Champagne

Located roughly ninety miles northeast of Paris, near the Ardennes Forest and Belgium, cold and wet Champagne has quite variable weather, which makes spring and fall difficult for winemakers. The nearby Atlantic keeps the summers cool. Vineyards grow on the gentle hills of the region, typically facing south to maximize warmth and sunlight. The soil of Champagne consists of a chalky limestone, which drains well but allows for some water retention. The limestone-based soil creates grapes with high acidity, which is essential to the production of Champagne’s sparkling wines. The important (and only!) varieties are:
Chardonnay
Pinot Meunier
Pinot Noir