The Champagne terroir

Discover the map of the Champagne Terroir (source:www.champagne.fr)

Within the Champagne region, 4 major growing areas produce different champagnes with distinctive flavors. Over time, growers have selected the grape varieties best suited to the nature of the Champagne terroir.

• Located in central Champagne, the Côte des Blancs is the growing region of Chardonnay grapes.
• In the northeast between Épernay and southern Reims, the Montagne de Reims favors Pinot Noir grapes and produces full-bodied champagnes.
• West of Épernay, the Vallée de la Marne stretches all the way to the greater Paris region of Île-de-France. High quality crus are produced in the east of this area, notably in Mareuil and Ay.
• To the south, the Côte des Bar in the Aube department produces distinctive champagnes, despite its reputation as a second-tier terroir.

Key figures (2015)

• 33,105 hectares in production (source: Syndicat des Vignerons);
• 319 crus (common) ranked into 17 Grands Crus, 44 Premiers Crus and 263Other Crus;
• 16,000 growers in the Champagne region.
• 90% of total production consists in Brut champagne.
• Vineyards planted to grow a mix of Pinot Noir (38%), Pinot Meunier (32%) and Chardonnay (30%).

Read also:

• The description of champagne
• The history of champagne
• The champagne production method
• Serving and tasting champagne
• The best bars to drink champagne
• Our champagne brands