First ever female to be elected Chairman of the Association Viticole Champenoise, and the first woman to be promoted to the rank of Commander of the "Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne" Champenoise by adoption(Belgian by birth) Carol Duval Leroy from Vertus, really is quite a trail blazer and the epitome of a modern day Mme Veuve Clicquot. Carol first took the reins of Duval Leroy in 1991 after the sudden death of her husband in order to perpetuate the family business and hand it down in good health to her three children. She has since managed to successfully develop the firm into one of the biggest 100% family owned houses in Champagne - with export business representing 60% of sales and the brand present in more than 50 countries.
Innovation and education are core philosophies for this house - they produce an amazingly diverse range of Champagne styles from specific small parcels sites such as Cumieres and Clos Des Bouveries. Duval-Leroy Champagnes work closely with leading chefs and sommeliers to educate the trade and support young talent through initiatives such as "Dessert of the Year" and the trophy for "Best Young Sommelier". LIWSF 2009 witnessed the launch of their latest initiative - a tailor made opening system specifically adapted to Champagne which manages to retain the symbolic popping sound on opening. This rather non pc method of opening a bottle of Champagne combines two key benefits: easy no fuss/no danger opening and 0% risk of cork taint. Back in 2000 wine drinkers didn't want to accept metal screw caps - Duval Leroy may just be ahead of the curve on this one... Go Carol!
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