Location and landscape
Épernay lies in the western part of the French department of Marne in the wine-growing region of the Marne Valley and is part of Champagne. The Marne has formed a broad valley here; the town is situated on its left bank. The vineyards stretch over the slopes of the valley and are part of the predominantly hilly wine-growing landscape of Champagne.
Climate and soils
The town is located at approximately the 49th northern latitude. The climate of Champagne combines oceanic and continental influences, with mild average conditions, but also possible winter frosts, summer thunderstorms and clear fluctuations from year to year. The subsoil consists of sedimentary limestone containing fossils, which supports viticulture on the slopes and makes it possible to build underground cellars.
Viticulture and cellars
Épernay is a major centre for Champagne production. The town has more than 110 kilometres of underground cellars, which were mostly carved into the limestone and in part lie about 20 to 40 metres below the surface. For Champagne, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier are mainly used; within the appellation, Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay Rosé are also permitted.
Champagne is a protected sparkling wine of the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée. Its second fermentation takes place in the bottle, in which the wine then remains. The wines mature on the lees for at least 15 months, and vintage cuvées for at least three years.
Commercial history and Avenue de Champagne
The Champagne trade in Épernay developed from the 18th century, when wine merchants settled along what would later become Avenue de Champagne. The railway section between Paris and Épernay was opened on 2 September 1849 and supported the development of trade. The former Rue du Commerce was renamed Avenue de Champagne in 1925. Together with Fort Chabrol, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Coteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne” since 2015.
