Geographical location of Champagne
The essentials
The Champagne wine-growing region covers approximately 34,000 hectares, 150 km east of Paris, spread across five departments (Marne, Aube, Aisne, Haute-Marne and Seine-et-Marne) and 319 communes. It is organised into four main regions: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, Côte des Blancs and Côte des Bar.
- How many hectares does the Champagne vineyard cover?
- The Champagne wine-growing region covers approximately 34,000 hectares, as defined by a law of 1927. It comprises nearly 281,000 plots, each with an average area of 12 ares, cultivated by some 15,000 winegrowers.
- What are the grands crus of Champagne?
- Champagne has 17 villages classified as ‘grand cru’ and 44 villages classified as ‘premier cru’, spread across the four main wine-growing regions: the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne, the Côte des Blancs and the Côte des Bar.
- Why are Champagne’s vineyards planted on hillsides?
- The Champagne vineyards are situated at altitudes of between 90 and 300 metres, on hillsides with an average gradient of 12 per cent (up to 60 per cent), facing mainly south, south-east and east. This gradient promotes good sunlight exposure and the natural drainage of excess water.
34,000 hectares, 319 municipalities, 5 departments: the wine-growing region of Champagne boasts a geography of astonishing precision, shaped by centuries of demarcation.
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The production area of the Champagne appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC), defined by law in 1927, covers some 34,000 hectares. This region, located in France some 150 kilometers east of Paris, comprises 319 crus (or communes) spread across five départements: Marne (67%), Aube (23%), Aisne (9%), Haute-Marne and Seine-et-Marne.
The Champagne vineyards are divided into four main regions: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, Côte des Blancs and Côte des Bar. It comprises some 281,000 parcels, each with an average surface area of 12 ares. Historically, 17 villages have received the "grand cru" designation and 44 villages have received the "premier cru" designation. The three key elements of the Champagne terroir - climate, soil and subsoil, and relief - form a unique combination, a mosaic of micro-terroirs with unique characteristics. The expertise of Champagne's 15,000 winegrowers makes the most of these characteristics.
THE CHAMPAGNE REGION
Champagne vineyards are planted between 90 and 300 meters above sea level. It is a hillside vineyard, mostly facing south, southeast and east, with an average slope of 12%, and some slopes reaching almost 60%. The Champagne terroir is sufficiently steep and undulating to allow good insolation of the vines, and its slope facilitates drainage of excess water.
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