Top 8 Champagne from Côte de Bar You Must Try

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Discover the top 8 exceptional Champagnes from Côte de Bar, showcasing unique flavors and expert craftsmanship. Explore these must-try selections!

Introduction

The Côte de Bar, located in the southern part of Champagne, France, is a lesser-known yet remarkable region renowned for its Pinot Noir grapes. This area, often overshadowed by the more famous Côte des Blancs, offers a distinctive terroir characterized by limestone and marl soils that contribute to the unique flavor profiles of its wines. Unlike other Champagne regions that benefit from chalky soils which enhance minerality, the Côte de Bar produces wines that are rounded, fresh, and exhibit an intriguing complexity.

In this article, we delve into the top eight Champagnes from the Côte de Bar that have captured the attention of wine enthusiasts and experts alike. Each selection has been carefully chosen based on tastings conducted in various locations including Modena, Rome, and direct visits to French vineyards. Join us as we explore these exceptional offerings.

Top 8 Champagnes from Côte de Bar

1. Champagne Extra Brut Blanc d’Argile – Vouette & Sorbée

From Buxières-sur-Arce, this single-vineyard Chardonnay is a standout with only about 2,000 bottles produced. The 2019 vintage offers enticing aromas of spices and yellow flowers complemented by inviting pastry notes. On the palate, it delivers incredible tension and precision with a dry finish that leaves a lasting impression.

• Price: €110
• Tasting Notes: Complex aromas; sharp acidity; thrilling finish.

2. Champagne Blanc de Noir Confidences 2009 – Chassenay D’Arce

Chassenay D’Arce is a cooperative comprising 130 small growers across 315 hectares in Ville-sur-Arce. The Confidences label showcases a blend of 92% Pinot Noir and minimal Chardonnay with a perfect dosage balance. The complexity and power of this vintage highlight its classical rigor.

• Price: €85
• Tasting Notes: Rich fruitiness; mineral finish; well-balanced.

3. Champagne Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut ‘19 – Rémi Leroy

Crafted entirely from Pinot Noir grown in Meurville’s limestone-rich soils, this wine underwent extensive aging on lees for five years. Its aromatic profile features dried fruits with raspberry hints leading to a robust palate marked by spicy nuances.

• Price: €65
• Tasting Notes: Layered fruit flavors; saline finish; aromatic depth.

4. Champagne Brut Nature Boreal – Clandestin

This non-dosé Pinot Noir showcases an instinctive Burgundian character combined with Champagne finesse. It presents intense aromas of strawberries and lemon zest alongside a taut mouthfeel.

• Price: €70
• Tasting Notes: Intense nose; crisp texture; fruity finish.

5. Champagne Rosé Brut Nature 2018 – Elise Dechannes

Elise Dechannes has gained recognition for quality growth in Gyé-sur-Seine, known for its rosé wines. This saignée exhibits immediate cherry and blood orange scents with a lively palate featuring spicy notes of pepper and liquorice.

• Price: €60
• Tasting Notes: Vibrant color; dynamic mouthfeel; gastronomic appeal.

6. Champagne Extra Brut Témoignage ‘13 – Jean Velut

Hailing from Montgueux’s chalky hillsides, this pure Chardonnay spent ten years on lees before release. It reveals citrus peel aromas alongside fresh hazelnuts and presents a flavorful layered mouthfeel enriched by salinity.

• Price: €62
• Tasting Notes: Citrus aroma; complex palate; savory finish.

7. Champagne Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut – Alexandre Bonnet

With vineyards in Les Riceys covering about fifty hectares, this pure Pinot Noir aged for three years on lees displays red fruit notes coupled with an appealing chalky echo—delivering a vibrant character with fruity accents on the finish.

• Price: €50
• Tasting Notes: Bright fruitiness; dynamic structure; refreshing conclusion.

8. Champagne Nature Fleur de l’Europe – Fleury

Since adopting biodynamic practices in 1989, Fleury has produced instinctive wines full of character. The Fleur is predominantly Pinot Noir aged for six years on lees exhibiting mineral nuances intertwined with red fruits—a bold choice for any wine lover.

• Price: €55
• Tasting Notes: Rich body; minerality; pronounced personality.

Conclusion

The Côte de Bar represents an exciting frontier in the world of Champagne production where tradition meets innovation through unique terroir expressions. These eight selections exemplify the region’s ability to craft remarkable wines that challenge conventional perceptions of Champagne while celebrating their distinct characteristics derived from local practices and grape varieties.
Whether you are looking to expand your wine collection or simply enjoy something new at your next gathering, these Champagnes promise to impress even the most discerning palates.

Photo by Ash Edmonds on Unsplash