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The Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée "Champagne" (AOC) is probably the best-known of all wine appellations. However, this AOC only covers 3% of France's total wine-growing area, with 34,000 hectares of vines. By comparison, the Bordeaux AOC covers almost 120,000 hectares, almost 4 times as much.
The Champagne AOC covers 4 main terroirs: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, Côte des Blancs and Côte des Bars.
This region, which stretches from Reims to Epernay, is mostly made up of limestone soils, and benefits from a particularly temperate climate thanks to its large forested area. It offers ideal conditions for the development of Pinot noir, the region's true ambassador. This grape variety accounts for 60% of the wine-growing area of the Reims Mountain.
The soil and climate are ideal for Pinot Noir to express itself, leading to the creation of remarkable Blanc de Noirs Champagnes made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes.
Winemaker of the Reims Mountain: Champagne Pierson Cuvelier
The Marne Valley is the largest Champagne region, with 100 villages, 5,200 growers and 11,200 hectares of vines. The soil is clay-limestone, with a marl tendency, which allows all grape varieties to thrive. The Pinot Meunier, however, accounts for the majority (60%). This region produces wonderful Blanc de Noir Champagnes made from Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir.
The region's capital is Epernay, a world-famous wine region with many prestigious houses and talented producers.
Winemakers of the Marne Valley: Champagne Berat Schenk , Champagne Sourdet Diot
The Côte des Blancs is smaller than the other regions, with just 6,200 hectares, but it is also the most famous for its Blanc de Blancs Champagnes (100% Chardonnay). In fact, Chardonnay is king in this region, with almost 82% of the grape varieties planted. In some villages, such as Cramant, Chardonnay even accounts for 99.9%. This is due to the particularly chalky soil, which gives Chardonnay its wonderful finesse.
Côte des Blancs winemaker: Champagne P.Lancelot Royer
The Côte des Bars is probably the lesser-known of the AOC regions, an hour's drive from the other regions. This situation is starting to change in the last few decades, thanks to the passionate work of its winemakers. Pinot noir is the dominant grape variety in this region, accounting for almost 87% of all grape varieties. There are also some very rare varieties, such as Pinot Blanc, which grows in the famous village of Celle sur Ource.
The soil typicity and exposure allow them to produce a light, very pleasant champagne.
Côte des Bars winemakers: Champagne Huguenot Tassin , Champagne Drouilly LV
Get all our tips to find a good cheap champagne, but also a good value for money champagne and finally the right champagne for your wedding.
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