Diebolt-Vallois N.V. "Tradition" Brut

The Wine

Here we have a refined, Chardonnay-forward Champagne with notes of citrus, white flowers, and chalk, made more complex and interesting by notes of ripe orchard fruit and a saline finish. The wine’s low dosage of 4g/L (Extra Brut) keeps it lithe in body while emphasizing terroir and aging potential above all else.

A blend of the estate's still wines from 2018 (40%) and 2021 (60%), blended in 2022 and aged on the lees until disgorged in July of 2025. This cult wine has found its way into some Parisien's favorite Michelin-starred restaurants like Guy Savoy, Le Crillon, and the Four Seasons George V. The estate’s small size and artisanal approach mean allocations are limited, making each bottle a sought-after expression of Côte des Blancs finesse.

Pairings: Ideal with salmon tartare, sea bass ceviche, or roasted farm poultry with root vegetables. Its mineral edge also complements sashimi, lobster tacos, and triple-cream cheeses such as our ever-popular, Brillat-Savarin.

If planning a Champagne tasting, this wine provides a perfect example of terroir-driven Blanc de Bland (White of White, or a white wine from white grapes, which almost ALWAYS means the champagne is crafted from 100% Chardonnay).

The Winery

Based in the Grand Cru Village of Cramant (not to be confused with the term "Cremant", which refers to French sparkling wines from outside of Champagne's borders), the family-run, grower-producer, Diebolt-Valois is revered for crafting terroir-driven wines that grace Michelin-starred tables across Paris. From the Cote des Blancs (white slopes) which does NOT (contrary to logic, perhaps) refer to much-valued white limestone soils but rather to the dominance of Chardonnay in the vineyards! Hallmarks of a Cote des Blancs Champagne:

• Elegance
• Minerality
• Aging potential