All Champagne

Situated north-east of Paris, Champagne is France's most northerly wine region. Being so far north the climate for growing grapes is marginal; grape vines require an annual mean temperature of 10 degrees Celsius just to survive and the average in Champagne is barely 10.5 degrees. A tightrope walk for Champagne growers to be sure, and not every variety will achieve the desired ripeness every year. This is one reason why a blend of grape varieties is usually used. Chardonnay giving fruit and elegance and the two red varieties, Pinot Noir and to a lesser extent Pinot Meunier giving backbone. But while these varieties are grown successfully elsewhere, only in the unique terroir of Champagne can they be said to have conquered the world!
18 products