THE CHAMPAGNE TERROIR

Champagne, the only region in the world that produces champagne.

PROTECTED APPELLATION

Champagne wines only come from the Champagne region.

Strict specifications for production methods.

Limited yield par hectar.

Champagne is 10% of worldwide sparkling wine production

NORTHERN CLIMATE

Cool temperatures (10°C ).

Limited sun exposure, balanced by hilly topography.

Regular, moderate rainfall.

Brings freshness to the grapes

CHALKY SOIL

Geologically exceptional.

A poor substrate in which the vines find their own strength.

Naturally regulates heat and moisture.

Gives Champagne its mineral notes.

Champagne a patchwork of 280 000 plots

  • 3 CRUS VARIETIES
  • 3 GRAPES VARIETIES
côte des bar troyes châlons-en- champagne reims bar-sur-aube vitry-le-françois montgueux bar-sur-seine les riceys Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Villeneuve – Renneville vertus sézanne oger saint-thierry Trépail Ambonnay bouzy Bisseuil louvois v esle marne épernay verzenay verzy Villers-Marmery mareuil-sur-aŸ avenay val d’or villedommange Pargny-lès-Reims ardre laon château- thierry paris soissons charleville- mézières metz
  • La montagne
    de reims
  • La vallée
    de la marne
  • La côte
    des blancs
  • La côte
    des bar
  • 3 CRUS VARIETIES
  • GRANDS CRUS 12 des 17 Grands Crus
  • PREMIERS CRUS 20 des 42 Premiers Crus
  • OTHER CRUS
  • 3 GRAPES VARIETIES
  • PINOT NOIR
  • PINOT MEUNIER
  • CHARDONNAY

THE VEUVE CLICQUOT VINEYARD

A vineyard of quality, spread amongst the best crus of the Champagne region

The modern day Maison of Veuve Clicquot possesses one of the finest champagne vineyards, both in terms of its size and the quality of its vines. Its 390 hectares are divided between 12 of the 17 Grands Crus, and between 20 of the 44 Premiers Crus that constitute the entire Champagne region.
This exceptional heritage was built up over the centuries, founded upon the parcels first established by the founder, and added to by subsequent vineyard directors.
In particular, Veuve Clicquot bears the fortuitous territorial mark of Madame Clicquot. 

95% of the Veuve Clicquot vines are classified
as Grands or Premiers Crus
While the latter only represents a quarter of the total surface of vines in the entirety of the Champagne region. Each plot’s grape variety is determined by assessing its soil, climate and exposure. The Veuve Clicquot vineyard is comprised of 47% Chardonnay grapes, 36% Pinot Noir and 17% Pinot Meunier. The Clicquot vines are mostly situated  on gentle sloping hills allowing the vines to benefit from shallow soil and a maximun exposure to sunlight. Since its foundation, the Maison of Veuve Clicquot has also established a strong partnership with its fellow winegrowers in Champagne. These providers of grapes and white wines help insure the consistent quality of the Veuve Clicquot wines.

GROWING THE FINEST GRAPES

1

EXPERT WINEMAKERS

Around 100 of our winegrowers have mastered the different facets of grape growing and production.
Over the course of the year, they may be bolstered by additional  of seasonal workers and, at harvest time, by over 1000 harvest workers who come to help pick grapes. 

2

AN EXCELLENT TERROIR

Spread over a landscape of hills, the Veuve Clicquot vineyards are in an optimal position to catch the sun’s rays. These zones are defined according to key criteria from the AOC, delineating sun exposure, sloping, soil and subsoil. A north-facing position leaves the vines exposed to variations in climate such as frosts and winter or spring, causing unfertilized grapes or grape drop however, it can also result in a moderate rainfall and temperatures, with a temperate summer and autumn seasons.

3

ADAPTED PLANTS

Our vines are selected for their quality rather than volume of production. They are also chosen to insure a harmonious blend between the three varietals (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier) as well as the different terroirs of the vineyards. 

LONG-LASTING INVOLVEMENT IN THE PRESERVATION OF OUR TERROIR

ECO-FRIENDLY OBJECTIVES

0% herbicides achieved in 2018

Maximum possible reduction in phytosanitary input

100% sustainable viticulture

A PIONEER IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

2002

FIRST CARBON FOOTPRINT ASSESSMENT

2004

ISO 14001 certification

2014

Viticulture durable in Champagne certification

100% ORGANIC FOR OIL NITROGEN

100% without herbicides

99% of plots with grass in inter-rows

Discover all our commitments

THE LIFE CYCLE OF THE VINE

  • March

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  • March

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The Harvest
1

A CEASELESS VIGILANCE

Cutting, binding, maintaining soil, fighting disease - the vines demand a lot of time and attention. A vine has an average lifespan of 40 years, and according to its age a vine often requires different treatment. One hectare of vineyard requires 380 to 420 hours of work per year, without counting the intense work of the harvesting. A vine has an average lifespan of 40 years, and according to its age a vine often requires different treatment. 
Throughout the year, work is carried out as part of a sustainable viticulture, respecting the terroir, the environment, Mother Nature, and the safety and security of our staff.

2

PROTECTING THE VINES

The protection of the vines against fungal diseases and insects is an essential part of preserving the vines, of ensuring the quality of the leaves, and of the quality of the grapes. 
This protocol requires precise management of the frequency of treatments and a sound understanding of the best choices for managing vines.

3

THE CONSERVATION OF THE SOIL

Conserving the vineyard soil insures the balanced nutrition of the vines, avoids weed growth, and prevents erosion.  At Veuve Clicquot, we nourish our soil with respect to the environment, exclusively using organic fertilizers. Veuve Clicquot reduces the frequency of weeds with grass strips between the vineyard rows, and by trimming under the vines via mechanical means without using pesticides – for the majority of our vineyards.