and Bénédicte, former high-level kayakers and physical education teachers, shared a longstanding passion for wine, often visiting Jura to learn from Pierre Overnoy. When Bénédicte's father, Gérard Ruppert, an organic vine-grower in Côte des Bar, offered her the opportunity to take charge, she eagerly accepted. This marked the beginning of Ruppert-Leroy's independent journey as grapes were no longer sold to middlemen.

Today, the couple practices biodynamic viticulture in high-altitude terroirs near Essoyes, a biodiverse and remote area in Aube. The domaine exemplifies biodynamic farming principles, fostering harmony among humans, livestock, and nature. Emmanuel, a skilled carpenter, constructed an eco-friendly wooden house that blends seamlessly with the landscape. Ruppert-Leroy's champagnes are a reflection of specific terroirs, crafted from low-yield grapes, vinified with natural yeasts, and aged in older oak. They are bottled with a low 22g/l for secondary fermentation and disgorged without dosage. No sulfur is added at any stage. These champagnes are characterized by purity, harmony, and meticulous craftsmanship, showcasing the duo's unwavering dedication and passion.

11, 12, 13... is a 'réserve perpétuelle' started in 2011 using grapes from the domaine's different plots. The current bottling, disgorged in October 2021, is made of all vintages from 2011 to 2019. After an initial élevage in oak, the still wine of the year (2019) is added to the reserve wines, the blend is kept in cuve to harmonise before being bottled off – the wine spends 18 to 20 months in bottle on lees before disgorgement. Oxidative Jura-like notes on the nose, rhubarb, pepper and sweet spices on the palate, this is a perfect mix of old and young wines with enough lift for a lengthy mineral infused finish. No sulphur and non dosé.

Producer  Ruppert Leroy

Origin Essoyes, Aube, France

Grapes 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir

Vintage 2019 base with added reserve from 2011 to 2019

Alcohol  12% ABV

Style Structured spakling

Bottle size 750ml

Winemaking Manual harvest.  Indigenous yeast fermentation.    No filtration and no fining.  Disgorged 10/21 - Non dosé. No SO2 added at any stage

Notes Organic, Biodynamic , Demeter certified