All our champagnes of the Côte des Blancs

Champagnes from the Côte des Blancs: Elegance and Finesse

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.

The Style of Champagnes from the Côte des Blancs

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

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.

Geological and Climatic Specificities

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.

A Landscape of Grands Crus and Premiers Crus

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.

The Prices of Champagnes from the Côte des Blancs

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.

Anecdotes and Interesting Facts

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.

Exploring the Côte des Blancs

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.

Champagne Blends from the Côte des Blancs

Here are some examples of emblematic champagnes that come exclusively from the Côte des Blancs:

• - Champagne Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru: Blended from 4 grands crus of the Côte des Blancs: Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.
• - Champagne Bruno Paillard Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru: Based on a marriage of the two superb villages of Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, this cuvée offers a magnificent finesse.
• - Champagne Delamotte Blanc de Blancs: A cuvée based on 4 villages of the Côte des Blancs: Avize, Cramant, Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger.
• - Champagne Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs: A cuvée that reflects the full richness and diversity of the Côte des Blancs.

Single-Village Blanc de Blancs Champagnes

To discover the different tastes of the terroirs of the Côte des Blancs villages, try these single-village cuvées:

• - Champagne Pierre Gimonnet Oger Grand Cru: Here you'll find all the fruity and round notes of the Oger terroir.
• - Champagne Lombard Brut Nature Cramant Grand Cru: The generous terroir, with spicy and pastry notes of Cramant.
• - Champagne Dhondt-Grellet Cramant: Once again, the superb terroir of Cramant, vinified by the brilliant Adrien Dhondt!
• - Champagne Salon: A single parcel, a single cuvée, a unique know-how!