France · AOCs
Côte des Blancs
Pure-chalk Chardonnay — finesse, minerality, ageability.
A south-east-facing slope of almost pure chalk south of Épernay, planted overwhelmingly to Chardonnay. It gives the most delicate, mineral, long-lived base wines — the soul of Blanc de Blancs and the great vintage cuvées.
Le Mesnil-sur-Oger is its most famous village.
ClimateCool continental
Altitude120–250 m
Grapes
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier, Arbane, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Petit Meslier, Chardonnay Rosé, Voltis
Soils
Chalk
"Blanc de Blancs" means white wine from white grapes — here, all Chardonnay.
