Why it matters
The producer
Jacques Diebolt married Nadia Vallois in 1960, bringing together the Diebolt family vineyards in Cramant and the Vallois family holdings in Cuis. The Diebolt family had lived in Cramant since the 19th century, while the Vallois holdings in Cuis had been cultivated since the 15th century. Siblings Isabelle and Arnaud Diebolt now manage the third generation of the house.
The cellar keeps each vineyard parcel separate in small tanks, barrels purchased from Burgundy, and large oak vats. Separate vinification lets each parcel remain distinct before the wines are used in the house cuvées. Dosage is 6 to 8 grams per litre. Dosage is the small addition of sugar made after disgorgement, and a low level keeps the Champagne dry while softening acidity and rounding texture.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Cramant and Cuis are the two villages at the centre of the family's vineyard holdings. Cramant is associated with the Diebolt vineyards, while Cuis is the source of the Vallois family holdings.
The Cramant vineyards include hillside plots in a village classified 100% Grand Cru. Grand Cru is Champagne's highest village classification, so the designation places Cramant at the top level of the appellation hierarchy. The hillside plots add a narrower origin within that village classification.
Wines to know
The range in view
Fleur de Passion is the house's prestige cuvée. It is made from Chardonnay grown in 7 or 8 hillside plots in Cramant, a village classified 100% Grand Cru. The vines are all over 40 years old, many 60 years old or more, and yields are low.
Fleur de Passion is matured in oak barrels in the traditional way and produced only in the very best years. Barrel ageing gives the wine gradual contact with oxygen and can add texture to Chardonnay while the low yields produce a more concentrated base wine.