Wrapping up my Blog posts from my trip to Champagne in June this year and saving the best for last with a recap of my visit to Champagne Diebolt-Valois in Cramant.
The marriage of Jacques Diebolt and Nadia Vallois in 1960 brought together the old Diebolt-family vineyards in Cramant where the family has lived since the 19th century, with the considerable vineyard holdings of the Vallois family in Cuis which has been cultivated by them since the 15th century.
Today, the Diebolt-Vallois house is being managed by Jacques and Nadia’s daughter and son, Isabelle and Arnaud, however, still under the watchful eye of Jacques.
In previous years, Diebolt-Vallois used to supply Champagne Pol Roger, and Jacques Diebolt was referred to as the king of ageing blanc de blancs by Laurent d’Harcourt, Pol Roger’s managing director. Today Diebolt-Vallois no longer supply Pol Roger as all of their supply is used in crafting their own cuvées.
We visited Isabelle in Cramant on probably one of the hottest days I have ever experienced in Champagne, but it was mercifully cool in their cellars. Super hospitable, Isabelle enthusiastically talked us through the Diebolt-Vallois philosophy, methods, and vision for the future.
The cellars and facilities are absolutely spotless and Isabelle explained that they make use of small tanks as well as barrels purchased from Burgundy and then large oak vats to keep each vineyard parcel separate. The house’s dosage is lowish at between 6-8gr per litre.
Isabelle is an absolute gem and a fountain of knowledge as well as being incredibly gracious and generous with her time. We tasted through most of the range of Diebolt-Vallois cuvées including their renowned Fleur de Passion, the jewel in the crown of Diebolt-Vallois champagnes, made from the best grapes from the best Cramant vines in the estate. Fleur de Passion is matured in oak barrels in the traditional way and is only produced in the very best of years.
The Chardonnay for Fleur de Passion come from 7 or 8 plots of old vines planted on hillsides in the village of Cramant (village classed 100% Grand Cru). These vines are all over 40 years old and many of them are 60 years old or even more and yields are low.
As someone who absolutely adores Blanc de blanc champagnes, you already know that I was totally in my element visiting Champagne Diebolt-Vallois. Thank you again Isabelle for your hospitality and the adorable gift, I most certainly am a Champagne Addict.
Have a look at their social media pages, Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with all their news and information, and if you can get your hands on any of their cuvées, please don’t hesitate.
Pop, Fizz, Clink
Linn
The Champagne Chick
xo
THE CHAMPAGNE CHICK 