The Côte des Blancs is one of the proudest possessions of the Champagne region. This vineyard, located to the south of Épernay, is 20 km long, for a total surface of 3,300 hectares. A dozen villages can be found in the area, many of which actually have their own appellations, such as Oger, Cramant, Avize or Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The Côte des Blancs is also sitting right next to the famous Montagne de Reims.
Here, Chardonnay is king. It represents 95% of the entire local terroir (only 5% of the vineyard is dedicated to Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, mostly in the southern parts) and produces high quality champagnes. The soils of the Côte des Blancs are an assortment of limestone and other minerals, which greatly helps with the heat and moisture retention in the subsoil layers.
The champagnes made in the Côte des Blancs are called "Blanc de Blancs" when they come from Chardonnay grapevines exclusively. Some rosé blends are produced here as well, thanks to the two Pinot varieties available. Nowadays, winemaking in the Côte des Blancs has become much more reasoned, especially since a lot of winemakers have started to switch their entire estates to organic or biodynamic methods.
Check out the champagnes from the Côte des Blancs.
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