France: Vineyards of Champagne

Only the grapes grown in the endless vineyards of the Champagne region can be used in making the real champagne. Only three grape varieties are grown here and go into champagnes in different percentage variations – Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. Very strict regulation guard and define what plot can produce champagne eligible grapes, the amounts, and the volumes. Even more, things like pruning, harvest windows, pressing techniques, and so on – everything is very strictly codified to be able to produce true champagne. The hills and mountain slopes surrounding the champagne capital of Epernay are covered with endless vineyards, beautiful and panoramic.