Appellation

Aube

オーブ

Champagne's rebellious south: rich Pinot Noir wines from ancient Kimmeridgian soils.

About Aube

Producers listed
118

The Aube, also known as the Côte des Bar, is the southernmost sub-region of Champagne, France. Located approximately 150 km southeast of Épernay and geographically closer to Chablis, it is characterized by Kimmeridgian marl and Portlandian limestone soils rich in ancient oyster fossils. Pinot Noir dominates, accounting for around 86% of plantings. Historically excluded from the Champagne appellation in 1908, the region fought for recognition — culminating in the riots of 1911 — and was finally reinstated in 1927. Today the Aube is celebrated for its distinct identity: richer, more fruit-forward Champagnes that are often more accessible in their youth. A new generation of innovative grower-producers (vignerons), including Drappier, Cédric Bouchard / Roses de Jeanne, Vouette et Sorbée, and Marie Courtin, craft expressive, terroir-driven wines that have made the region one of Champagne's most exciting destinations.

Best for

Explorers seeking terroir-driven, fruit-forward Champagnes and fans of artisan grower producers.

Food Pairings

Charcuterie and cured meats, roasted poultry and game birds, aged Comté or Époisses cheese, mushroom dishes, fatty fish such as salmon and sea bream sashimi, and Japanese wagyu beef preparations.

Producers

Show all other producers (112)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aube considered 'real' Champagne?
Absolutely. The Aube is an officially delimited part of the Champagne AOC since 1927. It was controversially excluded in 1908, leading to the famous riots of 1911, and has been fully reinstated ever since.
What is the primary grape variety in the Aube?
Pinot Noir dominates, accounting for around 86% of plantings. The Kimmeridgian limestone and clay soils are particularly well-suited to the variety, delivering structured, vinous wines broader than their northern counterparts.
How does Aube Champagne differ from northern Champagne (Reims/Épernay)?
Aube Champagnes tend to be richer, more fruit-forward, and more accessible in their youth. The Kimmeridgian soils share kinship with Chablis, giving wines a distinctive mineral character that sets them apart from the chalky style of the Côte des Blancs or Montagne de Reims.
Who are notable grower-producers in the Aube?
Key producers include Drappier (whose cellars were built by Cistercian monks in the 12th century), Cédric Bouchard / Roses de Jeanne, Vouette et Sorbée (one of the first biodynamic estates in Champagne), and Marie Courtin.
Why is the Aube sometimes called the 'Côte des Bar'?
The name Côte des Bar refers to the two main towns — Bar-sur-Aube and Bar-sur-Seine — that anchor the sub-region. It is the informal name most commonly used among wine enthusiasts and growers to distinguish the area from the larger Champagne appellation.