Champagne cellar reims

The champagne cellars in Reims, France, house millions of bottles aging in underground tunnels carved into limestone.

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Reims, located in the Champagne region, is the heart of champagne production. Its underground cellars, many carved from ancient Roman chalk quarries, stretch for kilometers beneath the city. The constant temperature and ideal humidity of these tunnels provide perfect conditions for the second fermentation and aging of champagne. Major houses like Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Taittinger maintain their historic cellars there, some dating back to the 4th century.

The chalk tunnels, known as "crayères," were originally excavated by the Romans for building materials. Today, they form a labyrinth up to 30 meters deep, where about 200 million bottles rest in silence. Visiting these cellars is a major tourist attraction, drawing millions annually for tastings and guided tours.

Interestingly, the traditional method of champagne production, called "méthode champenoise," requires bottles to be manually rotated (remuage) to collect sediment in the neck. This process, still done in some cellars, is an art dating back to the 19th century. The Champagne region produces around 300 million bottles per year, with Reims as the epicenter of this billion-dollar industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the champagne cellars in Reims underground?

The cellars are dug underground to maintain constant temperature and humidity, crucial for champagne aging. Many are ancient Roman chalk quarries.

What is the average depth of the Reims cellars?

The cellars reach up to 30 meters deep, with some tunnels dating back to the 4th century.

How many champagne bottles are stored in the Reims cellars?

It is estimated that around 200 million bottles are aging in the Reims cellars at any given time.