READ · COMPARE · EXPLAIN
Deutz: comparing plots in the same village and variety
Founded in Aÿ in 1838 by William Deutz and Pierre-Hubert Geldermann, this house produces wines blended from several villages, as well as a Blanc de Noirs from Pinot Noir grown in specific parcels in Aÿ.
Compare two plots in Aÿ by orientation, area, grape variety, and aging period.
Questions for this course
Even with Pinot Noir from Aÿ, are the slope orientations always the same?
Before you start reading, briefly jot down your thoughts. You will rephrase them at the end.
To applied practice using the material ↓
To explanation task notes ↓Champagne Deutz / Learn from Producers
France / Champagne / Aÿ
Aliases/Labels: Champagne Deutz / ドゥーツ
Updated: 2026-10-06
Scope of the base of operations and raw materials
The maison is located in Aÿ and mainly sources grapes from its own vineyards within about 20 km of the base and from long-term contract partners. Do not equate the village location with the entire grape source for each wine; always check the village or parcel indicated for each bottling individually.
Two vineyard plots in Aÿ
La Côte Glacière is a 1.9 ha, south-facing plot with a 25% slope. Meurtet is 2.4 ha and east-facing. Both are 100% Pinot Noir from Aÿ, but they differ in area and aspect. A key to document reading is not to confuse a 25% slope with 25 degrees.
List common conditions first.
The pamphlet explains that both labels are aged for 6 years in the cellar, and includes a tasting notes for the 2018 vintage. Check village, grape variety, and stated aging period before assessing differences between plots. However, based on this information alone, it cannot be definitively concluded that differences in aroma and flavor are solely due to orientation.
What to align and what to compare.
Raw material
- Conditions to standardize
- Aÿ, Pinot Noir
- Conditions for comparison.
- Two sites
- Additional points to confirm
- Same harvest year?
Topography
- Conditions to standardize
- The slopes of Aÿ
- Conditions for comparison.
- South-facing and east-facing
- Additional points to confirm
- Slope gradient and angle units
Aging
- Conditions to standardize
- Both are listed as 6 years in the pamphlet.
- Conditions for comparison.
- Plots and source grape conditions
- Additional points to confirm
- Winemaking specifications for individual vintages
Order of reading and key points to consider in each article
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READ · HYPOTHESIZE · RECONSIDER
Reading Deutz materials: comparing plots in the same village and variety
Check and compare the region, raw materials, and process from the materials, and explain what can be learned from the comparison.
Comparative tables are based on the source’s target year and the explanation at the time of verification. Descriptions without year specifications are not treated as specifications common to all harvest years or shipped portions.
| Comparison items | La Côte Glacière | Meurtet |
|---|---|---|
| Location and grape variety. | Aÿ, 100% Pinot Noir | Aÿ, 100% Pinot Noir |
| Plot | 1.9ha, south-facing, 25% slope | 2.4ha, east-facing |
| Note on cellar aging | 6 years | 6 years |
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What are the similarities between the two labels?
Both labels are 100% Pinot Noir from Aÿ. La Côte Glacière is a 1.9 ha south-facing plot, while Meurtet is a 2.4 ha east-facing plot. Using village and variety as shared factors, the differences between the plots can be compared.
What is the 25% of La Côte Glacière?
25% refers to the slope gradient of La Côte Gracière, not an angle of 25 degrees. Since different units are used to express gradients, do not simply extract the numerical value, but always retain the % from the source material.
What are the aspects (orientation) for the two labels?
La Côte Glacière faces south and Meurtet faces east. Both are in Aÿ and are described as 100% Pinot Noir. However, not all conditions except orientation are necessarily identical, so differences in taste cannot be solely ascribed to orientation.
Basis and sources for the exercise
Practice exercises in comparison
Check and compare the region, raw materials, and process from the materials, and explain what can be learned from the comparison.
Read examples of organizing comparisons
| Conditions for Comparison | La Côte Glacière | Meurtet |
|---|---|---|
| Location and grape variety. | Aÿ, 100% Pinot Noir | Aÿ, 100% Pinot Noir |
| Plot | 1.9ha, south-facing, 25% slope | 2.4ha, east-facing |
| Note on cellar aging | 6 years | 6 years |
Sources of materials used for comparison are listed in the text and exercises.
Explain in your own words
Separate the shared and differing conditions of the two plots, and consider why orientation alone does not determine aroma or flavor.
Check after writing
- Set village and grape variety as shared conditions for comparison.
- Do not change the unit for slope.
- Retain the differences between the plots.
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