Few regions reward nuance and restraint quite like the Côte des Blancs, and few growers express its chalk-driven elegance better than Diebolt-Vallois and Pierre Gimonnet. These two family estates—neighbors in Champagne but distinct in philosophy—share a devotion to Chardonnay, low intervention, and long élevage, resulting in wines that are simultaneously refreshing, serious, and deeply expressive of place.
Diebolt-Vallois, based in Cramant, is known for Champagne of clarity and finesse. Their style leans quietly powerful rather than overtly opulent, built on ripe but precise fruit, fine mousse, and a saline, chalky backbone. From the benchmark Blanc de Blancs to the rare and coveted Fleur de Passion, Diebolt-Vallois produces wines that age effortlessly and reward patience, yet remain strikingly drinkable on release.
Pierre Gimonnet, headquartered in Cuis, represents another pillar of Côte des Blancs excellence. With holdings across Cuis, Oger, Chouilly, and Cramant, the Gimonnet family crafts Champagnes that emphasize linearity, tension, and transparency. Low dosage, long lees aging, and meticulous vineyard work define the house style, especially in the Fleuron, Œnophile, and Special Club bottlings—each a study in precision and site expression.
Together, these newly arrived wines offer a compelling snapshot of modern grower Champagne at its best. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of mature Fleuron vintages, the purity of non-vintage Blanc de Blancs, or the prestige and depth of Special Club releases, this lineup represents some of the most compelling Chardonnay-based Champagnes available today.
I’d ancticpate these bottles selling fast with the Holidays and New Year’s upon us. Grab a half-case to ensure your family members and guests enjoy a celebration they won’t soon forget.
Diebolt-Vallois, based in Cramant, is known for Champagne of clarity and finesse. Their style leans quietly powerful rather than overtly opulent, built on ripe but precise fruit, fine mousse, and a saline, chalky backbone. From the benchmark Blanc de Blancs to the rare and coveted Fleur de Passion, Diebolt-Vallois produces wines that age effortlessly and reward patience, yet remain strikingly drinkable on release.
Pierre Gimonnet, headquartered in Cuis, represents another pillar of Côte des Blancs excellence. With holdings across Cuis, Oger, Chouilly, and Cramant, the Gimonnet family crafts Champagnes that emphasize linearity, tension, and transparency. Low dosage, long lees aging, and meticulous vineyard work define the house style, especially in the Fleuron, Œnophile, and Special Club bottlings—each a study in precision and site expression.
Together, these newly arrived wines offer a compelling snapshot of modern grower Champagne at its best. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of mature Fleuron vintages, the purity of non-vintage Blanc de Blancs, or the prestige and depth of Special Club releases, this lineup represents some of the most compelling Chardonnay-based Champagnes available today.
I’d ancticpate these bottles selling fast with the Holidays and New Year’s upon us. Grab a half-case to ensure your family members and guests enjoy a celebration they won’t soon forget.
Champagnes Available Now:
Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 1.5L, $99.00 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Lively and elegant champagne, perfect as an aperitif or at the beginning of the meal. Varieties used: 100% Chardonnay, Blanc de Blancs. Terroir: Cuis, Chouilly, Epernay and young vines from Cramant. Vinification: Fermentation in thermostatically controlled vats. Blend of wines from two years. Dosage: 3-5 g/l.”
Diebolt-Vallois Fleur de Passion Blanc de Blancs 2014 750ml special, $179.00, 6 bottles in stock now
Vinous 93 Points “The 2014 Brut Cuvée Fleuron is a gorgeous wine that is just starting to show the first signs of maturity in its aromas and flavors. Pear, marzipan, spice, brioche and dried flowers all meld together effortlessly. Soft, silky contours add immediacy and sheer appeal. Dosage is 5 grams per liter.”
Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 1.5L, $99.00 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “Lively and elegant champagne, perfect as an aperitif or at the beginning of the meal. Varieties used: 100% Chardonnay, Blanc de Blancs. Terroir: Cuis, Chouilly, Epernay and young vines from Cramant. Vinification: Fermentation in thermostatically controlled vats. Blend of wines from two years. Dosage: 3-5 g/l.”
Diebolt-Vallois Fleur de Passion Blanc de Blancs 2014 750ml special, $179.00, 6 bottles in stock now
Vinous 93 Points “The 2014 Brut Cuvée Fleuron is a gorgeous wine that is just starting to show the first signs of maturity in its aromas and flavors. Pear, marzipan, spice, brioche and dried flowers all meld together effortlessly. Soft, silky contours add immediacy and sheer appeal. Dosage is 5 grams per liter.”
Jacques Diebolt
Diebolt-Vallois Rosé Brut NV 750ml, $59.00 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Winery Note “This elegant pink champagne offers abundant red fruit aromas: raspberries, red currants and wood strawberries. Varieties used: 63% Pinot Noir, 27% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Meunier. Terroir: The grapes come mainly from the fields known as Les Toulettes in Epernay. Vinification: Fermentation in thermostatically controlled vats. Blended rosé: addition of Bouzy Rouge (grand cru). Dosage: 3-5 g/l.”
Pierre Gimonnet Cuis Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru NV 750ml, $59.00 special, 6 bottles in stock now
Vinous 91 points “[Reviewed Nov 2023] The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Cuis 1er Cru (2020 base) sizzles with energy. White flowers, chalk, mint, white pepper, green pear and lime all race across the palate. Medium in body and finely cut, the 1er Cru is a jewel of a wine. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy taut, airy Blancs de Blancs.”
Pierre Gimonnet Brut Rosé de Blancs 1er Cru NV 1.5L, $179.00 special, 3 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 Points “Attractive salmon color with flint, white-pepper and delicate cantaloupe aromas that follow through to a medium body with bitter grilled-lemon and orange-peel flavors. Very intense aftertaste. Lots of character. A blend of 94% chardonnay and 6% pinot noir. Dosage 5 g/L. Drink now.”
Gimonnet Family
Pierre Gimonnet Fleuron Blanc de Blancs Brut 2019 750ml, $94.50 special, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 Points “A lively and bright blanc de blancs that has lemon peel, sliced apple, croissant and biscuit on the nose. It’s fine and silky on the palate with light bready hints to the citrus fruit. 100% chardonnay from Cramant, Chouilly and Cuis. Disgorged in 2023. Dosage 5g/L. Drink now.”
Pierre Gimonnet Fleuron Blanc de Blancs Brut 2006 750ml, $125.00 special, 3 bottles in stock now
Wine Enthusiast 93 Points “Floral and smoke notes provide an aromatic overtone for this vibrant Champagne, with the lacy mousse carrying flavors of Honeycrisp apple, salted almond, lemon curd and glazed apricot, followed by a lightly spiced, mouthwatering finish. Disgorged September 2013. Drink now through 2030. 130 cases imported.”
Pierre Gimonnet Oenophile Extra Brut 2018 750ml, $99.00 special, 6 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 93 Points “For the extremely warm year this is remarkably fresh with very pure lemon blossom and white flower character. A thread of delicate chalky minerality runs through the focused palate, which the fine mousse accents beautifully. A cuvee of wines that are 45% from Cramant, 30% Chouilly, 22% Cuis and 3% Oger.”
Pierre Gimonnet Special Club 1er Cru 2018 750ml, $119.00 special, 5 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 94 Points “Vivid acidity creates a mouthwatering frame for flavors of Honeycrisp apple and nectarine, with pickled ginger, chamomile and blanched almond accents. Lacy in texture, this shows focus and length in a finely balanced, bright and graceful package. Disgorged June 2023. Drink now through 2035.”
Pierre Gimonnet Special Club Oger 2017 750ml, $149.00 special, 5 bottles in stock now
James Suckling 95 Points “White peaches, nutmeg, crushed stones and pie crust on the nose, as well as some lemon sherbet. Tangy and bright on the palate, acid-driven but powerful, with minerally and salty undertones. Long, lively finish. 100% chardonnay from Oger. 3.5 g/L dosage. Disgorged July 2024. Drink now or hold.”