Champagne Hillsides Houses and Cellars

Champagne Hillsides, Houses, and Cellars: A Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Welcome to the captivating world of Champagne, a region rich in history, tradition, and exceptional sparkling wines. This guide will take you on an immersive journey through the Champagne Hillsides, famous Houses, and enchanting Cellars that make this region a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Introduction

Champagne, located in northeastern France, is a unique terroir distinguished by its rolling hillsides, chalky soil, and cool climate. These factors contribute to the production of the world-renowned Champagne wines that are characterized by their fine bubbles, aromatic complexity, and unforgettable taste.

The Champagne Hillsides

The Champagne Hillsides (Coteaux de Champagne) are the heart of the Champagne production area, consisting of three main districts: the Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs, and the Côte des Bar. The hillsides were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 for their cultural, historical, and geological significance.

  • Montagne de Reims: Known for its Pinot Noir grapes, this area is home to famous towns such as Reims, Epernay, and Verzenay. The hillsides here are characterized by their steep slopes and dense vineyards.

  • Côte des Blancs: This district is renowned for its Chardonnay grapes and the production of some of the most prestigious Champagnes in the world. The villages of Avize, Cramant, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger are located within this area.

  • Côte des Bar: This region is unique as it is the only area in Champagne to produce both black grapes (Pinot Noir) and white grapes (Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc). Villages such as Barsur-sur-Seine, Essoyes, and Bouzy are noteworthy here.

The Grandes Marques (Great Houses)

The Grandes Marques, or Champagne Houses, are the largest producers of Champagne in the region. These prestigious houses have a rich history dating back centuries and are responsible for some of the most iconic Champagne brands in the world. Some famous Grandes Marques include:

  • Moët & Chandon: Founded in 1743 by Claude Moët, this House is known for its stylish and elegant wines. The prestigious Dom Pérignon line was created in 1928 to celebrate the terroir of Champagne.

  • Veuve Clicquot: Established in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot, this House gained notoriety with the introduction of the first vintage champagne (1810) and the invention of riddling (the process of turning the bottle during aging to settle the sediment).

  • Louis Roederer: Founded in 1776 by Louis Roederer, this House is best known for its iconic Cristal champagne, first produced in 1876 as a gift for Tsar Alexander II of Russia.

The Growers and Récolants (Independent Producers)

In addition to the Grandes Marques, there are thousands of smaller, independent producers known as growers and récolants. These producers grow their own grapes and make their Champagne on-site. Visiting a grower allows you to experience a more personal and authentic side of the Champagne region. Some notable growers include:

  • Philipponnat: Founded in 1548, this House is known for its Clos des Goisses Grand Cru vineyard and its unique “methuselah” bottles, which hold the equivalent of eight standard bottles of Champagne.

  • Billecart-Salmon: Established in 1818, this grower specializes in Blanc de Blancs (made solely from Chardonnay grapes) and is known for its elegant and refined style.

The Cellars (Caves)

Visiting the cellars of Champagne Houses and growers is a must for any wine enthusiast. These underground labyrinths house thousands upon thousands of bottles, each maturing at different stages to create the perfect blend. Some notable cellars include:

  • Moët & Chandon: The House’s cellars in Epernay stretch for over 28 kilometers and house over 20 million bottles. You can take a guided tour to learn about the history, production process, and unique riddling technique used at Moët & Chandon.

  • Veuve Clicquot: The cellars of Veuve Clicquot in Reims are an architectural marvel, with tunnels carved deep into the chalky soil. Here you can learn about the House’s rich history and see firsthand the riddling process as well as the aging of their renowned Yellow Label and prestige cuvée, La Grande Dame.

Tasting Experiences

Champagne tastings are an essential part of any visit to this region. Many Houses and growers offer a variety of tasting experiences, ranging from simple flights of their most popular Champagnes to more in-depth tastings that delve into the history, production process, and terroir of the wines. Some options for tastings include:

  • Dom Pérignon Experience: A unique and immersive experience at Moët & Chandon where you can learn about the history, philosophy, and craftsmanship behind their prestige cuvée, Dom Pérignon. The experience includes a tasting of current and library vintages, as well as a tour of the cellars and vineyards.

  • Veuve Clicquot VIP Experience: A luxurious experience at Veuve Clicquot that includes a private guided tour, a visit to their historic cellars, a personalized tasting of current and library vintages paired with delicious Champagne-infused cuisine, and a souvenir gift.

Conclusion

Champagne is a region steeped in history, tradition, and exceptional wines. From the rolling hillsides to the prestigious Houses and enchanting cellars, there’s no shortage of experiences for wine enthusiasts and travelers alike. We hope this guide has provided valuable insights into the world of Champagne and inspired you to plan your visit to this remarkable region.

À votre santé! (Cheers!)