Champagne French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Champagne is the world's most famous sparkling wine appellation, made only in a strictly delimited region of northeastern France using the traditional method, with a second fermentation in the bottle.
More info about Champagne
Geographic position
Northeastern France, about 145 km (90 miles) east of Paris, around Reims, Épernay and the Côte des Bar, across the Marne, Aube, Aisne, Haute-Marne and Seine-et-Marne departments.
Origin & history
The Romans planted the first vines here, and the still wines of Champagne were served at the coronations of French kings in Reims. In the 17th and 18th centuries winemakers mastered bottle fermentation, and houses such as Ruinart (1729) and Moët (1743) built the region's worldwide fame. The appellation was recognized in 1936.
Wines & grape varieties
Sparkling white and rosé, from Brut Nature to Doux, including Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs and vintage cuvées. Main grapes are Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay, with rare plantings of Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris.
Climate & soil
A cool, northerly climate with both oceanic and continental influences. Deep chalk subsoils store water and reflect heat; the Côte des Bar adds Kimmeridgian marl and limestone.
Wine region: Champagne
Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir