Duntze Assemblage Reserve Premier Cru NV

History

: The history of the Duntze family began in 1856 with Friedrich Duntze, who was born into a family of brewers in Bremen, Germany. Fascinated by the potential success of Champagne, he was among the many Germans who settled in the Champagne region during the 19th century to seek new opportunities. His remarkable passion and devotion to Champagne were later passed on to his son, Georges Frederic.

Born in Reims, in the heart of Champagne, Georges Frederic Duntze managed several Champagne houses before deciding in 1913 to produce authentic cuvées under his own name for his most important clients. This decision laid the foundation for what would become Champagne Duntze.

Due to a series of circumstances, the Champagne house was temporarily closed for a time. During this period, his son Robert and grandson Vincent became renowned wine brokers, playing a significant role in enabling the house to resume wine production in the future.

Victor Duntze, an oenologist and wine broker, later established the Champagne house under the name Champagne Duntze. Drawing upon the experience of his father, who had also worked as a broker, as well as his own expertise and strong network of growers, he was able to create the foundations for exceptional cuvées. In addition, at the request of his mother’s family — descendants of Champagne Montaudon — he gained valuable experience managing vineyards, which further contributed to his ability to produce top-quality cuvées.

“Great wine comes first and foremost from great terroir.”

Victor Duntze believes that wine begins with the soil, where all foundations are rooted. He explains that the vine and human craftsmanship then work together to create the emotions ultimately conveyed to those who taste the Champagne. According to him, all of these elements are interconnected like links in a chain, requiring both honesty and rigor.

He selects grapes according to strict standards, believing that the balance created by countless soil components interacting together, along with the diversity of flora, fauna, and microorganisms, contributes to the richness and complexity of the vines. To preserve both nature and the vineyards, he avoids intrusive methods that damage the soil. Instead, he chooses techniques that protect moisture, enhance vitality, strengthen resistance to disease, and reinforce the roots by covering the soil surface with natural materials.

These sustainable practices not only help protect the environment, but also promote healthier vines, ultimately playing a major role in improving both the quality and quantity of the wines produced.

About Wine

: Champagne Duntze is a family-owned Champagne house that has been crafting Champagne for three generations, cultivating its vineyards through sustainable viticulture while harmoniously blending exceptional terroirs with the grape varieties best suited to each site.

Produced from grapes grown on chalk soils deeply covered with colluvial deposits, this Champagne offers remarkable density, volume, and concentration of flavor. It is a blend of 50% reserve wines from the 2014–2016 vintages and 50% wine from the 2017 vintage.

With an exceptionally low dosage of 1.1 g/L, it presents a remarkably dry style. The wine was disgorged in September 2025, bottled in July 2017, and awarded 92 points by James Suckling.

Tasting Note

• Pinot Noir 60%, Chardonnay 40%

• Fine, persistent bubbles and a beautifully balanced golden hue introduce aromas of pear and other white fruits, complemented by pastry notes of toasted hazelnut and almond. Layers of mint, undergrowth, tree bark, and humus add remarkable aromatic complexity and depth.

  On the palate, the wine is both powerful and refined, displaying a silky texture and exceptional balance. Nuances of gingerbread and delicate tobacco lead to an impressively long, elegant finish that beautifully reflects its maturity.