Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs “Fleur de Passion” 2013

Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs "Fleur de Passion" 2013 is an exquisite dry champagne, crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes selected from old vines in the premier cru vineyards of Cramant, in the renowned Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France. This exceptional cuvée embodies the pinnacle of Diebolt-Vallois's winemaking expertise, showcasing a dedication to highlighting the purity and elegance of Chardonnay, while the 2013 vintage reflects the unique climatic conditions of that year, offering depth, complexity, and aging potential. "Fleur de Passion" 2013 is a testament to the finesse and craftsmanship of the Diebolt-Vallois house, presenting a champagne that is both richly textured and beautifully balanced.

The champagne house Diebolt-Vallois can be found in Cramant, a village in the "Côte des Blancs" - it`s chalky soil makes the perfect home for Chardonnay vines. It is certainly one of the finest terroirs in the Champagne region and the realm of "blanc de blancs" champagnes. In 1978 the estate underwent a sea-change with the extension of the estate and the construction of all the cellars and the winery. The Diebolt-Vallois champagne vineyards cover 11 hectares the great majority of which are in Cramant and Cuis, two villages that are classed as Grand Cru and Premier Cru respectively. All of these are planted entirely with Chardonnay. Some vines on the Montagne de Reims and the Côte de Bar complete the estate's holdings, and these are planted with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Vineyards are on The East-South-East facing slopes suit the Chardonnay particularly well, and it gives the champagne power and rich texture. The grapes are hand picked and each plot is picked separately and vinified apart. The harvest is either pressed in a traditional vertical press or pneumatically. Only the "cuvees" - the juice from the first pressing - are kept for all the blanc de blancs. Depending on the wine, fermentation is either carried out in thermostatically controlled vats or in wooden barrels. Malolactic fermentation takes place in all the wines except Fleur de Passion which is the prestige cuvee of the house.

On the nose, “Fleur de Passion” 2013 unfolds with a vibrant bouquet of white flowers, green apple, and citrus zest, complemented by nuanced hints of toasted almonds and brioche, a reflection of its meticulous aging process. The palate is met with a delicate yet pronounced complexity, featuring layers of lemon curd, pear, and a mineral-driven finish, underscored by a fine mousse and elegant acidity that leads to a long, memorable finish.

This Blanc de Blancs pairs magnificently with fine seafood dishes, such as lobster bisque or seared scallops, where its crisp acidity and nuanced flavors accentuate the richness and textures of the seafood. It also complements lightly seasoned poultry dishes, offering a refreshing counterbalance to the flavors and enhancing the overall dining experience with its refined elegance and complexity.