Deutz Champagne
by Wendy VanHatten
Deutz, formerly known as Deutz & Geldermann, is a historic Champagne house located in the village of Aÿ, one of the most respected wine-growing areas in the Champagne region. Founded in 1838 by William Deutz and Pierre‑Hubert Geldermann, the house quickly established a reputation for producing elegant, refined sparkling wines that reflect the traditions of the region.
Founding and Early History
William Deutz and Pierre-Hubert Geldermann were originally wine merchants from Germany who settled in the Champagne region of France. Recognizing the exceptional quality of grapes grown around Aÿ—particularly Pinot Noir, which thrives in the area’s chalky soils—they founded their Champagne house with a focus on crafting wines of precision and balance.
Since that time, the house of Deutz has been run and managed by successive generations of both the Deutz and the Geldermann families. The Rouzard family acquired the Duetz house in 1983. They also own Louis Roederer.
Deutz, formerly known as Deutz & Geldermann, is a historic Champagne house located in the village of Aÿ, one of the most respected wine-growing areas in the Champagne region. Founded in 1838 by William Deutz and Pierre‑Hubert Geldermann, the house quickly established a reputation for producing elegant, refined sparkling wines that reflect the traditions of the region.
Founding and Early History
William Deutz and Pierre-Hubert Geldermann were originally wine merchants from Germany who settled in the Champagne region of France. Recognizing the exceptional quality of grapes grown around Aÿ—particularly Pinot Noir, which thrives in the area’s chalky soils—they founded their Champagne house with a focus on crafting wines of precision and balance.
Deutz owns some of the Bordeaux wine estate of Chateau Vemous and the Rhone estate of Delas Feres. Branching out, Deutz formed a partnership with New Zealand producer Montana Wines. This was to make sparkling wines in the Marlborough wine region of New Zealand.
Touring the Deutz Champagne house, its impressive collection of Lalique crystal, and miles and miles of caves was a real treat when we were in Ay, France.
Even better, the Champagne tastings at the end of the tour was a terrific way to end a perfect day.
