The Champagne Region

The Champagne region is located East of Paris, along the Marne, Vesle and Aisne rivers. The Champagne terroir is unique in that it features the following four elements

1. A northern location;
   
2. Rugged climate with cool winters and sunny summers and autumns;
   
3. A distinctive soil type (predominantly chalky with a thin layer of topsoil allowing optimal drainage also working to reflect the heat of the sun and aid ripening), and
   
4. Hillside vineyards with south facing slopes

The main varietals grown in the region are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.

Pinot Noir is the most widely planted grape in the Aube region, Pinot Meunier is the dominant grape in the Vallée de la Marne region, and Chardonnay is almost exclusively grown in The Côte des Blancs region.

All 300 Champagne villages are rated for the grape quality potential, and the top 17 are designated as "Grand Cru" vineyards. The best known of these are Bouzy, Aÿ, Sillery and Le Mesnil.

The Champagne region developed a reputation for quality wine production in the early Middle Ages, which extended to the production of sparkling wine by the great Champagne houses in the 17th & 18th centuries. This reputation has continued through to today and Champagne remains the popular choice for all celebrations.