Champagne Dérot-Delugny — Meunier Expertise from Crouttes-sur-Marne
Champagne Dérot-Delugny is a Vigneron-Maison (RM) from Crouttes-sur-Marne in the western Vallée de la Marne. Founded 1929 by Philippe Dérot and Yvonne Delugny, the house is now run by the 4th generation with Laurent Dérot (since 2010) and his sister Claire Dérot (since 2014). The Maison cultivates 13.5 hectares exclusively in Crouttes-sur-Marne and focuses on experimental vinification with an emphasis on terroir expression.
History
In 1929, Philippe Dérot and Yvonne Delugny founded their Maison and introduced a special feature: they planted Pinot Gris – historically also called Fromenteau – in their vineyards. This grape variety would become part of the house's DNA.
In the 1950s, Bernard and Yvette Dérot took over. They doubled the vineyard area and opened up to Chardonnay, which led to the introduction of a Blanc de Blancs to their range. Bernard Dérot's intuition to bring Chardonnay to Crouttes-sur-Marne was a key moment for the house.
The third generation – François and Marie-Odile Dérot – took over in 1990. They added Pinot Noir to the grape variety portfolio and replanted Pinot Gris in the late 1990s to honor the house's origins.
2010 began the fourth generation with Laurent Dérot's entry. In 2014, his sister Claire joined. Together they led the Maison into a phase of certification: in 2017, Dérot-Delugny received HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) and VDC (Viticulture Durable en Champagne) at Level 3.
Vignoble & Soil
The Maison's 13.5 hectares are located exclusively in Crouttes-sur-Marne. The grape variety distribution is clear: 69.63% Pinot Meunier, 19.26% Pinot Noir, 7.26% Chardonnay and 3.85% Pinot Gris.
Meunier dominates the picture – a typical constellation for the western Vallée de la Marne. The Chardonnay portion is small but deliberately chosen: Bernard Dérot's decision to plant Chardonnay in Crouttes was a passion project and today enables precise Blanc-de-Blancs cuvées. The Pinot Gris – introduced by the founders, revived by François Dérot – is a rarity and is used exclusively for the cuvée Retour en Avant.
Viticulture & Sustainability
Dérot-Delugny has always managed its vineyards with sustainable logic. In 2017, this approach was formalized through HVE Level 3 and VDC Level 3 certifications.
The Maison focuses on progressive vineyard renewal and continuously observes its environment to adapt locally. The philosophy is long-term: no quick upheavals, but gradual adaptation to climate and soil conditions.
Vinification
Vinification at Dérot-Delugny is experimental and aims for maximum terroir expression. The wines are aged partly in stainless steel, partly in wood: Two Rhône barrels from Condrieu serve the 100% Meunier Coteaux Champenois, a Burgundy barrel the Pinot Noir red wine used for the Rosé d'assemblage.
The Maison works with about 50% reserve wines for maximum depth. After fermentation, the wines age for at least 1 year in tank before tirage in October. Marketing takes place after 3–5 years of bottle aging, for vintages after 10 years.
Some cuvées like Milieu Naturel are spontaneously fermented, unfiltered and without fining. Dosage ranges between 0 g/l (Brut Nature) and 6 g/l (Brut).
The Cuvées in Detail
ADN (Premier du genre)
The DNA cuvée of the Maison: 80% Meunier and 20% Chardonnay. Symbol of continuous adaptation and the first reference for all occasions. Gourmand, federative and versatile.
80% Meunier, 20% Chardonnay · Brut · Crouttes-sur-Marne
Binôme
A combination of two significant grape varieties for the family: 50% each Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Characterized by roundness, opulence and complexity – a balanced duo.
50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay · Brut · Crouttes-sur-Marne
Milieu Naturel — Blanc de Noirs
Vergesst alles, was ihr über die klassischen Rebsorten der Champagne wisst. Heute wird es exotisch, würzig und fast schon ein wenig mystisch mit dem…
Hier habe ich einen ganz besonderen Rosé göffnet: den „Bissextile“ von @derotdelugny . Der Name ist hier Programm, denn dieser Rosé d’Assemblage…
Manchmal ist das Öffnen fast genauso spannend wie das Trinken. Endlich kam mein @laclaye – LA CLASSIQUE 1938 zum ersten Einsatz – das kleine…
100% Pinot Meunier, spontaneously fermented, unfiltered, no fining. Brut Nature. Dominant pâtisserie character, rich and dense through Meunier's gourmandise. Ripe pear, apple, light brioche, fresh nuts. Dry, taut and pure with creamy texture – an uncompromising expression of Meunier.
100% Meunier · Brut Nature (0 g/l) · 30 months aging · Crouttes-sur-Marne, Vallée de la Marne
Hors Pair — Blanc de Blancs
A beloved cépage that came to Crouttes-sur-Marne thanks to Bernard Dérot's intuition. Rich and sharp accents of linden, citrus fruits and ginger. 80% cuvée, 20% taille, about 50% reserve wines. Precise, fresh, citrusy, salty – a Blanc de Blancs with character.
100% Chardonnay · Brut (6 g/l) · 36 months aging · Crouttes-sur-Marne
Retour en Avant
100% Pinot Gris – historically called Fromenteau. Introduced by the founders, replanted by François Dérot in the late 1990s. Homage to the house's origins. Unusually spicy with earthy notes, lime, mint, garrigue herbs. Structured with a long peppery finish. 80% cuvée, 20% tailles, 50% reserve wines.
100% Pinot Gris · Brut (6 g/l) · 48 months aging · Base 2018-2019 · Crouttes-sur-Marne, Vallée de la Marne
Bissextile — Rosé d'assemblage
Rosé d'assemblage whose quality makes up for its rarity. The base is a precious red wine from an ideally situated parcel, harvested only in the best years, exclusively vinified in barrel. Elegant, spicy and warm personality with additional structure, density and breeding.
43% Chardonnay, 43% Meunier, 14% Pinot Noir · Rosé d'assemblage · Crouttes-sur-Marne
Brève Histoire de Temps — Millésime
Vintage Champagne as a homage to humility before time. Warm and luminous vintage, convergence of an exceptional year and perfect maturity. Beautiful exotic, biscuity and nutty complexity. 120 months aging – 10 years of patience.
50% Chardonnay, 50% Meunier · Millésime · 120 months aging · Crouttes-sur-Marne
Coteaux Champenois
100% Meunier. Produced only in exceptional years. Wood-aged: 2 Rhône barrels from Condrieu elevate the Meunier in a pleasurable dimension, without excess. Compatibility of energy and freshness for versatile enjoyment – a still red wine with character.
100% Meunier · Coteaux Champenois (still, red) · Millésime · Wood aging (Condrieu barrels) · Crouttes-sur-Marne
My Tastings
- Retour en Avant (2018-2019) · 22.02.2026
- Hors Pair · 22.12.2025
- Milieu Naturel – Blanc de Noirs · 12.11.2025
Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | RM (Récoltant-Manipulant) |
| Founded | 1929 |
| Founders | Philippe Dérot and Yvonne Delugny |
| Current Management | Laurent Dérot and Claire Dérot (4th generation, since 2010/2014) |
| Vineyards | 13.5 ha |
| Vineyards | Crouttes-sur-Marne (100%) |
| Region | Vallée de la Marne (Aisne, 02) |
| Grape Varieties | 69.63% Meunier, 19.26% Pinot Noir, 7.26% Chardonnay, 3.85% Pinot Gris |
| Certifications | HVE Level 3, VDC Level 3 (since 2017) |
| Aging | Stainless steel & wood (Rhône and Burgundy barrels) |
| Dosage Range | 0–6 g/l |
| Website | champagne-derot-delugny.com |
| @derotdelugny | |
| Address | 21 Grande Rue, 02310 Crouttes-sur-Marne |
| Phone | +33 (0)3 23 82 18 18 |
Sources for this portrait: Maison website, my own tastings, CRM data and cross-checks. Fields without sufficient verification remain open.