The Côte des Blancs, located in the Marne, is one of the most prestigious wine-growing regions in the Champagne vineyard. It stretches for about 20 kilometers south of Épernay and covers an area of 3,313 hectares. This unique terroir is renowned for its champagnes produced mainly from the Chardonnay grape variety, which accounts for 95% of the plantations.
Champagnes from the Côte des Blancs are known for their vivacity and spirit, with light and delicate aromas. They are distinguished by their finesse and elegance, characteristics inherent to Blanc de Blancs champagnes. The Chardonnay grape, emblematic of this region, imparts a lively acidity and a marked minerality, giving the wines an unparalleled freshness and purity. Connoisseurs particularly appreciate the tension and depth of the champagnes from this terroir.
The vineyard of the Côte des Blancs extends over twelve communes, including Avize, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Oger, which are among the most emblematic villages. This vineyard is often compared to a mosaic of terroirs, each one bringing its own nuances and characteristics to the wines.
The Côte des Blancs benefits from a unique geology where chalk is prevalent, creating a true reservoir of water and heat for the vines. The slopes, mainly facing east, protect the vines from the dominant winds, allowing for optimal ripening of the grapes. This terroir gives the champagnes a distinctive chalky minerality, often compared to a salty touch, which is particularly appreciated in Blanc de Blancs.
Among the villages of the Côte des Blancs, six are classified as Grands Crus : Avize, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Chouilly, and Oiry. Additionally, four others are classified as Premiers Crus: Cuis, Grauves, Vertus, and Bergères-les-Vertus. These classifications attest to the exceptional quality of the grapes grown in these areas, directly influencing the prestige of the champagnes produced.
Champagnes from the Côte des Blancs are prized for their exceptional quality, which is often reflected in their prices. Cuvées from Grands Crus, such as those produced by emblematic houses like Champagne Selosse or Champagne Agrapart, can reach high prices, justified by the complexity and finesse of these wines. On the other hand, champagnes from Premiers Crus or less well-known villages can offer more affordable alternatives while maintaining excellent quality.
The Côte des Blancs is not only an exceptional terroir but also a place steeped in history. For example, several domains like Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger are mentioned in the "great charter of Champagne" of 1114, a foundational document of the Champagne vineyard. The passion and philosophy of the winemakers of the Côte des Blancs, such as Anselme Selosse, are also fascinating elements that add to the aura of this region.
If you are planning a visit to Champagne, the Côte des Blancs is a must-see destination. Along the Champagne Tourist Route, you can discover the prestigious crus and appreciate the subtle variations of each terroir. This exploration will help you understand why each village of the Côte des Blancs deserves its own recognition.
Here are some examples of emblematic champagnes that come exclusively from the Côte des Blancs:
To discover the different tastes of the terroirs of the Côte des Blancs villages, try these single-village cuvées:
🔢 Available products count | 450 |
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🎨 Colour | White champagne, Rosé champagne |
🍾 Format | Bottle, Magnum, Jeroboam, Mathusalem, Half bottle, Salmanazar |
↕️ Dosage | Champagne extra brut, Champagne brut, Champagne brut nature, Champagne extra dry, Champagne demi-sec, Champagne doux, Champagne sec |
🍇 Cépage | Pinot noir, Pinot meunier, Chardonnay |
📍 Terroirs | Cote des blancs, Montagne de reims, Vallée de la marne, Cote des bar, Cote de sezanne, Cramant, Avize, Grande vallée de la marne, Côte de sézanne, Massif de saint thierry |
⭐ Vintage | Non vintage champagne, Vintage 2008, Vintage 2015, Vintage 2014, Vintage 2012, Vintage 2009, Vintage 2016, Vintage 2006, Vintage 2017, Vintage 2010, Vintage 2005, Annata 2013, Vintage 2007, Vintage 2018, Vintage 2011, Vintage 2019, Vintage 2004, Vintage 1996 |
💡 Type de champagne | Blanc de blancs, Rosé de saignée, Coteaux champenois |