Family values: small; authentic; distinct

Champagne Deutz, since 1838

Since 1838 when Deutz was founded by a couple of German wine merchants, they have remained in the ownership of more or less the same family. Over the years there have been ups and downs in terms of both finances and quality but since the mid 1990s their trajectory has been only upward. The engine for Deutz's transformation has been Fabrice Rosset, who took control in 1996 and almost immediately sold half a million bottles 'sur latte' (under production) that he didn't like to other Champagne producers - an entirely legal move. Since then growth at the house has been enormous and to forestall rumours that Deutz themselves were buying sur latte, he adopted an unique bottle shape. All Deutz - and only Deutz - is so presented.

They are still a small house - making fewer than three million bottles per year - and we think the sweet heart of their range is the vintage style. We are very pleased to have Deutz on tasting today as we believe they deserve a higher profile in the area. Richard Witter and Arthur Voulgaris, Deutz's UK ambassadors, will guide you through the range and share their knowledge and commitment to the work of the maison. /CW