Coteaux Champenois

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

Now world-famous, the Champagne appellation was not created in a day. Its history goes back several centuries and is rich in events. It begins with a terroir, so particular that it gave birth to the most original of wines, thanks to the talent of men who knew how to express its delicate typicity and sublimate it through effervescence. The originality of Champagne wines soon became renowned. By the early 20th century, Champagne already had the force of myth. The Champenois decided to protect it by establishing a strictly delimited area and common production rules, which resulted in the recognition of the Champagne appellation d'origine contrôlée.

Champagne wines owe their inimitable typicity to a very special terroir, in a northern geographical position, at the limit of the vine-growing area. The vineyards are thus exposed to a harsh climate, softened by oceanic influences. A predominantly limestone subsoil provides the vines with constant natural irrigation. The hillside layout favors good sun exposure and drainage of excess water.

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

The exceptional reputation of Champagne wines is undoubtedly as much the result of the wonderful surprises revealed by "small" producers as it is of the excellence of the great houses, of which we can only give an incomplete list. The Champagne House of Dom Pérignon, at the top of the list, does not eclipse others such as Champagne 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 Jacques Salosse...