the harvest

As noted above, among the three Champagne grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier), Chardonnay is the only one that produces a white grape with white juice. The other two produce black grapes with white juice.

The harvest must be done in the best possible conditions and the pressing must be done immediately after harvesting to avoid oxidation of the grapes. That is the reason why Champagne DUVAL-LEROY has five pressing centres, containing 16 presses, all located in the Champagne area. The must (grape juice) is transferred by tankers to the winery in Vertus to begin the wine-making process.

During this period of intense activity, we need to employ 500 people in the vineyards, the pressing centres, the test laboratories and the winery.