Devaux Grande Reserve

Selecting the best grapes from each plot, working the vineyard sustainably and closely following the evolution of the vines are the three principles the work of Devaux, one of the legendary properties in the north-east of France and producer of renowned sparkling wines, is based.

Its history and the years justify this legend that began in the mid-nineteenth century with its founders, brothers Jules and Auguste Devaux. This first chapter was followed by a period starring three women, known as the Devaux Widows, who took the name of this winery to the top: Claude-Joseph Devaux (the first of them), who ran the house with her son François Auguste; Augusta-Maria Herbin, Claude-Joseph's daughter-in-law and the second of the widows; and Marguerite Marie-Louise, the third and last of the widows, who took over the business in 1907. However, this family's relationship with the property was to end with the generation after Marguerite's, as neither of their two children had descendants. Thus, in 1987, the Devaux house was taken over by the Union Auboise (now known as the Groupe Vinicole Champagne DEVAUX), a group of winemakers totally committed to the quality of the sparkling liquid bottled in this area.

The care and concern for quality begins in the vineyards located in the Côte des Bar, south of the D.O.C. Champagne, where both Pinot Noir (considered the backbone of Devaux champagnes) and Chardonnay are grown. In particular, these plots, where a quarter of the total production of the appellation is born, are located between Bar-sur-Seine and Bar-sur-Aube. There, the winegrowers take care of the vineyards by applying a series of voluntary requirements and rules - collected in the Devaux Champagnes book of commitments - with the aim of guaranteeing maximum quality. These requirements, which aren’t applied to any other winery in the area, are in addition to those established by the appellation itself.

This quality process is also applied in the cellar during the production of Devaux Grande Réserve. Specifically, this champagne has been produced with the must from the first press fermented in stainless steel tanks. Once fermented, Devaux Grande Réserve is blended with 20% reserve wine (from the previous vintage) kept in oak barrels. After bottling, Devaux Grande Réserve remains for a minimum of 3 years in the stacking phase, at which time it also undergoes malolactic fermentation. Once this time has passed, Devaux Grande Réserve is disgorged and after adding its expedition liqueur, it spends 3 months waiting for its premiere.