About Champagne - The Champagne Region

Geographical location and climate

The vineyards of Champagne in France are on the northern limits of the latitudes at which grapes are usually grown: the vineyards to the north of Reims are at around 49°5 latitude and the southernmost at 48° (Bar-sur-Seine); altitude varies between 90 and 300 metres.

Temperature

The Champagne region is close to the 10°C isotherm. Over the period from 1921 to 1980, the average annual temperature was 10.4°C in Epernay, 10°C in Reims and 10.1°C in Troyes. The climate is subject to both continental and oceanic influences, with beautiful mild autumn weather that is ideal for maturing grapes.

Rainfall

Rainfall is fairly regular throughout the year with an annual total of around 650 to 700 mm. There is an average of 1,600 hours of sunshine per year, spread over 290 days, but in good years  this can rise to 2,000 hours or more (as in 1947 and 1976).