Soils

Champagne is a challenge against nature.

Not every year is a vintage. But each year, the wine growers are looking for the best possible expression of champagne: acidity, ageing potential...on the basis of the geographical, climatic and geological conditions, the blends made with reserve wines attempt to overcome the whims of nature.

Geography

The Champagne vineyards are at the northern limit of where vine cultivation is possible. They are planted at an altitude of between 90 and 300 metres.

Climate

Vines grow on all soils, but the nature of the soils, as well as the climate, have a considerable influence on the way they develop.
The climate undergoes both continental and oceanic influences, and the late summer is often fine (important for maturation).
The grape varieties must therefore be chosen by taking the climate into account: the early varieties are more adapted to cold weather.

Geology

The vineyards are planted on limestone or calcareous clay soils.
The subsoil consists of pure chalk in many of the Marne department vineyards, but varies from sands in the region west of Reims to marls in Aisne and Kimmeridge clay in the department of Aube.
For the development of vines, chalk presents the dual advantage of storing and restoring both humidity and the heat of the sun.