Pinot Noir grapes predominate in the famous villages of Aÿ, Dizzy and Hautvilliers (Premier Cru). Many of the most famous Champagne Houses own vineyards in these cru. In the Marne Valley, second cru villages almost exclusively grow the Pinot Meunier variety. Pinot Meunier grapes from the region are a critical element in the blends of many of the most famous Champagnes.
This is the only region of Champagne were the Pinot Meunier variety predominates with 59.2% of vineyards. Pinot Noir has 23.0% and Chardonnay 17.8%. Aÿ is the only Grand Cru village in the appellation and mostly produces exceptional Pinot Noir grapes.
Terroir
The terroir of the Marne valley stretches from near the village of Bisseuil east of Épernay to the west of Charly-sur-Marne in the direction of Paris. There are 103 villages with 5,500 operators and over 12,300 hectares under cultivation. Grapes are cultivated on both sides of the river valley. The right bank of the valley has the most prized terroir due to the south and southeast exposure to the sun.
The soil contains a lot of marl, which originate from lime rich muds. Soils made of clays and sands are also common in the region.
For centuries man has shaped the river valley and it used to be a traditional transport route west to Paris. Canals have been built to make shortcuts around river bends. Before rail, the river used to be the quickest way to transport bulk goods. Canal barges used to transport Champagne westward to Paris.
Tourism
One of the most visited tourist sites in all Champagne is Hauvilliers. The famous Benedictine Abbey where Dom Perignon developed some of the techniques used in modern Champagne production is located in the village. It is a beautiful village that often becomes very busy. Southwest of the village there are some excellent viewpoints over the river valley. It is also possible to take a boat trip on the Marne River along the ‘Champagne Valley’. The river is over 500km long and the most beautiful part runs through the Champagne vineyards. In Châtillon-sur-Marne there is a giant statue of Pope Urban II who was born in the town. Urban II is famous for starting the crusades. The last German offensive of WW1 was stopped at Château Thierry and there are numerous historical sites to visit around the town.
