Wines of France

With an annual average temperature of 10.5°C (51°F), Champagne is a cool land, exposed to the northerly winds and to the effects of Siberian anticyclones (winter high pressure systems). But it is just warm enough to ripen the area’s fine grape varieties. The vineyards of Champagne are located in the warmest microclimates of the region, which are those that are most sheltered from the northern winds. The mere presence of vineyards on these lands is a challenge, and the number of wars that have taken place here have not helped the cause. But over the centuries, winegrowers have learned how to tame these austere limestone soils to produce a product of great beauty. Since that time, Champagne has become the worldwide symbol of celebration, love and special occasions.

http://www.champagne.fr/

Champagne has the harshest climate of any French winegrowing region. However, this clearly does not prevent it from producing world-famous wines. It contains the northernmost French vineyards, and winegrowers face risks each year as spring frosts are frequent after the grapevines have budded, summers are short and autumns are not consistently warm. It is not uncommon to see bed warmers dispersed in the vineyards at the end of April or beginning of May to prevent frost damage at night. But the soils are often located on slopes facing the sun to take advantage of every last ray of sunlight, and the varieties cultivated here seem to adapt well to the adversity.

There is a certain sense of paradox in Champagne, created by the juxtaposition of the celebratory and seductive image of its wines, evoking the easy life where all troubles are forgotten, and the austerity of the region itself. Here, far from the Mediterranean and the South, winemakers keep one eye on the weather reports as they cultivate their vineyards with determination and tenacity. Toiling behind the walls of the great Champagne houses, they create a festive product for the rest of the planet. However, harsh landscapes and climate aside, these winemakers truly love their work. They are ready to uncork a bottle of Champagne for the slightest occasion, and are the first to get the festivities underway.

Champagne is made from vineyards located on strictly registered parcels of land included in the AOC designation. They are located mainly on hillsides with excellent sun exposure near Reims and Epernay, the two cities that symbolize the Champagne industry. A thick layer of white chalk covers the region all the way into the city of Reims, where hundreds of kilometers of cellars were hollowed out over the centuries. This chalk provides conditions that allow the grapes to ripen more quickly, as it reflects the sunlight to warm the soils. All of the winemaking villages are ranked based on the crus that they contain. The best terroirs contain 100% crus and qualify for the Grand Cru designation.