Top 100 sparkling wines of Côtes de Meuse

Discovering the wine region of Côtes de Meuse

Côtes de Meuse is the PGI title given to wines produced in parts of the Meuse department in Northeast France. Although the region is situated between the famous vineyards of Champagne and Alsace, the vineyards of the Meuse produce only a tiny amount of wine, mainly from Burgundian Grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Auxerrois. The Meuse Lies on the border of Belgium and Luxembourg, at the high latitude of 49 degrees north, and therefore has a cool continental Climate with cold winters and Warm - not hot - summers. Côtes de Meuse growers exploit the region's hilly topography for viticulture, and the vineyards tend to occupy the South and east facing slopes around the river.

Here, optimal exposure to the sun favours the ripening process, and the hills provide shelter from the cold, rainy northwest winds. The clay-limestone soils have sufficient water holding capacity to keep the vines hydrated throughout the growing season, although the natural slope of the vines helps to Drain excess water, keeping the vines from flooding and limiting excessive vigor. The northern location of the Côtes de Meuse vineyards means that the growing season is fairly Short and early varieties are therefore favoured. Fresh and simple white wines are made from Auxerrois and Chardonnay, while Pinot Noir and Gamay are used in the light and fruity reds.