WINE TOURISM IN CHAMPAGNE
If there is anything that stands out is the region of Champagne because of its pampered vineyards plagued with the pinot noir, pinot meunier or chardonnay grape, and from these grapes, champagne is born.
This region is positioned as one of the most sought after wine tourism destinations in the world.
In Viavinum we organize and thoroughly prepare the wine tours around the Champagne region, a unique experience that you shouldn’t pass up if you are an enthusiast of the world of wines or on vacation in France.
The precedent of Champagne was the so-called Vinum Titilum, produced in the region since the times of the Roman Empire.
However, the rise of Champagne occurs in the 17th century when the Benedictine monk Dom Perignon introduced some substantial changes in the traditional method of elaboration of this precious nectar mainly by modifying the cork stopper as we know it nowadays, and increase the thickness of the bottles.
From this moment a period of increase in consumption and mastery of production techniques opened up, starting in the eighteenth century, with its international expansion promoted by the royal courts of France and England, and currently reaching a production of more than 270 million bottles and more than 30,000 hectares of vineyards.
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Wine routes in the Champagne region
This wine, that takes its generic name from the region where it is produced is present in all of the world as one of the best examples of French cuisine. The Denomination of Origin (AOC) of Champagne demands a series of requirements to preserve the purity of this drink. During the wine routes we show you several of these requirements and your learning experience will impress you with special aspects such as:
The method Champenoise is characterized by two essential stages for grape fermentation.
-First fermentation. As occurs in the majority of wines, it is fermented in barrels at a temperature of 18 to 20ºC;
-Second fermentation. This is the specificity of Champagne, it is done by adding sugars and yeasts in the bottle and that bottle is placed neck down so the sediments settle in that part.
The last step is the disgorgement, freezing the neck of the bottle and uncorking to eliminate the sediments, then it is closed again with its characteristic champagne cork.
Apart from the classification between blanc and rosé, the Champagne is classified according to the sugar content of the drink; from Brut Nature, with less than 3 grams of sugar per liter to the sweeter varieties (Doux) with more than 50 grams of sugar per liter.
For the production of this drink mainly three types of grape are used: the Chardonnay, that makes up 26% of the cultivated surface and provides the Champagne its quality and elegance; the Pinot Noir (37%), a red grape with white pulp that adds body and aroma, and the Pinot Meunier, with another 37% of the surface, that greatly eases the combinations for the production of the sparkling wines.
Depending on the grapes used in Champagne, it is called Blanc de Blancs when only the Chardonnay grape is used, and Blanc de Noirs, with the other two varieties, Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier.
Undoubtedly, an exciting world that we want to share with you at Viavinum, organizing highly prestigious wine trips through Champagne.
Together we will visit the best wine routes through the different areas of the French region accompanied by an expert guide, Viavinum makes it easy for you. In addition, we adapt our trips to groups, families or as a couple.
Activities in your wine trip to Champagne with Viavinum
The region of Champagne offers the travelers unique opportunities to be seduced by an endless list of activities that will remain in the memories of the tourist as an unforgettable.
In Viavinum we want to share some of the activities that you can enjoy on your wine tour in Champagne:
- Visits to the most exclusive wineries, called “Maisons” in this region of France, such as the producing families that passionate about the production of champagne.
- Food and wine tastings, workshops
- Pairings with Champagne
- Rides around the vineyards in a classic Citroën 2CV.
- Learn about the champagne production process.
- Outdoor activities, visits to the vineyards, nature and unique settings.
- Architecture, landscapes and wine
You can also visit the treasures of the city of Reims, capital of French Champagne, we can go to any of the other four areas that the region offers: Epernay, Vallée de la Marne, Côte des Bar and Côteaux Vitryats, in all of these places we can find wine cellars (Maisons) where tastings are organized and where we can learn about the authentic method of making this renowned nectar.
Organize your trip with us now, Champagne is waiting for you.
