AOC Coteaux Champenois wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

A.O.C./A.O.P.

The Coteaux Champenois appellation covers the same geographical area as Champagne, spread across five départements: Aisne, Aube, Haute-Marne, Marne and Seine-et-Marne. The vineyards, planted at altitudes between 90 and 300 metres, lie on slopes with predominantly chalky soils, steep and undulating enough to give the vines good sun exposure. The climate is cool and humid, typical of the Champagne wine region. The permitted grape varieties are the same as those used for Champagne: pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay. Unlike Champagne, which is reserved for sparkling wines, Coteaux Champenois designates the still wines produced on this same terroir, a production that remains limited since most of the harvest is destined for Champagne. Certain communes, such as Bouzy, Aÿ and Cumières, have built a particular reputation for their still red wines.

Grape varieties: Vins rouges, rosés : Chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot meunier. Vins blancs secs : Chardonnay

The wines of this appellation

Coteaux Champenois produces three colours of still wine, with red clearly predominant. The red wines show a fine, elegant and precise structure, supple tannins and a colour that is rarely very deep; their bouquet recalls red fruit, cherry and morello cherry. The white wines, lively and tensed by pronounced natural acidity, develop aromas of white flowers and white fruit — apple, pear, peach, quince. The rarer rosés share the same finesse and red-fruit notes as the reds. All three share a characteristic freshness inherited from the cool climate of the Champagne wine region. The reds generally age well for one to five years, while the whites and rosés are best enjoyed within their first two years. At the table, the lighter reds pair with white meats and poultry, while the whites, with their crisp freshness, suit grilled fish and shellfish.