Grands crus - Champagne

Mythical region from the french viticultural landscape, with a production of this divine beverage reserved for parties and important events. Champagne is the most famous wine and the most appreciated world-wide ; even if it often copied, it can only be produced in this region. Everything plays a part in the mystery and reputation of this drink : its origin, its preparation and the art, carefully preserved in every winery, of the blend.

Since 2001, the winemakers chose a sustainable and responsible agriculture to protect the vines and the environment. In this region, growing steadily, the production is not quite large enough to statisfy the always higher demand.

The vines are spread over hillsides at 90 to 350 m of altitude in 5 departments : Aube, Haute-Marne, Marne, Aisne and Seine-et-Marne. The soils are calcareous, composed of sand and clay, based on a chalky subsoil which allows for an excellent maturation of the grapes thanks to the excellent water and thermal regulation.

For white wines, only the Chardonnay variety is authorized ; for red wines, Pinot noir and Pinot meunier exclusively.

Champagne is a blended wine : a winemakers chooses to use only one grape variety or to blend two or three. He also blends several crus from several vintages to create a prestigious wine which will contribute to the reputation of his domaine.

Depending on the varieties, proportions and ageing, there are several kinds of champagnes : Champagne Blanc de Blancs, Champagne Blanc de Noirs, Champagne rosé, Champagne without vintage, vintaged Champagne, Cuvée spéciale or Prestige, Champagne grand cru or first growth, Champagne recently disgorged, Champagne Brut nature, Champagne extra-brut, Champagne brut and Champagne extra-dry.

This exceptional region produces premium brand champagnes from famous wineries such as Bollinger, Krug, Louis Roederer, Ruinart, Salon… but also winemaker champagnes which are the expression of a man, a cru, a terroir, such as Jacques Selosse, Egly-Ouriet, Pierre Moncuit, Champagne Drappier, Larmandier-Bernier, De Sousa, Agrapart et fils…

Added to these extraordinary effervescent wines, this region also produces great wines within 2 appellations : Coteaux champenoix and Rosé de Riceys.