Vallée de la Marne

Sub-area of the Champagne AOC

The Vallée de la Marne is a sub-area of the Champagne AOC along the Marne river west of Épernay. Pinot Noir dominates in the east near Épernay and Meunier further west.1,2

The area

The valley follows the Marne westward from Épernay. The Comité Champagne wine trail for the area runs from Épernay to beyond Château-Thierry.3 Pinot Noir dominates in the east, near Épernay, and Meunier takes over further west.1,2 Across Champagne, Meunier covers 31% of the vineyard.4

Rules

The valley is not a separate appellation: its sparkling wines are Champagne and follow the same rules, including at least 12 months on the lees before disgorgement and 15 months from tirage before release.5

Grand Cru status is granted commune by commune in the Champagne specification, not by sub-area; the 17 communes are listed on the Champagne page.5

See also

ChampagneRegionsMeunierGrapesPinot NoirGrapesTraditional methodMethods

Sources

  1. Comité Champagne. The Champagne region
  2. Comité Champagne. Champagne and its soil
  3. Comité Champagne. Wine trail: Vallée de la Marne
  4. Comité Champagne. Grape varieties
  5. Cahier des charges de l'AOP « Champagne » - modifications approved by the INAO national committee on 11 September 2024 (national opposition procedure text) (2024-09-11)

Facts checked on 2026-10-19