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Wine Information
Fleur de Passion is the jewel in the range from the house of Diebolt-Vallois. Fermented and aged in barrels, it is only made in the very best years.
Appellation: Champagne
Varieties used: 100% Chardonnay, Blanc de Blancs
Terroir: The grapes come from 7 or 8 plots of old vines planted on hillsides - especially the fields known as Les Buzons - in the village of Cramant (village classed 100% Grand Cru). These vines are all over 40 years old and many of them are 60 years old or even more. Yields are low. The soil consists of a thin layer of earth over a chalk base. The overall exposure is to the East-South-East.
Vinification: Alcoholic fermentation takes place in barrels. Malolactic fermentation, filtration and fining are all avoided. Anything which might stress the wine is proscribed, so that the terroir can express itself as fully as possible. The wine is aged in burgundy 1-wine barrels. This is a "old style", traditional champagne.
Dosage: 6-8 g/l
Serving temperature: 9°C in summer, 10-11°C in winter
Decant15 minutes before serving to show this wine off to its best.
Vintage 2004
A great example of how large yields do not necessarily mean poor quality in Champagne. As a reaction to the previous year's low yields, the vines produced one of the largest crops on record. The growing season proceeded without major difficulties but the bumper crop called for bud thinning. August brought about cooler weather and some rains, increasing the risk of rot. The massive crop, averaging 13,990 kg/ha, was picked from September 18th onwards. The quality was a pleasant surprise; vibrant wines with appropriate intensity, refined charm and refreshing lightness. This vintage impresses me more and more, and I feel tempted to give it the full five stars. It comes with a rare balance of freshness, lightness, yet fine aromatic intensity. Post-release, this vintage has proven to be slow to age, and elegant wines are likely to keep on ageing gracefully. Dom Pérignon and Louis Roederer Cristal both excelled.
