Where it is
Champagne lies about 150 km north-east of Paris. The main zones are the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne, the Côte des Blancs south of Épernay and the Côte des Bar in the Aube. Reims and Épernay are the two wine towns.
Land and climate
This is France's most northerly major wine region, with a cool climate that gives high acidity and low sugar, ideal for sparkling wine. Chalk subsoil drains well, stores water and holds miles of cellars cut into it.
How it is made
Only wine from the appellation may be called Champagne. A still base wine is bottled with sugar and yeast for a second fermentation in the bottle (the traditional method), then aged on its lees. Non-vintage wines must age at least 15 months, vintage wines at least three years. Sweetness runs from Brut Nature to Doux.
Grapes and styles
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are the main grapes. Blanc de Blancs is made from Chardonnay only, Blanc de Noirs from the black grapes, and rosé by blending or short skin contact. Producers range from large houses to growers who make wine from their own vines.