Diebolt-Vallois and Guy Charlemagne are two of Seckford's favourite Champagne houses. They are some of the finest value wines in Champagne and remain a real insider’s tip!
Richard Juhlin, the renowned Champagne writer, awards Diebolt-Vallois with four stars - hailing the style as combining the depth of Le Mesnil and creamy structure of Cramant. With around 70,000 bottles produced each year across the range, these are truly small scale Champagnes made with real care and attention.All the wines are Blanc de Blancs with the exception of the Brut Tradition blend (40% Chardonnay & 60% Pinot Noir/Pinot Meunier)
Guy Charlemagne is located in the heart of the Cote des Blancs in the village of Le Mesnil sur Oger. As father to son wine growers since 1892, they only harvest and vinify grapes from their own vineyards. Philippe manages this in spades and, with the family being blessed with vineyards in Le Mesnil sur Oger and Oger, two of the most prestigious Grand Crus of the whole of Champagne, he has a great basis to craft the finest of Champagnes.
Grower Champagnes, unlike those of the mass market major houses, are fashioned to not only express a house style, but also to let the characteristics of their various vineyard sites shine through in each cuvee.
Diebolt-Vallois Millésimé 2011
£145 per six IB.
(£190 incl VAT plus UK carriage*)
Jacques Diebolt is one of the finest winemakers on the Côte des Blancs, where the house he founded has 35 acres of vines on legendary terroirs (Cramant, Mesnil sur Oger, etc.). Chardonnay is the king of the Diebolt-Vallois range, producing wines that are tense, lively and full of freshness.
His wines have a thought-provoking depth, reminiscent of Le Mesnil, combined with Cramant’s creamy structure.
17.5/20 GAULT & MILLAU
"A cuvée that touches perfection with its sensual aromas of poached fruits, verbena, candied lemon, crème pâtissière and so much more! The mouth is milky and the bubbles, just present to emphasise the aromatic finesse, burst on the tongue in a soft and delicate way. Simply a must taste! A favourite. "
Guy Charlemagne Mesnillésime 2012
£282 per six IB.
(£355 incl VAT plus UK carriage*)
A Grand Champagne produced from first press of Le Mesnil sur Oger Grand Cru juices, that highlight the exact characteristic of the village. The Jewel of the Charlemagne house, this vintage wine combines both authenticity and the search for perfect quality. This Mesnillésime cuvée is produced with rigorous vinification, partially in oak barrels without malolactic fermentation, and a very light dosage of 4 grams per liter. Matured for 6 years in underground chalk cellars, this cuvée highlights the excellence of Guy Charlemagne's production. Chardonnay is the only grape here and shows what balance, harmony and purity can mean. A rare champagne for unforgettable moments.
18/20 GAULT & MILLAU
"A bright appearance with gold and fresh green notes, releasing a fine and lively bubble. Beautiful, the nose reveals aromas of citrus, white flowers, apricot, peach, coffee bean and cardamom. It is supple, fruity, fine and elegant. The material flows voluptuously on the palate with flavours of fruits as well as lemon grass and almonds, finishing on a beautiful minerality. "