Champagne cellar reims

The champagne cellars in Reims form a historic labyrinth of chalk tunnels, where some of the region's greatest brands age their sparkling wines for decades.

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Reims, in the heart of the Champagne wine region in France, houses some of the world's most famous champagne cellars. Carved into the chalk subsoil (craie), these galleries extend for over 200 kilometers, dating back to Roman times when they were used as quarries. From the 17th century onward, Champagne producers realized that the constant temperature (around 10°C to 12°C) and high humidity of these caves were ideal for the secondary fermentation and extended aging of champagne.

The most iconic cellars lie beneath the city itself, such as those of Maison Ruinart (the oldest, founded in 1729), Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, and Pommery. The Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, where French kings were crowned, also stands over part of this underground system. Champagne aged in these cellars acquires aromatic complexity: notes of brioche, dried fruits, and vanilla, resulting from prolonged contact with dead yeast (sur lie). Interestingly, the internal pressure of a champagne bottle is about six times that of a car tire, requiring thicker glass.

The Champagne region has had controlled appellation (AOC) since 1936, with strict rules on grape varieties (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier), production methods, and aging time. The Reims cellars are visited by over a million tourists annually, offering tours that explain the assemblage process (blending of base wines) and remuage (manual rotation of bottles to remove sediment). The chalk staircase of Taittinger's cellars, hand-carved, is one of the most impressive examples of champagne's underground architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average depth of the champagne cellars in Reims?

The Reims cellars are typically 20 to 30 meters below ground, but some reach up to 40 meters, like those of Maison Pommery. This depth ensures stable temperature and humidity.

Can I visit the champagne cellars in Reims without a reservation?

Most cellars require advance booking, especially during peak season (April to October). It is recommended to reserve at least a week in advance. Some cellars like Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot offer tours in multiple languages.

How many bottles of champagne are stored in the Reims cellars?

It is estimated that over 200 million bottles are aging in the cellars of Reims and its surroundings. The city holds the largest concentration of maturing champagne in the world.