Fosse Grely, Ruppert-Leroy 2020

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.

The lieu-dit of La Fosse Grely (altitude 260m) was where Bénédicte’s father first planted vines back in the 1980s. Surrounded by forest where fauna and flora thrive, the vines here are on a S/SW facing slope in a thin layer (40cm) of red clay with lots of little stones and thick compacted limestone beneath. Aged for nine months in fûts and demi-muids, and then for 20 months 'sur lattes', like all of the Ruppert-Leroy champagnes there is a beautiful tension and feeling of controlled energy. Hints of black pepper on the nose, with citrus fruits, peach, biscuits and nuts, subtle bitters on the palate, so long and so complex. No sulphur. Disgorged 10/21 - Non dosé..

Producer  Ruppert Leroy

Origin Essoyes, Aube, France

Grapes 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir

Vintage 2020

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