Champagne Brut, Canard-Duchêne ‘Cuvée Léonie’

tart apple • brioche • clean snap

40% pinot noir • 35% chardonnay • 25% pinot meunier

Bright, welcoming, and immediately Champagne. Tart green apple, lemon peel, and pear open the wine, followed by soft brioche and fresh bread notes that come from time resting on the lees. The palate is crisp and dry, with fine, persistent bubbles and high acidity that keep everything feeling clean, energetic, and refreshing rather than rich.

Léonie is the signature cuvée of Canard-Duchêne, named after Léonie Duchêne, co-founder of the maison in 1868. This wine is designed to introduce the house style: Pinot-driven energy, balance, and approachability without sweetness or heaviness. It sets the tone for the lineup and shows why the house has long been associated with celebration and the table. 50% comes from a perpetual reserve, initiated in 2012, the oldest wine of which dates from 2009.

Pinot Noir provides structure and drive, while Chardonnay and Meunier contribute lift and freshness. Vinification emphasizes clarity and precision—stainless steel preserves brightness, while a touch of neutral oak adds subtle texture without overt oak character. Time on lees rounds the edges just enough to feel polished while keeping the finish snappy and food-ready.

This is Champagne that reminds people why they love Champagne in the first place: effortless, confident, and dangerously easy to drink.