Reims

Reims is one of the most important cities in the Champagne region and, along with Épernay , forms the historic and high-quality heart of Champagne . The city is known for its long wine-making tradition, monumental chalk cellars, and a concentration of some of the world's most prestigious Champagne houses. Reims represents Champagne in its most classic, structured, and often Pinot Noir -driven form.

What is Reims?

Reims, a city in the northern Champagne region, has served as a center for Champagne production and aging for centuries. Beneath the city lie kilometers of deep chalk cellars, originally Roman chalk quarries, which today provide ideal conditions for aging Champagne.

Why is Reims so important within Champagne? Because many of the most prestigious and historically significant Champagne houses are located here and their wines are matured here.

Location and role within Champagne

Reims lies on the northern slopes of the Montagne de Reims, an area known primarily for its excellent Pinot Noir vineyards. The city itself is less of a wine-growing region, but plays a crucial role in the blending, maturation, and international distribution of Champagne.

This location makes Reims a bridge between vineyard, cellar and world market.

Grapes and style

Champagnes originating or matured in Reims are often associated with:

• structure and strength
• clear presence of Pinot Noir
• ripe fruit and depth
• excellent storage potential

The style is generally less light-hearted than some Vallée de la Marne Champagnes and focuses more on complexity and gastronomic versatility.

Historical significance

Reims holds an exceptional historical status within France and Champagne. For centuries, the city was the coronation site of French kings and, in parallel, grew into a center of power, trade, and prestige.

The presence of major Champagne houses strengthened this position, making Reims an international symbol of classic Champagne.

Great Champagne Houses in Reims

Reims is home to several iconic Champagne houses, including:

• Veuve Clicquot

• Taittinger

• Ruinart

These houses have contributed to Reims' classic reputation as a centre for Champagne with structure, consistency and international allure.

Storage and maturation

The deep chalk cellars beneath Reims offer perfect conditions for slow maturation. This makes many Reims Champagnes excellent for cellaring. As they age, they develop additional complexity without losing their freshness.

Reims therefore plays a key role in producing Champagnes with aging potential.

Reims at Perfectewijn.nl

At Perfecte Wijn, you'll find Champagnes connected to Reims and thus to the classic, structured style of Champagne. Reims stands for depth, tradition, and quality and is a key benchmark within the sparkling wine range.