The Three Grape Varieties

The choice of champagne grape varieties – which are very similar to those of burgundy – is adapted to our pedology (soil characteristics) and climatic variations.

Pinot noir and pinot meunier, which account respectively for 30% and 40% of the vineyard acreage, produce red grapes. Chardonnay, a white grape, makes up the remaining 30% of the Champagne slopes.

The Pinot Meunier

This rustic grape, exclusive to the Champagne regions, is planted in the Marne Valley area and the Aube department.

It is particularly resistant to frost owing to its relatively late blooming.

Characteristics: Gives the wine its fruitiness and freshness.

Aromas: Raspberry.

The Chardonnay

A noble grape chiefly planted in the Côtes des Blancs area. It is among the most subtle of the white grapes.

Thriving on chalky soil, it prefers temperate climates. Used alone, it produces 'Blanc de Blanc'.

Charactesristics: Gives the wine all its subtlety, elegance and lightness.

Aromas: Lemon, Peach, White flowers and thorns, Fern, Hawthorn, Honeysuckle, Roast almonds, Butter, Brioche, Hazelnut, Honey, Toasted bread, Vanilla.

The Pinot Noir

This grand variety is to be found mainly in the Montagne de Reims.

Pinot noir needs chalky soil and gives very fine wines in contrasted climates. It's a precocious and low-yielding grape.

Charactesristics: It gives the wine body and power.

Aromas: Raspberry, Blackberry violet, strawberry, cherry, plum, licorice, leather, cocoa butter, Under wood, musk, mushroom humus, Venison.