The regions of Champagne

As we all know by now, Champagne comes from Champagne, a region in the north east of France with a very particular conformation and environmental conditions. These characteristics make Champagne a unique wine, linked to the terroir of its region. Today we will explain to you all the characteristics of each region of Champagne, something that will definitely help you amaze your friends during your next wine tasting!

MONTAGNE DE REIMS

We start with the Montagne de Reims, a vast plateau covered by woods and located between Reims and Epernay. In this part of Champagne, the vineyards are oriented towards the South or North and the chalk is present in depth. Here, the predominant vineyard is Pinot Noir, which occupies 60% of the surface, while Chardonnay prevails on the hills of the east part, protected from the winds blowing from the west. It is a region that includes 11 villages classified as Grand Cru, out of 17 in total, and the largest number of Premier Cru villages. You will finally recognize the Champagnes of this region for their power, structure and nobility.

The Cuvée L’Authentique 2008 by Maison Hervy-Quenardel is a perfect representative of this terroir and its year of birth! The 2008, a great vintage here in Champagne, allowed Jérôme to develop a Cuvée 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir with a complete vinification in the fût: a Champagne of substance, rich and structured, in short Authentic! To be found in the Fier Ce Fît coffret!

CÔTE DES BLANCS

As its name indicates, the Côte des Blancs is the region of the Champagnes Blanc de Blancs and goes on for 15 kilometers south of Epernay. The hills are oriented towards the East, protecting the vineyards from the winds from the West and the chalk is present both on the surface and in depth.

Chardonnay is here dominant, occupying more than 95% of the surface! There are 6 villages classified as Grand Cru, out of 17 in total.The Champagnes of the Côte des Blancs are generally synonymous with delicacy, freshness and elegance. All characteristics that can be easily found when tasting the Cuvée Vieilles Vignes of the Maison Perrot-Batteux et filles. From the heart of the Côte des Blancs, dominated by chalk, and by vineyards of more than 50 years, a 100% Chardonnay Cuvée with a vinification of wines for 2/3 in stainless steel cuve to maintain the finesse and freshness of the Chardonnay and for 1/3 in barrique for controlled aeration of wines. A texture of taffeta which lets then appear the typical minerality of Chardonnay: a Cuvée to be served with a nice fish and seafood risotto!

VALLÉE DE LA MARNE

Sculpted by the river of the same name, the Vallée de la Marne is characterized by a clayey or sandy soil with the presence of marl. Gypsum remains more present in the eastern part and the vineyards are located on the two banks and on the surrounding hills. The Vallée de la Marne is a nursery of highly talented young vignerons.

Moving away towards the west, the mainly cultivated vine is Meunier. The Champagne from this region have fruity aromas and a seductive bouquet. In this club of young talents we find Sébastien of the Maison Sanchez-Le Guédard, the first Vigneron Fier Ce Fît to have a 100% Organic certified Cuvée! Rosé de Saignée Bio * NR 2016 is a masterpiece! A 100% Pinot Noir, an author's wine that reflects all the work carried out during the harvests and in the cellar. With a very aromatic expression of berries such as blackcurrant and blackberry, this Cuvée offers an intense and captivating nose that is impossible to get tired of!

CÔTE DES BAR

And last but not least, the Côte des Bar, located south of the Côte des Blancs and made up of hills that form a veritable mosaic with multiple exposures. The soil is essentially made up of marl and Pinot Noir is almost exclusively cultivated there. Champagnes have complex aromas, with a nice roundness complemented by freshness.

Curious to discover the Cuvées of each region? Access our Boutique immediately.