Tiếng ViệtIf I were to name my absolute favorite champagne, Deutz would undoubtedly come to mind first. Not only is Deutz a symbol of exceptional quality—ranked among the top six champagne producers in the world—but it also holds a special place in my heart due to the unforgettable experiences I had fortunate at the legendary Champagne House Deutz.
Arrival at Ay, Champagne
In 2019, during a journey to explore the renowned wine regions of France with Đa Lộc, the wine company I used to worked with, I had the rare opportunity to visit Deutz, located in Ay—a village often referred to as the cradle of the world’s most prestigious champagne houses.
It was early September, the onset of a glorious autumn in France. Upon landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, our group boarded a bus for the 150-kilometer drive to Champagne. As the pristine white gates of Deutz opened to welcome us, the sight of the iconic angel of love—a symbol of the family’s philosophy—instantly captivated me. This emblem reflects the essence of Deutz: love and heritage poured into every bottle of champagne.
A Warm and Grand Reception
We were honored to be greeted warmly at the entrance by three key figures of the Champagne Deutz family: the CEO, along with two export directors. Stepping into the cozy, classically designed reception room, adorned in warm tones, I felt as though I had become a part of history.
On the walls hung portraits of the founders, William Deutz and Pierre-Hubert Geldermann, and the CEO narrated the story of how Deutz was established in 1838. Through five generations, the house has preserved and perfected the art of crafting fine champagne. With 275 hectares of vineyards, Deutz selects only the finest grapes, nurturing them with unwavering passion and meticulous care to create their exquisite champagnes.
The Cellar: A Vault of Secrets
Exploring Deutz’s cellar was a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience. As we descended into the underground chambers, I was awestruck by the sheer magnitude of the space. Endless corridors held thousands of champagne bottles, safeguarded like treasures. The cool temperature of 11°C and high humidity of the cellar create the ideal conditions for champagne to mature gracefully.
For the first time, I witnessed the manual process of rotating champagne bottles on racks, a technique known as riddling. This labor-intensive method ensures that the sediment gradually collects at the bottle neck. The CEO explained that Deutz refrains from aging its champagne in oak barrels to preserve its purest essence—an exceptional practice in the world of champagne.
The cellar also housed vintage bottles, carefully labeled and dated, with legendary names like Cuvée William Deutz and Amour de Deutz. These masterpieces seemed to echo the whispers of time, telling tales of the craft and tradition that shaped them.
A Bespoke Lunch with Deutz’s Finest
Following the cellar tour, we were treated to an exclusive lunch prepared by Deutz’s private chef. The menu was impeccably paired with their finest champagnes, including Cuvée William Deutz, Amour de Deutz Blanc, and Amour de Deutz Rosé.
During lunch, I had the honor of translating for the export director of Delas, a sister company of Deutz. Initially nervous about my ability to capture all the nuances, I shared my concern with him. With a gentle smile, he reassured me, saying, “Don’t worry. I’ll summarize my points beforehand to make it easier for you.” His kindness and thoughtfulness embodied the elegance and refinement that defines the Deutz family.
A Royal Evening at the Champagne Hotel & Spa
That evening, Deutz hosted us for a lavish dinner at the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, one of the most luxurious destinations in Champagne.
The drive to the hotel was nothing short of spectacular. As our bus meandered through winding roads, panoramic views of expansive vineyards stretched as far as the eye could see. We couldn’t resist stopping to capture the beauty of the moment. To our surprise, we encountered a convoy of Bugatti supercars, their sleek designs adding a touch of opulence to the serene vineyard landscape.
When we arrived at the hotel, we were astonished to find the Bugatti convoy parked at the same venue. The restaurant, a Michelin-starred gem, is a frequent host for exclusive events for luxury car brands.
Located on the rooftop, the restaurant offered breathtaking views of Champagne’s vineyards. That night, we savored a culinary symphony crafted by master chefs, complemented by Deutz’s rarest champagnes. Among them was the magnificent Deutz Rosé 6L, a 6-liter bottle from a limited edition of only 100 bottles, produced only in exceptional vintages. Every sip, every bite, and every glance at the stunning surroundings felt like a harmonious celebration of art, nature, and tradition.
A Precious Gift
As our journey concluded, each of us received an exquisite keepsake: a delicate gold necklace fashioned from the bottle caps of Amour de Deutz, adorned with a tiny diamond. This thoughtful gift serves as a lasting reminder of the passion and dedication that Deutz pours into every bottle of champagne. I cherish this piece and often wear it on special occasions.
Deutz: A Legacy Beyond Champagne
To me, Deutz is far more than a champagne house. It is a living legacy—a symbol of love, tradition, and artistry distilled into every drop. Deutz is not merely champagne; it is an enduring legend that continues to inspire the world.
Phuong Maxy – Storyteller
