Location and climate
Reims lies at around 49°5′ north latitude in the Champagne. The Montagne de Reims wine-growing region encloses the town in a wide arc from east to west and is bordered by the Vesle and the Marne. The climate combines oceanic and continental influences. The average annual temperature is about 11 °C; regular, moderate rainfall as well as risks from winter frosts and summer thunderstorms shape the conditions.
Terroir and grape varieties
Reims lies near the northern climatic boundary, which is generally considered suitable for cultivating quality wine grapes in the Northern Hemisphere. The Champagne vineyards are mostly on slopes, whose terrain improves exposure to the sun and drainage; the regional gradient is on average about 12 %. In the Montagne de Reims, Pinot Noir is the most common grape variety. The three most important grape varieties in Champagne are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier.
Champagne production
Champagne is made through a second fermentation in the bottle after base wines have been blended and bottled. The blend can combine different grape varieties, crus or vintages. The bottles then mature lying down and protected from light in the cellar; around 12 °C are considered a suitable cellar temperature for ageing. Non-vintage wines must mature for at least 15 months, and vintage wines for at least three years from bottling in the cellar.
History and chalk cellars
Reims was the Gallo-Roman city of Durocortorum and was later associated with the coronation of French kings. In total, the city has 33 royal coronations, most recently that of Charles X. in 1825. Former Gallo-Roman and medieval chalk quarries in Reims are used as Champagne cellars, including under the hill of Saint-Nicaise. This hill is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Chalk slopes, houses and cellars of Champagne”, which documents the development of bottle fermentation and the underground network of cellars.
