A cordierite ceramic body having (i) a pore size distribution and a porosity which satisfy the relationship 10.2474 / [(d50)2(pore fraction)]+0.0366183(d90)−0.00040119(d90)2+0.468815(1 / pore fraction)2+0.0297715(d50)+1.61639(d50−d10) / d50≦3.65, and (ii) a CTE (25°-800° C.) of ≦15×10−7 / ° C., wherein the cordierite ceramic body is produced from a moldable mixture comprising cordierite-forming raw materials including (a) a fine talc having a median particle diameter, as measured by laser diffraction, of less than 10 micrometers, and a B.E.T. specific surface area of greater than 5 m2 / g, and (b) a pore former. The cordierite ceramic body is suitable in the fabrication of cellular, wall-flow diesel particulate filters having a low pressure drop, high filtration efficiency and improved strength.