Geography & Climate
Champagne lies about 90 miles northeast of Paris and is the northernmost major wine region in France. Its cool continental climate ensures slow grape ripening, preserving acidity — ideal for sparkling wines.
The region’s distinctive chalk and limestone subsoils offer excellent drainage and impart mineral purity. Slopes and elevation vary across subregions, affecting grape expression and ripening. The combination of cold weather and mineral soils is essential to Champagne’s finesse and aging potential.
History of Champagne
The Champagne region has Roman-era roots, but it wasn’t until the 17th century that winemakers began mastering the art of sparkling wine — largely by accident at first. Dom Pérignon, a Benedictine monk, famously contributed to refining the process (though he didn’t invent it). Over time, techniques like riddling and dosage were developed to perfect Champagne’s clarity and style.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the region’s grandes marques (famous houses) helped globalize Champagne’s reputation. Protected by strict AOC rules, Champagne now stands as a luxury icon and a model of meticulous viticulture and cellar craft.
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