Famous Champagne Culture
Hautvillers, often regarded as the cradle of Champagne, is a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Champagne region. Known for its rolling vineyards and historic architecture, Hautvillers is not just a scenic location but also a place of profound historical importance to the world of winemaking.
Hautvillers Village and Its History
Perched above the valleys of the Marne, Hautvillers offers breathtaking views and a tranquil retreat from the bustling cities of Reims and Épernay nearby. The village's name, which means "high village" in Old French, aptly describes its elevated position. Hautvillers is steeped in history, with its origins tracing back to the establishment of a Benedictine abbey in the 7th century.
The Influence of Dom Pérignon
Hautvillers is indelibly linked with Dom Pierre Pérignon, a 17th-century Benedictine monk who served as the cellar master at the Hautvillers Abbey from 1668 until his death in 1715. Dom Pérignon is often credited with significant innovations that have shaped modern Champagne production. Although the romantic myth that he "invented" Champagne is not accurate—he did not discover the method for creating sparkling wines—his contribution to refining the techniques involved in producing white wine from black grapes and his advocacy for the careful selection and blending of grapes were groundbreaking. He introduced practices such as meticulous vineyard management, pressing the grapes in clusters, and using multiple grape varieties in a blend to improve the quality of the abbey's wines.
Dom Pérignon's efforts to improve the clarity and taste of the wines, and his development of techniques to strengthen the bottles and corks to withstand the pressure of the secondary fermentation in the bottle, have had a lasting impact on Champagne production. Today, Hautvillers attracts wine enthusiasts not only for its scenic beauty and wines but also as a pilgrimage site to honor Dom Pérignon's legacy. In 1794 Claude Moet bought the walls and the vineyards of the former Abbey of Hautvillers, the same Abbey where Dom Perignon founded the method for producing Champagne.
Modern Day Hautvillers
Today, Hautvillers maintains its charm and historical allure while embracing modern viticulture and tourism. The village is dotted with small wineries and larger champagne houses that open their doors to tourists for tastings and tours. Visitors can stroll through the quaint streets, visit the abbey where Dom Pérignon lived and worked, and explore local artisan shops and cafés.
In essence, Hautvillers is a blend of the old and new, where centuries of winemaking tradition meet contemporary innovation in a setting that’s as rich in history as it is in natural beauty. The village not only celebrates its past but also continues to influence the world of Champagne through its exceptional contributions to viticulture and enology.
Reims Cathedral
Reims Cathedral, officially known as Notre-Dame de Reims, stands as a monumental piece of Gothic architecture with profound significance in French history. Located in the city of Reims, the cathedral has been a site of immense historical and cultural importance, famously known as the traditional location for the coronation of French kings.
Constructed between 1211 and 1275, Reims Cathedral is celebrated for its stunning Gothic architecture, characterized by its towering spires, intricate facades, and the remarkable use of stained glass. The cathedral's facade is adorned with hundreds of sculptures, notably the smiling angel (L'Ange au Sourire), which has become an iconic symbol of the city. The structure's harmonious proportions, innovative use of ribbed vaults, and the flying buttress exemplify the maturity of Gothic art and architecture at its peak.
Today, Reims Cathedral stands not only as a key tourist attraction but also as a living monument of French national pride and cultural identity. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its outstanding universal value. The cathedral continues to play an active role in the community, hosting religious ceremonies, cultural events, and concerts, further cementing its status as a central landmark in the cultural and spiritual life of France.