Coteaux Champenois

The Coteaux Champenois appellation is part of the Champagne appellation; the area and production conditions are the same, but the wines are vinified as still wines. There are red and white Coteaux Champenois wines, but production remains limited. The most renowned villages mention their name on the label: Bouzy Rouge, Vertus Rouge, etc.

Now world-famous, the Champagne appellation was not created overnight. Its history goes back several centuries and is rich in twists and turns. It began with a terroir so unique that it produced the most original wines thanks to the talent of men who knew how to express its delicate character and enhance it with effervescence. The originality of Champagne wines quickly became renowned. By the beginning of the 20th century, Champagne already had the power of a myth. The people of Champagne decided to protect it by establishing a strictly defined area and common production rules, which resulted in the recognition of the Champagne appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC).

Champagne wines owe their inimitable character to a very special terroir, located in a northern geographical position, at the limit of the vine-growing zone. The vineyard therefore has a harsh climate, but this is tempered by the influence of the ocean. The mainly limestone subsoil provides the vines with constant natural irrigation. The hillside location promotes good sun exposure for the vines and allows excess water to drain away.

Since 1935, only three grape varieties have been authorized in Champagne. Pinot Noir gives the wine red fruit aromas. It is the grape variety that brings body and power to the blend. Pinot Meunier is a supple and fruity grape variety that brings an intense bouquet. It evolves more quickly over time and gives the wine roundness. Chardonnay provides finesse. It gives floral notes and its slow evolution makes it an ideal complement for the maturation of wines.

The exceptional reputation of Champagne wines is undoubtedly as much the result of the magnificent surprises that can be revealed by "small" producers as it is the excellence of the very large houses, of which we can only mention an incomplete list. The Dom Pérignon Champagne House, at the forefront of this reputation, does not overshadow others such as Bollinger Champagne, Charles Heidsieck Champagne, Roederer Champagne, Jacquesson Champagne, Krug Champagne, Billecart-Salmon Champagne, Henriot Champagne, Deutz Champagne, Perrier-Jouët Champagne, Taittinger Champagne, Larmandier-Bernier Champagne, Pol Roger Champagne, Ruinart Champagne, and Jacques Salosse Champagne...