Originally a part of Burgundy, the Côte des Bar is now the most southerly appellation of Champagne, located in the Aube region. Over the past few decades, it’s been an underdog rising to the top, thanks to prominent grower producers crafting some seriously mesmerizing bubblies from these parts. Previously, it was mostly known as a place for the Grand Marques to purchase abundant and rich pinot noir grapes for blending purposes – and before 1927, it was even considered “Champagne deuxième” zone, or second Champagne zone. Ever since becoming an “official” member of Champagne, Côte des Bar growers and producers like Champagne Montaubret have been on a mission to prove these Kimmeridgian soils’ relevance, distinguishment, and intrigue… and if you ask me, they’re doing a mighty fine job of it!

Due to the warmer climate in the Côte des Bar, red grapes have been the chosen variety to plant here for centuries – with pinot noir taking up 86% of vines and producing rich, structured, full-bodied fruit flavors. However, the proximity and soil likeness to Chablis also allows for chardonnay to thrive, though only 10% of vineyard land is planted to it at this time, with pinot meunier and a few other varieties taking on limited plots, as well. This Brut Champagne is a blend of 80% pinot noir plus 20% chardonnay, with vinification occurring in temperature-controlled stainless steel, followed by malolactic fermentation, allowing for the utmost freshness and verve to translate into a final bottling that nevertheless showcases ample fruit and richness. An ample dosage of 11g/liter provides a rich balance to the steely vinification components, bringing out the bountiful fruit layered within the pinot noir especially.

The grapes here are pulled from remarkable plots across the Ville-sur-Arce, Bar-sur-Seine, Bretignolles, Buxieres-sur-Arce, Chassenay, Chervey, Eguilly, Loches, Argencon, and Vitry le Rose regions, producing somewhat of a splendid mosaic representation of the whole of the Côte des Bar. Fresh, elegant, and well-balanced, it opens with aromas of lemons and limes, with Granny Smith apple, white florals, Bartlett pears, and fresh morning biscuits. The pinot noir comes to the forefront in the mouth with expressions of yellow peaches, white raspberries, Rainier cherries, and a lovely, chalky minerality. It’s bright and crisp, fruit-forward, and elegantly acidic – all intermingling at the same time for the most pleasant of sipping experiences! For under $30, this is one to load up on big time… buy-a-case worthy for certain!