Champagne is an alchemy that begins in the heart of the vines, on a very particular terroir that is found nowhere else. This exceptional and protected geographical location is part of the specifications to obtain the "champagne" appellation: the grapes must be harvested on vines located in very specific areas validated by the Champagne Committee (CIVC). A surprising and unique terroir that is the fruit of the meeting of intangible elements that have given life to an exceptional result produced by nature and shaped by man.
It was in 1927 that the geographical contours of the champagne appellation were defined, a very particular terroir which combines harsh climatic conditions, a unique subsoil and a hillside location. Four large regions share the champagne appellation:
- The Mountain of Reims
- The White Coast
- The Marne Valley
- The Bar Coast
A unique birthplace
Let's start with the climate. It is distinguished by a double climatic influence: oceanic and continental.
Its northern position results in a particularly harsh cold climate for the vine, the oceanic climate provides large quantities of water with relatively small temperature ranges, and the continental climate can result in frost in winter but plenty of sunshine in summer. Then the subsoil. It is 75% limestone, which promotes soil drainage and the typical minerality found in the aromas of certain champagnes.
Then the relief, the steep and hilly Champagne vineyard offers both good sunshine and facilitates the flow of excess water. It is these three conditions, the climate, the soil, and the exposure that make all the singularity of a champagne and its exceptional character.
The Montagne de Reims, temple of Grands Crus and Pinot Noir
The Montagne de Reims is the largest region in the entire Champagne terroir and is characterized by a unique phenomenon. Indeed, even if its hillsides are exposed due north, the grapes ripen there thanks to an astonishing climatic phenomenon: in the evening, the cold air descends on the plain and gives way to warm air formed above the Montagne de Reims on the vines.
The reason for this phenomenon? The omnipresent forest which plays the role of thermal regulator.
Pinot Noir predominates, with however some Chardonnay grape varieties (25%) which have found their place in massifs sheltered from the west wind, and 10 to 15% of Pinot Meunier. Pinot Noir is known for the power and character of its aromas which make it a wine recognizable by its notes of red fruits. The Montagne de Reims is the only region of Pinot Noirs classified as Grand Cru.
It is amusing to note that the wines from the northern part are more full-bodied and colorful than the wines from the southern part. The Champagne terroir is obviously even more complex than that with infinite variations and multiple combinations, which is what makes it an exceptional wine often copied but never equaled.
