We just tasted the Coeur de Cuvée Vieilles Vignes from Fluteau, which is a 100% Pinot Noir Cuvee Champagne sourced from a 1.5-hectare parcel of vines in the Côte des Bar that was planted in 1960 on a Lieut dit called Les Evallons. Founded in 1935, about an hour south of the village of the old former Capital of Champagne, Troyes, Fluteau is among the region’s oldest grower-producers, maintaining a focus on terroir-driven Champagnes. This cuvée is made exclusively from the heart of the first pressing (Coeur de Cuvee), which is of the highest quality, ensuring purity and depth. It is fermented in stainless steel and spends a minimum of 4 years on the lees to enhance texture and complexity. Finished with a 4-gram dosage, 50% of the juice here comes from an older solera, while the other half is from a single vintage, with only standout vintages qualifying for production.

The Fluteau has a golden hue with expressive aromatics, opening with floral notes of cherry blossom, peony, and rose, characteristic of the Côte des Bar, followed by fresh red fruits like raspberry and cherry. The palate is ample and generous, delivering a vibrant mix of peach, orange zest, and currant, with a crisp acidity driving the long, mineral finish. The refined mousse and textural depth make this an outstanding choice for those seeking a terroir-driven Pinot Noir Champagne with both complexity and elegance. This is an exceptional grower Champagne at an excellent price, and we have some of the only bottles available right now, arriving in 2 weeks. Highly recommended!