Champagne's Sub-Regions: A Simple Guide to Their Unique Charms

Each area offers its special twist on the world-renowned bubbly, from the robust Pinot Noir of the Côte des Bar to the elegant Chardonnay of the Côte des Blancs. In this easy-to-follow guide, we'll unveil the distinct characteristics and celebrated Grand Cru villages that make Champagne's landscape so uniquely captivating.

Montagne de Reims:

• Known for black grapes like Pinot Noir.

• Famous Grand Cru villages: Mailly, Verzenay, Verzy, Ambonnay, Bouzy.

• Geographically, it is more of a plateau than a mountain.

• Some top vineyards face north, good for a cool climate but riskier for frost.

• Wines are high in acidity and can be sharp when young.

• Also grows Chardonnay.

• Soils are mostly chalky and great for water balance.

  Vallée de la Marne:

  • The Meunier grape mainly grows and is known for its fruitiness.

  • Meunier adapts well to this frost-prone valley due to its growing cycle.

  • Also grows Chardonnay for early-drinking wines.

  • Contains the Grand Cru village of Aÿ.

• Côte des Blancs

  • Primarily focused on white grapes, especially Chardonnay.

  • Known for intense, long-lasting wines that are initially austere.

  • Includes Grand Cru villages: Cramant, Avize, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.

  • Famous for its pure chalk soils.

• Côte de Sézanne:

  • An extension of Côte des Blancs.

  • Mostly planted with Chardonnay, producing fruitier wines.

  • Soils are a mix of clay and chalk.

  • Generally, grapes are considered of lower quality than the above regions.

• Côte des Bar:

  • It occupies a large area south of Champagne.

  • Primarily planted with Pinot Noir.

  • Soils are similar to those in Chablis and Sancerre, excellent for Pinot Noir.

  • Important for producing full-flavored, ripe Pinot Noir for blends.