Where celebration begins
Champagne
France
Region Details
Climate
Cool continental, marginal for viticulture
Soil
Chalk, limestone
Varietals
3 key grapes
Sub-regions
3 areas
Wine styles
Key varietals
Wine Heritage
History of Champagne
"Where celebration begins"
Dom Pérignon didn't invent Champagne (the bubbles were initially considered a flaw), but the Champagne houses perfected the process. The 19th century saw Champagne become the ultimate luxury symbol, a status it retains today.
About Champagne
Champagne is the world's most famous sparkling wine region, and legally the only one that can use the name. Its unique terroir and méthode traditionnelle create wines of unparalleled elegance and complexity.
Terroir
Champagne's chalk subsoil, laid down by ancient seas, provides perfect drainage and reflects sunlight upward. The marginal climate keeps acidity high—essential for sparkling wine. Each village is rated on the échelle des crus system.
Flavor Profile
Sub-regions
Côte des Blancs
Chardonnay, elegant, mineral
Montagne de Reims
Pinot Noir, structure, power
Vallée de la Marne
Pinot Meunier, fruity, round