Montagne de Reims Wine Region

Montagne de Reims is a Champagne terroir that is located in the northern section of the Champagne wine region. The area is regarded as the best of Champagne's five subregions. Reim is regarded as the heart of Champagne; it has more Grand Crus than any other region and produces the greatest Champagne in the world. Many of the world's most prominent Champagne houses have wineries or cellars in this region to welcome visitors for wine tasting. This magnificent wine region is centered on the Reims mountain and is home to nine grand crus. Montagne de Reims produces rich and full-bodied Champagnes.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Montagne de Reims!

Where is the Montagne de Reims wine region?

The Montagne de Reims wine area is located between Reims and Epernay, straight north of the Vallée de la Marne, Côte de Sézanne, and Côte des Blancs. The territory stretches approximately 30 kilometers east to west and 6-10 kilometers north to south from the Marne to the Vesle Rivers. This magnificent wine region consists of 94 communities distributed on 7989.3 hectares. The Montagne de Reims is essential to the Champagne area and serves as a major tourism destination.

History of the Montagne de Reims wine region

The region is located at the crossroad of military and trade routes which made it a significant strategic point which is why the region had to face several military conflicts. Although winemaking in the Montagne de Reims goes back a long way, champagne wines came into the limelight not until the 1660s during the reign of Louis XIV. The production of champagne wines grew exponentially in the 19th century, with the production of 300,000 bottles a year to 1.8-2 million bottles a year for the entire Champagne region. 

The terroir and geography of the Montagne de Reims wine region

Montagne de Reims' geography is varied, including mountains, mild sloping hills, and plains. The vines of the Montagne de Reims, Champagne's most northern region, are nearly all planted on south-facing slopes to minimize morning frost damage and to expose the vines to as much sunshine as possible to aid ripening. The location is built on a chalk mountain, which the Romans quarried to create their towns. Due to excessive mining in the Middle Ages, a massive hole was left behind, which is currently utilized as a cellar since the pit offers excellent humidity and temperature for maturing wines. Modern-day Champagne was invented approximately 3 kilometers north of Epernay, in the town of Hautvilleirs, where a monk lived his life and discovered the art of securely placing bubbles in the wine. By combining unfermented wine with fermented wine, he was able to balance the acidity of the wines and generate bubbles. The monk also found how to use moderate presses to achieve clarity in wine made from red Pinot noir and Pinot Meunier.

Popular grape varieties from the Montagne de Reims wine region

Pinot Noir is the most important grape planted in Montagne de Reims, accounting for more than 40% of total output. Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay are two more grape varietals grown in the region. Although the region is best known for its Blanc de Noirs Champagne, made from red-skinned grapes, Montagne de Reims also produces notable Chardonnay-based cuvees worth seeking out. Wines from Montagne de Reims are robust with crispiness and intense fragrance.

Food to pair with Montagne de Reims wine 

Foie gras

Foie gras is a French dish made from the liver of a duck or goose that has been specially fattened.

Foie gras is a French dish made from the liver of a duck or goose that has been specially fattened. It is usually prepared by force-feeding the animal until its liver swells to up to 10 times its normal size. Serve this savory dish with powerful champagne from Montagne de Reims. 

Oysters 

Oysters are a type of shellfish that are found in the ocean. They can be eaten raw or cooked. Oysters are often served as an appetizer, but they can also be served as a main dish.

The oyster is a type of bivalve mollusk that lives in the sea and has an edible fleshy part called a "live oyster" or "edible oyster". The word "oyster" may also refer to the dish prepared from this seafood. Oysters have been eaten since ancient times, and some people still eat them as food, either raw or cooked. Oyster is a food that has been eaten for centuries around the world. It is a seafood delicacy and was considered a symbol of wealth in ancient Rome. Pair this with bubblicious Champagne produced in Montagne de Reims. 

Caviar 

Caviar is a luxury food item that is usually served as a part of an expensive meal. Caviar is a luxury food item that is usually served as a part of an expensive meal. The dish has been popular among the elites for centuries and it remains to be one of the most sought-after delicacies in the world.

Caviar, also known as ikra, was originally consumed by Russian nobility and later spread to other parts of Europe. It became popular in America during the 19th century when it was served at lavish parties.

The dish consists of salted fish eggs that are harvested from sturgeon fish. Serve with Champagne. 

Places to visit in the Montagne de Reims wine region

Reims Cathedral

Reims Cathedral, also known as cathedral Notre dame de reims, is a Catholic cathedral in the city of Reims, France. The term Notre dame de reims translates to our lady of Reims which is actually dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This amazing cathedral was built in 1211 under Archbishop Aubry de Humbert and designed by Jean d’Orbais. The cathedral replaced a former church destroyed by fire in 1210. It took around 80 years to complete the construction while decorative work continued for a century. Reims Cathedral is regarded as a defining model of gothic art. The Cathedral was so beautiful that it became the site of 25 coronations of the kings of France, from Louis VIII in 1223 to Charles X in 1825. 

Basilica of Saint-Remi

This ancient cathedral in the center of Reims, France, was erected in the 11th century on the place of Saint Remi's grave. This magnificent church is the largest Romanesque structure in northern France. As part of Reims Cathedral, the church was classified as a historic monument in 1840 and a UNESCO historical site in 1991. The church houses an important historical and artistic treasure that should not be overlooked. The church contains Saint Remi's tomb, stained glass windows from the 12th century, and a Cattiaux Grand Organ. The church is free to the public and offers a 20-minute tour.

Frequently asked questions about Montagne de Reims