Bezannes

Bezannes: An overview of the municipality and its viticulture

Bezannes (PLZ 51430) ist eine charmante Gemeinde in der Region Champagne-Ardenne, genauer gesagt im Herzen der Montagne de Reims. Die Gemeinde liegt südwestlich von Reims und zählt laut den neuesten Daten des INSEE etwa 1.940 Einwohner (Stand 2023). Bezannes gehört zum Departement Marne und liegt in einer Region, die für ihren exzellenten Champagne bekannt ist.

Geography and demography

Bezannes is strategically located near Reims, one of the most famous cities in Champagne. This proximity to Reims offers the municipality both advantages and challenges. Its regional location, nestled in the Montagne de Reims, gives Bezannes a certain attractiveness and enables excellent accessibility. Despite its proximity to Reims, Bezannes remains a quiet, tranquil municipality with rural charm.

Viticulture in Bezannes

Bezannes was awarded Premier Cru status in 1985, which is a significant accolade for the commune. In the Champagne classification, "Premier Cru" means that the vineyards in this region are of high quality, although there are special features in Bezannes that can explain this classification. The status was awarded to the vineyards because they are located in a first-class growing area that meets the highest standards for Champagne production.

Currently, the Vineyards in Bezannes around 7 hectares (as of 2023). The vineyards are planted exclusively with Chardonnay vines, a grape variety known for its elegant and fresh character. Chardonnay is one of the three main grape varieties in Champagne and contributes significantly to the quality and diversity of Champagne.

Special features of the vineyards

Although Bezannes has a comparatively small vineyard area, the commune plays an important role in the regional context of Champagne. The decision to award Bezannes Premier Cru status is based on several factors, including its special location and the microclimate, which is ideal for the vines. Even though the vineyards in Bezannes are rather small compared to other regions of Champagne, they are of high quality and contribute to the diversity of the Champagne range.

Bezanne's winegrowers and champagne houses

Bezannes is home to several small but renowned champagne producers. These businesses benefit from the excellent location and high-quality grapes to produce exquisite champagnes. Notable producers in the region include:

1. Champagne Vollereaux - A family-run house known for its high-quality champagnes. The Vollereaux family cultivates the vineyards in Bezannes with great care and produces champagne that brings out the finesse and elegance of the Chardonnay vines.
2. Champagne Guy de Forez - This house produces champagne that is characterised by its complexity and depth. Guy de Forez relies on traditional methods of champagne production and utilises the excellent conditions in Bezannes to create exceptional wines.
3. Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils - Although the headquarters of this house is in Cuisles, they also cultivate vineyards in Bezannes. Their portfolio includes a range of champagnes that are appreciated for their purity and refinement.

Current developments and prospects

In recent years, the Bezannes region has developed and modernised. Efforts are being made to expand the vineyards and optimise wine production. In addition, sustainable cultivation methods are becoming increasingly important in order to reduce the ecological footprint and further improve the quality of the grapes.

The quality of the champagnes from Bezannes is becoming increasingly recognised and the commune is being recognised more and more as a major player in the Champagne region. The combination of a long tradition of viticulture, high-quality vines and innovative approaches to production makes Bezannes an exciting place for wine lovers and champagne enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Bezannes may be a small commune with modest vineyards, but its importance in the champagne sector should not be underestimated. The Premier Cru classification emphasises the high quality of the wine production, and the dedicated winegrowers and Champagne houses help Bezannes to be recognised on the international stage. With a steady growth and increasing importance in the world of champagne, Bezannes stands for a harmonious interplay of tradition and innovation in wine production.

 

 

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