Duval-Leroy Champagne Brut Réserve (half bottle)

Founded in 1859, by Mr Duval and Mr Leroy, a grower and a merchant, independent luxury Champagne house Duval-Leroy is today run by Belgian Carol Duval-Leroy, who took control of the estate after her husband Jean Charles died suddenly in 1991. As well as presiding over a long period of growth and success, she has also left her mark on the wider champagne world, becoming in 2007 the first woman ever (and only woman to date) to be nominated chairman of the Association Viticole Champenoise, Champagne's winemakers' association. 

Many consider successful, modern, market-building Carol to be the 21st century version of famous widow Veuve Clicquot ably assisted by Sandrine Logette-Jardin, one of the only female cellar masters in Champagne. Still very much a family business with Carol's sons Julien, Charles and Louis working alongside her, Duval-Leroy is now recognized as high quality champagne with cuvées found in more than 250 Michelin starred restaurants.