Ferdinand RUELLE DUDEL
An aeronautical engineer by training, Ferdinand Ruelle-Dudel has long been a wine enthusiast. In 2019, he set course for Avize to join his father-in-law, Olivier Bonville, at the helm of Champagne Franck Bonville, where he is the managing director.
The family's winegrowing history began in the early 20th century, when Alfred Bonville acquired a number of vineyard plots. "A few years later, the heart of the company was beating on the Avize side of the famous Côte des Blancs, where Chardonnay is king. Mainly located in the villages of Avize, Oger and Mesnil-sur-Oger, the vineyard covers some 15 hectares divided into some 80 parcels. Ferdinand and Olivier's sensitive, ongoing observation of their heritage of old vines and terroirs has enabled them to chart an ambitious course, with very well-defined champagnes. Some are blends, such as the Brut Grand Cru or Unisson. Others, in particular the Pur Avize, Pur Mesnil and Pur Oger trilogy, showcase precisely selected terroirs. When asked about the house style, Ferdinand explains: " We don't deny the acidity of Côte des Blancs Chardonnays. But, through the maturity of the harvest or the choices made in vinification, we like to give them a little volume and delicacy, while preserving a fresh structure ".
