Avize, Champagne
Today I walked the northern section of La Côte des Blancs, Champagne, passing through the villages of Avize, Cramant and Cuis.
La Côte des Blancs is spectacularly beautiful. As the name implies, the Chardonnay grape, with its white skin, flesh and juice, is planted here.
La Côte is topped by a forested ridge. Below that there are vineyards which take the form of waves. And every few kilometres, there is a little village like Avize, Cramant and Cuis.
While the whole area is beautiful, the section from Cramant to Cuis is the most stunning. Walking along Cramant appears nestled in a small valley of vineyards, while Cuis is initially not visible.
Gradually Cramant disappears from view into its little valley, while Cuis emerges into view. It is difficult today to visualise this idyllic landscape being traversed by German and French soldiers during the first World War.
Champagne made in Avize and Cramant are classified as Grand Cru, while Champagne from Cuis is Premier Cru.