Peter Liem, the FOREMOST authority on Champagne in the world, had this to say about Diebolt-Vallois. "One of the most iconic and highly respected growers in the Cote des Blancs, Jacques Diebolt has been making Champagne in the village of Cramant since 1959." Peter is a savant when it comes to Champagne, and his writings and opines are second to none.
Like Peter, I have been a longtime fan of Diebolt-Vallois, one of the original Récoltant-Manipulants (grower-producer, RM for short) of the region. Monsieur Diebolt was all of 17 years old when he made his first wine, and he's still doing it. That experience is on full display in the this absolute stunner of a Champagne.
Champagne Diebolt-Vallois Brut Tradition
Incredibly fine bubbles, beautifully aromatic, and pleasantly mineralic!
ORDER NOW in our online store.
Based in the Grand Cru village of Cramant, Diebolt Vallois' Brut Tradition is a lesson in refinement, elegance, and class. The bubbles are small and sparse, the mousse is elegant and fine, and the aromas and flavors are quite sophisticated and complex. 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, and 20% Pinot Meunier, primarily from Grand Cru Villages, this is as good as Champagne gets for less than $50.
Wine Spectator summed it up nicely, rating this one 92 points. "Blood orange peel and saffron aromas accent the crunchy white peach and toast point flavors of this focused, linear Champagne. Tightly meshed and mouthwatering, with a lasting, mineral-laced finish."
My personal tasting notes were similar. Ripe red apple, Bosc pear, citrus oils, marzipan croissant, and chalky mineral came screaming out of the glass. This led into an energetic, bright, and layered palate with rich yet zesty flavors and a long and substantial finish.
I was "turned on" to Diebolt-Vallois' wines by one of my early mentors, and I still remember the first time I had this wine. Back then (2003), my tastes in wine were not quite as "elevated" as they are now. I drank big reds and not much else, and I wasn't too excited that we were celebrating a big day of sales with a bottle of bubbly. My opinion changed immediately after one sniff and sip of this one.
Since that day, I've become somewhat of a "Champagne Evangelizer," as I think it's one of the most enjoyable drinks on the planet. It goes well with every type of food imaginable, but it does not require food. It's great for celebrations, but it turns a normal weekday evening into a celebration.
Trust me, your intellect will be stimulated when you get this into your glass. It's both a superb value and a great deal, and I guarantee you and your family and friends will thoroughly enjoy it this holiday season.
ORDER NOW in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville