No law such as “AOC” (“Wine of Controlled Origin in France”) existed to protect the wines of the Champagne area.
In order to prevent other wines from using the name “CHAMPAGNE”, to the detriment of their customers, the growers rebelled !
It was during these events of 1911 that our ancestor, Edmond Dubois, was so passionate in the defense of his profession and the traditions of Champagne that his colleagues named him “Le Rédempteur de la Champagne”. (that means “The savior/redeemer of Champagne”)
Then came the First World War. In 1918, our village Venteuil was totally destroyed. Delayed by these major events, it was finally in 1927 that a law protecting Champagne was voted in. This law meant that grapes grown in the Champagne area could only be used to make Champagne. Therefore, we can proudly proclaim today that :
“The only Champagne is from Champagne region”.
Yesterday
In 1911, the founder of the Company Edmond Dubois, our ancestor, was nicknamed “Le Redempteur” of Champagne by his fellow wine-growers.
Indeed, at the beginning of the 20th century, the economic situation for the wine growers was difficult.
The vineyards were ravaged by a disease which destroyed the vines: the “phylloxera”.
The 1910 harvest was catastrophic and on top of this, high taxes wiped out the growers.
At this time, the most serious problem to be addressed was the lack of official legal protection.
Claudy Dubois (5th generation) is the estate manager. She is passionately involved in
every stage of Champagne-making, from vine cultivation to vinification. She also works
on developing sales and seeking out new markets.
Patrick, her husband, came to the estate for love. An outdoorsman,
he recently retired, delegating his tasks to his children.
Today
Passion and professionalism characterize the deserving defer-granddaughter of a historic figure of Champagne.
To the memory of our ancestor, we remain a family company and elaborate our Champagne in the respect and the tradition.
So, all our Champagnes, our Vintages, are maturing/ageing from 10 to 11 months in oak barrels, and, the bottles riddling is always done by hand.
And tomorrow the succession is assured ! The boys, Cédric and Vincent (5th generation), work alongside their mother.
And for tomorrow, the succession is inherited by Vincent, the 5th Generation, the youngest son of Claudy and Patrick. So the family Know-how and the tradition are passed from generation to generation.
Tomorrow
The family
The family
Edmond DUBOIS born at Damery, March 7th, 1872
Blanche LEPAGE born at Venteuil, 22th July, 1874
Wedding the 10th January 1895
During the revolt of 1911, our ancestor Edmond Dubois defended the profession and tradition of Champagne with so much faintness that his entourage called him “the redeemer of Champagne.”
The AOC Champagne was born as a result of this revolt.
Philibert DUBOIS born at Venteuil, 14th April, 1908
Cécile BEAUNY born at Boursault, 26th February, 1911
Wedding the 23th May 1931
2nd generation
Son of Edmond Dubois and Blanche Lepage
From 1938 to 1945, Philibert went off to war.
For 7 years, Cécile fought for the estate, taking over the reins of the family business,
guiding its development and perpetuating its history.
Claude DUBOIS born at Epernay, 23th April, 1938
Geneviève FOIN born at Epernay, 7th January, 1939
Wedding the 25th Juny 1960
3rd generation
Sons of Philibert and Cécile Dubois
Claude & Genevieve took over, developing production and setting up a wine nursery.
They also created the ‘Les Almanachs’ and ‘Claude Dubois’ brands.
Claudy DUBOIS born at Epernay, 29th December, 1961
Patrick MICHAUX born at Epernay, 14th February, 1962
Weeding the 25th Juny 2000
4th generation
Claudy brings her feminine touch to the house.
The house is expanding and modernizing. Patrick is involved in the wine business.
Cédric MICHAUX born at Epernay, 24th March, 1988
Vincent MICHAUX born at Epernay, 5th December, 1993
5th generation
Cédric and Vincent bring a new era, with respect for traditions and the environment.
They create their own cuvée “Nouvel R. ”