Champagne

Champagne was the first region to make sparkling wine in any quantity, hence, the name became synonymous with the finest. It’s France’s only major single-appellation region and has only three main grape varieties – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. The region consists of three wine-growing areas: from east of Paris in the Marne valley to Rheims, south from Epernay along the Cote des Blancs and its southern extension, the Cotes de Sezanne, and, finally, the Aube, which is more than 100 kilometres further southeast. Much of the appellation, including most of the better Crus, are situated on the slopes of the hills. The area’s chalky soil and cool climate combine to create the conditions for making champagne in a place that theoretically is too far north to ripen grapes properly – just as is the case in southern England. However, the precarious nature of the weather means that traditionally champagne is blended not only from a number of different villages but also from several vintages.