A Champagne History Ep. 8: Carol Duval-Leroy – A Modern Widow’s Legacy & Pairing Tips

Discover how Carol Duval-Leroy reshaped her Champagne house—and what the French really pair with Champagne, from omelets to chips and guacamole.

In this final episode of “A History of Champagne”, filmed in France, meet Carol Duval-Leroy, one of the most influential women in Champagne today. After becoming a widow in her 30s, she took over her family’s historic house— Champagne Duval-Leroy, founded in 1859—and transformed it into one of the most respected independent producers in the region. As both winemaker and chef, her story reflects the evolving role of women in the world of wine.

Filmed on location in Vertus, a village known for its Chardonnay vineyards, this episode offers a rare look inside her winery, her philosophy, and her ties to America.

What do the French really eat with Champagne? Locals from the Champagne region reveal their favorite food pairings—from elegant dishes to surprising snacks like chips and guacamole. Their answers might just change how you enjoy your next glass.

My childhood memories of Champagne at family holiday parties sparked a lifelong curiosity... This series is my tribute to its enduring legacy.

Filmed in 2008, this series offers timeless insights and rare behind-the-scenes access to Champagne’s most iconic maisons. Whether you're a wine lover, history enthusiast, or curious traveler—you’ll never look at a glass of bubbly the same way again. No sponsorships were involved in making this series. #historyofchampagne

00:00 Introduction
01:49 Origins of Duval-Leroy
03:02 Not for Celebrations Only
04:45 Artist Leroy Neiman
06:55 Cuvée Femme
09:47 Vineyard in the Côte des Blancs
10:47 Chardonnay Leaf
11:15 Carol's Cookbook
12:31 Favorite Pairings
21:31 Host Closing at Pops For Champagne
23:32 Thank yous

💛 If you feel moved, you can support my future videos with a PayPal donation. Simply copy and paste this link into your browser. Thank you! https://www.artfulaims.com/support

🥂A Friendly Champagne Pronunciation Disclaimer
We know a few names aren’t pronounced in a perfect French accent—but that won’t stop us from enjoying the bubbles, and we hope it won’t stop you either. You must be of legal drinking age in your region. Cheers!

📔Recommended Reading:
"Champagne: The Wine, The Land and The People" by Patrick Forbes
"The Story of Champagne: The History and Pleasures of the Most Celebrated of Wines" by Nicolas Faith
"Champagne: How the World's Most Glamorous Wine Triumphed Over War and Hard Times" by DonandPetieKladstrup.com

💠 Responsible Enjoyment
Exemplar Arts LLC - D.B.A. Artful Aims- presents this series for entertainment purposes only and offers information and genuine opinions. Champagne contains alcohol and is for adult consumption only. Please drink responsibly and ensure you are of legal drinking age in your region. We do not condone underage drinking or illegal activities. By watching, you acknowledge that the creators are not liable for any actions taken based on this content. Cheers to a sparkling journey through a history of champagne.

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