Julie Dufour

The History of Champagne Julie Dufour

The story of the Champagne Julie Dufour estate is that of a family deeply rooted in the Côte des Bar’s winemaking tradition. Julie, daughter of Robert Dufour and Françoise Martinot, is the third generation to cultivate this land. After a career in IT in Paris, Julie felt a “natural need to return to her roots” in 2012. She returned to Landreville, in southern Champagne, to take over part of the family estate. Having trained as a winegrower through a BPREA qualification, she committed to organic viticulture, following in the footsteps of her mother, a pioneer of organic farming in Champagne. Supported by her brother Charles, an acclaimed winegrower, and by the Fondation Terre de Liens, which helped preserve the estate’s integrity in 2018, Julie is writing a new chapter in this family saga. Her journey, marked by a bold career change and unwavering determination, has made her a rising figure in grower champagne.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Champagne Julie Dufour

Domaine Julie Dufour flourishes on the Kimmeridgian limestone soils typical of the Côte des Bar, where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reign supreme. Its 4.25 hectares, farmed organically, benefit from a distinctive terroir that gives the wines lively acidity and elegant minerality. The vines, planted equally to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, are tended using environmentally respectful practices, including plant infusions and decoctions to treat the soils. This close connection with nature is reflected in every bottle, yielding vibrant, authentic champagnes. The proximity to Chablis and the absence of chalk in this region reinforce the wines’ distinctive character, ideal for enthusiasts seeking an exceptional terroir when buying wine.

Winemaking at Champagne Julie Dufour

Winemaking at Julie Dufour combines artisanal expertise with innovation. Some of the organic grapes are sold, while the rest are carefully vinified to produce around 6,000 bottles a year. Julie works with her brother Charles, sharing the same cellar in Landreville. Made in keeping with traditional Champagne methods, her cuvées reflect a minimalist approach, with low dosages that preserve the purity of the fruit and terroir. Some cuvées, such as Cléobuline, are aged partly in old wood and steel, while Binôme incorporates a Chardonnay macerated on its skins in glass demijohns, adding complexity and texture. This meticulous process yields organic champagnes of great finesse, perfect for connoisseurs looking to buy an exceptional wine.

The Cuvées of Champagne Julie Dufour

The estate offers three signature cuvées, each reflecting Julie’s personality and the richness of her terroir:

Cléobuline Extra Brut: Julie’s first cuvée, launched in 2019, is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, with a light dosage of 3 g/L. Aged in old wood and steel, it opens with slightly smoky, herbal notes, elegant acidity and creamy minerality. Notes of stone fruit and brioche round out this organic champagne, ideal for aperitifs or refined dishes. Its medium finish and dry style make it a perfect choice for lovers of authentic champagnes.

Cléobuline Chapitre II Brut Nature: Sourced from a single plot, Les Ormes, this 100% Chardonnay cuvée is a brut nature with no dosage. It delights with its purity and vibrancy, pronounced minerality and the freshness characteristic of the Côte des Bar terroir. This organic champagne is perfect for purists seeking an unadorned sparkling wine to enjoy with seafood or light dishes.

Binôme Brut Nature: The fruit of a collaboration with her brother Charles, Binôme is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, including a Chardonnay aged on its skins for a year in glass demijohns. This distinctive process gives it a rich texture and remarkable complexity. Balanced, with a lively interplay of acidity and fruit, this organic champagne offers nuanced notes and a long finish, making it ideal with gourmet dishes.

Il était une fois Extra Brut: This cuvée brings together 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay with a dosage of 4 g/L. From a single plot, it reveals a lovely harmony of freshness and roundness, with floral and fruity aromas. Its colorful, feminine labels reflect Julie’s love of nature and beauty, making this champagne an ideal choice for celebrations.

Champagne Julie Dufour is an invitation to discover the soul of the Côte des Bar through organic wines of rare authenticity. Each cuvée, whether Cléobuline, Binôme or Il était une fois, tells a story of passion, terroir and respect for nature. If you’re buying wine online, this estate offers a unique experience that blends family tradition with innovation. With her energy and vision, Julie Dufour crafts champagnes that captivate sparkling-wine enthusiasts. Order now and let these exceptional cuvées win you over, available at the best price from Vins & Millésimes.