Chardonnay, the queen of the Côte de Blancs

The Côte des Blancs is an area of ​​the Champagne vineyards in the department of Marne. It is located south of Epernay and 20 km runs through six major qualified terroirs as Grand Cru that are: Oiry, Chouilly, Cramant, Avize, Oger and Le Mensil-sur-Oger, as well as: Cuis, Vertus and Bergères -Les-Vertus classified as Premier Cru.

The 95% of the Côte des Blancs is dedicated to the growing of the Chardonnay variety, which accounts for 30% of total production of vineyards in the region. The terroir champenois, and specifically the Côte des Blancs, rests on a floor of chalk that gives minerality to the champagne.

The Chardonnay, next to Pinot Noir and Meunier, is the third grape variety authorized in the elaboration of Champagne. It is originated from Burgundy but expanded for all wine producing countries given its high degree of adaptation to different soils, which makes it the best known and planted white grape in the world.

In this prestigious area known as Côte de Blancs are located some of the most renowned wineries and hundreds of small vignerons (champagne growers) who grow and produce their own champagne. The famous Blanc de Blancs is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, and depending on the style may be «non-vintage», ie blend of different vintages or Millésimé which is a champagne made from grapes of a single vintage, only in exceptional years, but should always be 100% chardonnay if we speak of a Blanc de Blancs.

From the enologic point of view a Chardonnay is characterized by being provided with a great aging potential, and depending on the country of that comes offers different nuances, such as Chouilly which is more aromatic or Le Mesnil giving higher acidity. In any case it is a variety that offers delicate aromas, floral and citrus notes, always bringing freshness and finesse to the wines. The queen of white varieties, has been and have at this latitude, a good future.