Champagne cellar reims

The champagne cellars in Reims, France, house millions of bottles in chalk galleries dating back to Roman times, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

About this subject

The champagne cellars of Reims are among the best-kept secrets of the Champagne region in France. Carved into layers of chalk (craie), these underground galleries stretch over 200 kilometers beneath the city, forming a labyrinth that houses some of the largest champagne houses, such as Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, and Ruinart. The origins of these cellars date back to Roman times, when chalk was quarried for construction, but it was in the 17th century that champagne producers began using these cool, humid tunnels (constant temperature of 10-12°C) for the aging and storage of sparkling wine.

The champagne process requires a minimum of 15 months of aging on the lees for non-vintage wines, and three years or more for vintage wines. The ideal conditions of the Reims cellars, with 85-95% relative humidity and no light, are perfect for the secondary fermentation and development of complex aromas. In 2015, UNESCO recognized the „Côteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne“ as a World Heritage site, highlighting the importance of this cellar system in the history of champagne production. Visitors can tour some cellars, such as Maison Pommery's, which features 17 kilometers of galleries adorned with relief sculptures.

Interestingly, the landscape of Reims is marked by wrought-iron doors at ground level that provide access to these deep cellars. During World War I, some cellars served as shelters for the local population. Today, they are a symbol of French winemaking excellence, attracting thousands of tourists each year. The combination of history, geology, and winemaking tradition makes the Reims cellars a living heritage, where each bottle holds centuries of savoir-faire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal temperature in the champagne cellars of Reims?

The cellars maintain a constant temperature between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius, essential for the slow aging of champagne.

How many kilometers of underground galleries exist beneath Reims?

It is estimated that there are over 200 kilometers of chalk galleries under the city, many of them interconnected.

Why are the champagne cellars of Reims a UNESCO World Heritage site?

They were recognized in 2015 as part of the 'Côteaux, Maisons et Caves de Champagne' for their historical, geological, and cultural value in champagne production.