Champagne Growing Regions

Where the magic happens

The Champagne growing region (or La Champagne for those who prefer the French version) is not only a feel-good place for the vines that grow there, but also for the occasional visitor. Even the Romans had a good time there. Deep green vines and surrounding forests are bathed in pleasant sunlight in the summer months – almost fairytale-like. The historic province is located around 150 kilometres north-east of Paris and covers an area of around 34,300 hectares. The size of the Champagne wine-growing region was determined by law in 1927. It is made up of a total of five regions, with Cote de Blancs and Cote de Sezanne often being counted together.

Vallée de la Marne 

The Vallée de la Marne is the largest of the five regions. It begins near Ay and follows the Marne River for a good 100 kilometres, which flows almost as far as Paris. The red grape Piont Meunier grows predominantly on this soil. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are of course also present. The Vallée de la Marne is also home to another important town: Epernay. Epernay is the capital of Champagne, where many important champagne houses have their headquarters.

Montange de Reims

The Montange de Reims vineyard is located between Epernay and Reims. The area is a high plateau, which is why the vines here grow and thrive on a hilly landscape on gently sloping hillsides. The three prominent grape varieties are also cultivated here in relatively equal proportions, with Pinot Noir dominating a little.

Cote des Blancs

The Cote des Blancs region lies at the centre of the Champange growing area. The name already gives away what is going on here. Cote des Blancs means something like “white hills”. The white grape Chardonnay is almost exclusively cultivated here, which means that some Blanc de Blancs come from the Cote des Blancs.

Cote de Sezanne

The Cote de Sezanne region is located to the south-west of the Champange wine-growing region. The white grape Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier are particularly well represented, with Pinot Noir only occurring to a small extent. However, Chardonnay ripens differently here than in Cote des Blancs due to the soil conditions.

Cote des Bars

Cote des Bars is a little off the beaten track from the other four growing regions, around two hours’ drive south of the city of Reims. However, with an area of 7,000 hectares, the region is not to be overlooked. The black grape Pinot Noir clearly dominates on this land, producing powerful and fruity champagnes.

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