Champagne André Diligent Buxeuil Grand Millésime Brut 2013

The Aube is the southernmost winemaking region in the Champagne area. It’s practically spitting distance from Burgundy, and shares the same kimmeridgian clay soils (and grape variety – pinot)  as that region, imparting that lovely minerality that is so coveted in Champagne. The Aube and Cote des Bars are known for rogue mavericks who do whatever it is they want to do, despite what conventional rules have dictated, and the result has been masterful, interesting, character-ful wines that need to be more well known than they are. I want to make it my mission to highlight all of these incredible wines and characters to you thirsty Bubble Monsters!

Andre Diligent was founded in the village of Buxeuil with 10 hectares of vines. The vines currently range in age from 15-40 years old. As this is the Cote des Bars, most of the vines are pinot noir, with a bit of chardonnay and pinot blanc thrown in. The family still runs the maison, helmed by Joel and Patrick Diligent, who are in the process of turning over the reins to their sons, Thomas and Aurelien. The maison only makes a few cuvees, but they are top quality with meticulous attention to the expressions of the unique terroir of the Cote des Bars.

The cepage of this 2013 vintage is 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay. The vintage expresses great fruitiness, and lemon verbena and zest are evident on both the nose and the palate, along with stewed pome fruits and racy acidity that makes your mouth water. It’s the perfect choice for a fancy multi-course meal or an at-home Netflix sesh on the sofa. There’s a purity of fruit here, yet a generosity of the wine that makes it a perfect match for just about anything. Don’t believe me? Well, believe this – I just bought a case! Now, it’s your turn!