The Aube region of France is beginning to enter the public eye after decades of diligent work supplying grapes to wine producers in Champagne, it has been claimed.

In the New York Times, Eric Asimov said the Aube, and its primary growing area the Cote des Bar, is becoming known for its independent winemakers such as Cedric Bouchard, Marie-Courtin and Jacques Lassaigne.

"The identity of Champagne has been as a beverage for celebrations, and there's nothing wrong with that," winemaker Davy Dosnon told the newspaper.

"But it's also a wine of terroir, of place, and should be thought of that way as well. And why not in the Cote des Bar?"

Michel Drappier added that Champagne has become as complex an area as Burgundy, with many variations in style depending on terroir and producer.

Recently, a group of MEPs embarked on a tour of Champagne to examine the issue of how many new vines growers should be allowed to plant.