Champagne cellar reims

The champagne cellars in Reims, France, house millions of bottles in historic underground galleries, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

About this subject

Reims, in the Champagne region of France, is globally renowned for its underground cellars where champagne is aged. These galleries, often carved from Roman chalk, date back to Gallo-Roman times and were expanded over centuries. The champagne cellars in Reims, such as those of Maison Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, and Taittinger, stretch for kilometers beneath the city, maintaining constant temperature and humidity ideal for the second fermentation in bottle, the process that creates the famous bubbles.

The traditional method requires bottles to remain in the cellars for at least 15 months for non-vintage champagne and three years for vintages. During this period, bottles undergo remuage, where they are manually turned to collect sediment in the neck, followed by dégorgement. These techniques were refined by historical figures like Dom Pérignon, although the popular belief that he invented champagne is a myth; he contributed to improving the quality of sparkling wine.

The Reims cellars are a popular tourist destination, offering guided tours that showcase the vast cellars, some up to 30 meters deep. In 2015, the Champagne cellars were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognizing their cultural and historical value. The region produces around 300 million bottles annually, with exports worldwide. Long exposure photography is often used to capture the mysterious atmosphere and the glow of illuminated bottles in the dark galleries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the champagne cellars in Reims?

They are historic underground galleries carved in chalk where champagne is aged. They are a UNESCO World Heritage site and open for visits.

How long does champagne need to stay in the cellars?

Non-vintage requires at least 15 months, vintage at least three years. Some prestige cuvées age for decades.

Are the cellars a tourist attraction?

Yes, they attract millions of visitors annually. Major houses offer tours explaining the production process and the region's history.