Vallée de la Marne Wine Region

Located in the Champagne wine region, France, Vallée de la Marne is a famous subregion with attractive vineyards and sightseeing, producing a wide array of red and white wines from various grapes. It is bordered to the south by Champagne and Montagne de Reims, and to the north by Côte de Sézanne and Côte des Blancs. Vallée de la Marne wine region sit on the riverbanks of the Marne river, which is 525 km long and flows through the magnificent Champagne vineyards.

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Where is Vallée de la Marne wine region located?

Vallée de la Marne wine region is a part of the famous Champagne region. It has 9 villages, out of which, one is Grand Cru (regional wine classification that designates a vineyard known for its favorable reputation) and 8 Premier Crus (refers to classified vineyards, wineries, and wines). Some of the most famous villages in this appellation are Avenay-Val-d’Or, Bisseuil, Champillon, and Aÿ. 

The Grande Vallée de la Marne is the eastern part of the appellation, and the Marne Valley is situated on the right bank of the river. The area is situated near Épernay and its hills are an extension of the southern part of the Grande Montagne de Reims area.

Six Sub-Zones of Vallée de la Marne wine region

Vallée de la Marne’s wines have developed due to specificities such as sunlight hours, vineyard location, and winemaking preferences of the area. These elements provide a style of wine found nowhere else in France or the world for that matter. Additionally, The wine district is divided into six sub-zones:

1. Grande Vallée de la Marne
2. Rive Droite
3. Rive Gauche
4. Condé en Brie
5. Château Thierry Est
6. Château Thierry Ouest

Terroir of Vallée de la Marne

The soils of the appellation, depending on the area, are formed of various clays, marls, and limestones. This diversity of terroirs provides the character of the Vallée de la Marne wine. Most of the vines are planted on limestone and chalk subsoils.

The climate is an essential factor for the growth of vines and the production of quality wine. The climate of Vallée de la Marne is oceanic with a continental influence. This area is located at 49 ° north latitude, so the winters are very cool, and the frosts are frequent. The average annual temperature is 11 ° C, the rainfall is 604mm in a year, and the region experiences more than 66 days of fog per year and 69 days of frost.

The Most Popular Grape Varieties of Vallée de la Marne wine region

Vallée de la Marne wine region is considered to be the most important one of Champagne. The current vineyard surface in the Grande Vallée de la Marne is 1828.5 ha, distributed over 1116 vineyard owners in the 9 villages. The most popular grape varieties are Pinot Noir (65.5%), Chardonnay (18.9%), and Pinot Meunier (15.5%). Out of the nine villages, five have more than 50% of Pinot Noir in their vineyards.

Pinot Noir is a Vitis Vinifera from France and one of the oldest grape varieties used in wine production. Pinot Noir is a dynamic grape that requires attention from vine to glass. Though it isn’t easy to grow, it responds graciously to tender care. 

Chardonnay is a white wine grape variety from France. It is considered one of the most popular white grapes and can have a distinct flavor profile depending on where it's grown and if oak is used during the aging process. Some researchers suggest that Chardonnay is the result of a cross between the Pinot noir and Gouais blanc grape varieties.

Pinot Meunier is a dark-berried grape species mostly used in the Champagne blend. It is a clonal mutation of the Pinot group, therefore it shares the same DNA fingerprint as Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and other Pinot derivatives.

Food to Pair with Vallée de la Marne wine

Dim Sum

Dim sum is a small-sized Chinese food that can vary from savory dumplings, buns, and noodle rolls to sweet puddings and tarts. The term dim sum translates to touch the heart, and according to legend, it was created many centuries ago by cooks of the Royal Court to touch the heart of emperors.

What started as a simple snack is now a key part of Chinese culture and is popular in other countries too. Each food usually consists of a few pieces of dim sum varieties, served in steamer baskets or on small plates, making them great for sharing or trying out new flavors. Dim sum is quite famous in the Champagne wine region, where you can taste the dish with a glass of Vallée de la Marne wine. The acidity and bubbles of Vallée de la Marne create the perfect pair for Dim sum.

Quiche

Quiche is considered a French dish. However, using eggs and cream in pastry was practiced in English and Italian cuisine at least as early as the 13th century.

Somehow the dish got very popular in France, and nowadays, everyone considers Quiche a part of French cuisine. This pie consists of a pastry crust filled with eggs, cream, and anything from bacon, cheese, and leek to mushrooms and seafood. It can be served either hot or cold and is traditionally cut into slices. If you want to taste it the best, then you should pair it with a glass of white wine.

Andouillette

Andouillette is a French sausage made with pork meat and intestines, onions, wine, pepper, and other seasonings. The sausage contains parts of the pig's colon, which is the reason why it has an unusual smell.

The sausage can be served hot or cold, and it can be barbecued, boiled, or pan-fried. These sausages are often served with vegetables, mushrooms, and red sauces. You should try this dish with the local wines for the best experience.

Top-3 Places to visit in Vallée de la Marne wine region

1. Reims

The historic city of Reims is famous for its majestic 13th-century cathedral. This magnificent landmark was used for the inauguration ceremonies of France's kings, beginning in 1223 with Louis VIII. 

2. Troyes

The medieval capital of the Champagne wine region, Troyes has a lovely old town, which explains its rich culture. Perfectly maintained half-timbered houses are found everywhere in the town. 

Troyes has many outstanding masterpieces, such as the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, founded in 1208. This Gothic cathedral has an exquisite rose window and a richly decorated "Beau Portail" doorway. After visiting the cathedral, you can explore two nearby museums: Musée Saint-Loup and the Musée d'Art Moderne. 

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims is a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture with rich sculptural decoration. Once you visit the place, you will see the brilliant caricatural sculptures and travel back to the 13th century.

3. Disneyland Paris

Disneyland doesn’t need any introduction, and it is the biggest and most visited place of its two theme parks, attracting millions of yearly guests. This is where the storybook world of Disney is brought to life, with fairytale palaces, pirates, and iconic figures around every corner. As well as enjoying meet-and-greets with everyone from Mickey Mouse to Cinderella, visitors can get their adrenaline pumping on death-defying roller coasters, ride the Disneyland Railroad and watch spectacular parades and shows.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Vallée de la Marne wine region