- The Montagne de Reims (in the Département de la Marne): these deep chalky hillsides face mainly to the south and are planted mostly to Pinot Noir.

- The Marne Valley (Marne, Aisne and Seine-et-Marne): These slopes are mainly clay/chalk, with some marl and mostly planted to Pinot Meunier.

- The Côtes des Blancs (Marne): Here just one variety rules: Chardonnay. Even the topsoil is chalky, holding in both the heat and the water of the subsoils.

- Vineyards of Aube, Bar-sur-Aube, Bar-sur-Seine (Aube et Haute-Marne): the soils are mostly marl and mainly planted to Pinot Noir.

Lying about 150 kilometres east of Paris, the Champagne vineyards are the most northerly in France.

The Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée covers 33,000 hectares and owes its good fortune to a special combination of soil, climate and the aspect of each Cru village. Together, they offer a kaleidoscope of different vineyard parcels, each with its own unique character, for the Champagne growers to cultivate with all their native flair.