Champagne cellar reims

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

About this subject

Reims, in the Champagne region, is the heart of champagne production. Its underground cellars, carved into chalk limestone, form a network of over 200 kilometers of galleries, some dating from Roman times. Major houses like Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Taittinger maintain their aging cellars there, where constant temperature and humidity (around 10°C and 85%) are ideal for the secondary fermentation in bottle that defines champagne. The cellars are accessed by steep staircases and narrow tunnels, often displaying centuries of history, including marks from ancient tools and carvers’ inscriptions. Since 2015, the Champagne cellars of Hautvillers, Aÿ, and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, together with those of Reims and Épernay, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars. Guided tours reveal the méthode champenoise, from pressing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes to riddling and disgorgement. Each year, millions of tourists tour these galleries, tasting vintages that may mature from 15 months to several years. Interestingly, the chalk not only regulates temperature but also reflects the light of the lanterns used in the past, creating a unique atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The chalk cellars maintain a constant temperature of around 10°C and 85% humidity, perfect conditions for champagne aging.

How many kilometers of galleries exist under Reims?

There are over 200 kilometers of underground cellars, some carved by the Romans 2,000 years ago.

Which champagne houses have cellars in Reims?

Major houses such as Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, Ruinart, and Pommery keep their historic cellars in Reims.