Hautvillers

Hautvillers: a historic town in the heart of Champagne

Hautvillers, a charming village in Champagne, is located in the department of Marne in the Grand Est region in north-east France. With a population of around 767 inhabitants in 2023 (Wikipedia), the village has developed from its humble beginnings into an important place in the world of champagne. Hautvillers is located around 5 kilometres north of Épernay and is part of the renowned Montagne de Reims wine-growing region.

Historical significance and Dom Pérignon

Hautvillers is particularly well known for the Benedictine abbey of Saint Pierre d'Hautvillers, which plays a central role in the history of champagne. The abbey was founded in the 7th century and is inextricably linked with the name Dom Pérignon. Dom Pérignon (Pierre Pérignon, 1638-1715) was a Benedictine monk who worked at the abbey and is considered one of the key figures in the development of Champagne. He lived there from 1668 until his death in 1715 and is best known for his decisive contributions to the improvement of champagne production. His innovations, in particular the use of cuveé and the refinement of bottle fermentation, contributed significantly to the worldwide reputation of champagne.

Since 1794, the abbey and its vineyards have been owned by the renowned champagne house Moët & Chandon, one of the world's largest and best-known champagne producers. Moët & Chandon utilises the historic vineyards and the knowledge of Dom Pérignon to produce high-quality Champagne that are valued internationally.

Viticulture in Hautvillers

Hautvillers is classified as a Premier Cru, which means that the village's vineyards are among the best in Champagne. The classification was introduced by the Champagne Classification System, which rates different communes in the region on a scale of 0 to 100. Hautvillers receives a rating of 93%, reflecting its high quality and the excellent reputation of the wines produced there.

The vineyards of Hautvillers cover around 290.7 hectares (as of 2023), which are divided between different grape varieties. The grape varieties are divided as follows:

• Pinot Noir: 128.9 hectares
• Pinot Meunier: 85.7 hectares
• Chardonnay: 76.1 hectares

The vineyards of Hautvillers are geographically and climatically diverse. The altitudes range from 100 metres to 220 metres above sea level. The vineyards extend over various slopes, from eastern and southern slopes to south-eastern and south-western slopes. This diversity results in a wide range of flavour profiles and styles in the wines and champagnes produced in Hautvillers.

Champagne production and local winegrowers

The variety of soils and microclimates in Hautvillers enables the winegrowers to produce a wide range of champagne styles. Besides Moët & Chandon there are also a number of small, independent winegrowers and champagne houses in Hautvillers that are known for their outstanding quality and innovation.

Some of the notable champagne houses and winegrowers in Hautvillers are:

• Champagne Pierre Gimonnet & Fils: This family business is based in Hautvillers and is known for its precise and elegant champagnes, which are often found in the best restaurants and wine cellars. The house traditionally uses all three grape varieties - Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay - and attaches great importance to craftsmanship and sustainability in wine production.
• Champagne René Geoffrey: Another prestigious house in Hautvillers, known for its fine and characterful champagnes. René Geoffrey combines traditional knowledge with modern techniques to produce champagne of the highest quality.
• Champagne Roger Coulon: Although the head office of this house is in Vrigny, it also cultivates vineyards in Hautvillers. Roger Coulon is known for its biodynamic cultivation methods and its dedicated philosophy for producing champagne that reflects the terroir in its purest form.

Terroir and wine styles

The geographical location and terroir of Hautvillers play a decisive role in the characteristics of the wines produced there. The different altitudes and orientations of the vineyards result in a wide range of flavour profiles, from fresh, fruity notes to complex, mature aromas. This diversity enables the winegrowers to produce both more classic Champagne styles and more experimental and innovative creations.

The grape varieties in Hautvillers produce different nuances of flavour:

• Pinot Noir: This grape variety gives champagnes a powerful structure and flavours of red fruits, spices and sometimes earthy notes. Pinot Noir is particularly appreciated for its ability to bring depth and complexity to champagne.
• Pinot Meunier: Known for its fruity and floral flavours, Pinot Meunier often brings notes of apple, pear and floral nuances to champagne. This grape variety is often used to emphasise the freshness and liveliness of champagne.
• Chardonnay: Chardonnay gives Champagne elegance and sophistication, with flavours of citrus fruits, white flowers and sometimes mineral notes. This grape variety is crucial for the development of complex and long-lasting champagnes.

Visit to Hautvillers

Hautvillers is not only a place of historical importance, but also a popular destination for wine and champagne lovers. Visitors can visit the Saint Pierre d'Hautvillers Abbey, stroll through the charming streets of the village and enjoy local wine tastings and guided tours.

For those interested, the region's wineries and champagne houses offer the opportunity to gain an insight into the art of champagne production and taste some of the best champagnes directly on site. The region is also known for its picturesque landscape and the warm hospitality of its inhabitants.

Conclusion

Hautvillers is an important place in the history of Champagne and a lively centre of winegrowing in Champagne. With its rich history, the diversity of its vineyards and its innovative winegrowers, Hautvillers offers a fascinating combination of tradition and modernity. Whether you are interested in the historical aspects of the abbey, the quality of the Champagne or the beauty of the region, Hautvillers has much to offer and remains an outstanding example of Champagne excellence.

 

 

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