The Côte des Bar is the furthest south of the Champagne regions, lying southeast of Troyes. It is by far the least visited region, but is well worth the effort as some of the most progressive Champagne producers in the business are based in the region.
There are 64 villages in the region, 2519 operators and 7897 hectares of vines. Pinot Noir dominates the region with 84%, followed by Chardonnay with 11.4% then Pinot Meunier at 3.2%.
Terroir
The terroir of the region lies on Jurassic slopes characterized by rolling hills overlying a Kimmeridgian band famous for fossil oysters. The region is made up of a succession of marls and clay limestone dating from 152 – 157 million years old.
Unique Production
Côte des Bar is home to some fascinating producers like Champagne Moutard-Diligent from Buxeuil who produce the only Champagne made wholly from old grape variety Arbane. They also blend Champagne using Petit Meslier and Pinot Blanc. Champagne Pierre Gerbais from Celles-sur- Ource also produces Champagne using Pinot Blanc Vrai in blends and as a single variety. The famous Champagne Drappier produces a fascinating blend using Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc Vrai and Chardonnay. Champagne Drappier are also the only producer in the world to produce the entire range of 11 Champagne bottle sizes.
The region is also a pioneer of Biodynamic viticulture with producers like Champagne Fleury from the village of Courteron leading the way since 1989.
Tourism
One of the main attractions for local tourist is the grave of General de Gaulle at Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises. Although not strictly within the Champagne region, the cathedral city of Troyes makes a fascinating day trip.
