NV Syl Dautel Tradition Brut Champagne

We lucked into one of the Champagne discoveries of the year in Troyes’ beautiful medieval old town. Tucked into a quiet bistro with timeless timber framing, our plan was to grab a quick lunch and tour the 13th-century cathedral before continuing our journey from the center of Champagne down to Burgundy.

Troyes is the capital of the Aube, so we had to start with a round of bubbles…but what we got was pretty uninspiring. Our waiter could tell we weren’t thrilled.

It wasn’t a big problem for us—we had picked the restaurant for the quality of its andouillette and proximity to notable Gothic architecture—but local pride kicked in for our Champenois server. He insisted that there were much better options produced nearby, even if he couldn’t pour them for us at the moment.

After disappearing for a minute, he returned with a notepad and pen and wrote down the name of a cousin’s friend in careful script. He urged us to visit a particular seventh-generation family Champagne house on our way out.

Syl Dautel Tradition uses native-yeast for fermentation—a rare touch in Champagne, where commercial security is often prized over the potential for greatness—and their pricing is extraordinary. Their Tradition Brut is nearly impossible to find on American shores, and we committed to a quantity that caused a crack in their normally impenetrable Gallic facade. They earmarked two pallets—just over 100 cases—for Wine Access members. We know it won’t last long, given our history with spectacular under-$30 Champagnes. 

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Sweetness
• Acidity

• ABV 12.00%
• Enjoy right away
• Now – 2026
• % Chardonnay% Pinot Noir
• Serving temperature – 45°
• Cork