How beautiful Champagne is in autumn: why our vines change colour

Autumn is upon us and, with it, the Champagne landscape is decked out in its finest colours. Our hillsides are draped in gold, and the sun’s rays lend our vines a special radiance.

A patchwork of colours

But on closer inspection, a veritable patchwork unfolds before us. The colour changes from one plot to the next, and even within the same plot. Have you noticed this? Take a closer look next time you’re out for a walk.

How does this happen? There are many reasons, but let’s focus on three main factors.

The grape variety

The colour of the leaves differs right from the very start of vegetative growth. Chardonnay is lighter, Pinot Noir darker, and Meunier is covered in a fine white down. This distinction naturally becomes more pronounced with the arrival of autumn: the Chardonnays turn yellow, whilst the Pinot Noirs and Meuniers turn yellow and red.

The microclimate

Next comes the microclimate of the terroir, or even the individual plot. Temperature variations and draughts accelerate the vine’s gradual transition into dormancy. They thus cause a change in colour, or even leaf fall, which varies greatly from one area to another, from one plot to another, and even within a single plot.

The soil

Finally, the soil also plays a role, through the nourishment it provides to the vines: mineral nutrients, but also water. The variation in soil types across terroirs helps to differentiate the colour of the foliage.

A spectacle to savour

In any case, nature is magnificent in every season. Let’s not deny ourselves the pleasure of admiring this spectacle of transformation that autumn offers us.

Enjoy your walk!