The municipal archives give evidence of the existence of the Duménil family under the reign of Louis XIV. For a long time the family cultivated lands and vineyards simultaneously, and only at the end of the nineteenth century did they exclusively devote their activity to vines.
Founded in 1874 by Mr. Elie and Cécile Duménil at Chigny-les-Roses, The House Duménil is the perfect example of a successful blend between tradition and modernity.
Today the great-granddaughter of the founders, Mrs. Frédérique Poret-Rebeyrolle presides over the fates of the House with her husband, Mr. Hugues Poret. Her father taught her the respect for the traditions of the Champagne region: know-how and love for the terroir. Today she maintains the search for perfection and truth which has always been a strong guideline for the Duménil family.
Both coming from winemakers’ families, Frédérique and Hugues deeply love the earth and the job handed down to them by their ancestors. Hugues is in charge of the vineyards and cellar work, with the support of 4 wine workers. Frédérique, assisted by her mom, Mrs. Rebeyrolle and Véronique Scaillet, is in charge of the marketing but also part of the winemaking process.
Situated at 15 km away from Reims Duménil Champagne is made from A to Z with grapes coming from the vines belonging to the family. This vineyard is split up in 45 parcels situated in Chigny-les-Roses, Ludes and Rilly-la-Montagne (Premier Cru terroir). In that privileged environment, where the hillsides planted with old vines are to be found, there is exceptional sun exposure and a very rich soil where the family passionately cultivate the 3 traditional grape varieties, i.e. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. With such a large range of blending choices they are able to make unique cuvees, from Blanc de Blancs to Amour de Cuvée Blanc de Noirs, without forgetting Rosé Champagne, Vintage Champagnes and Brut Nature (zero dosage).
A few years ago these winegrowers decided to join the quality label les Vignerons Independants de France, which implies the search for genuineness and quality. Famous for their top-of-the-range wines, Duménil Champagnes are made according to the traditions of the Champagne region with the improvement brought by modern techniques and the implementation of environment-friendly vine growing techniques, without forgetting to respect a long ageing period comparable to that of the most prestigious Champagne Houses (3 to 4 years for our non vintage cuvees and 6 to 7 years for our vintage cuvee). Champagne sales: our champagnes are either sold at the property or can be delivered to you.