Location and Terroir
Avenay-Val-d'Or is a commune in the Champagne wine-growing region in the north-east of France. It is located at the foot of a hillside of vineyards, which is bounded by the Montagne de Reims. The vineyards of Champagne are mostly on slopes that favour sunshine exposure and drainage. The subsoil consists mainly of sedimentary limestone formations such as chalk, marl and hard limestone.
Viticulture and Appellation
The commune's vineyards are mainly planted with Pinot grape varieties and, to a lesser extent, with Chardonnay. The Champagne appellation is reserved for white or rosé sparkling wines. Avenay-Val-d'Or is among the communes whose harvested grapes, according to the appellation rules, may carry the geographical designation “Premier Cru”.
Climate and Production
The climate of the Champagne region is influenced both by oceanic and by continental conditions. The average annual temperature is about 11 °C; risks include winter frosts and summer thunderstorms. Viticulture includes winter pruning, the removal of non-fruit-bearing shoots in spring and shortening of the shoots in summer. The second fermentation takes place after the assemblage in the bottle.
History
Archaeological research shows evidence in Avenay-Val-d'Or of pottery kiln remains from the first and sixth centuries, as well as a piece of jewellery associated with a Lombard queen of the early seventh century. Saint Berthe founded the Abbey of Saint-Pierre in Avenay in the seventh century. The Treaty of Avenay of 7 October 1592 established a truce during the Wars of Religion for ploughing and the grape harvest.
