{"id":16856,"date":"2018-02-05T09:52:32","date_gmt":"2018-02-05T09:52:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/frenchvineyard.co.uk\/vine\/?p=16856"},"modified":"2024-09-21T17:59:56","modified_gmt":"2024-09-21T16:59:56","slug":"ay-en-champagne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/frenchvineyard.co.uk\/vine\/ay-en-champagne\/","title":{"rendered":"Ay-en-Champagne wine village"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Champagne<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Ay-en-Champagne<\/strong> (51 Marne, Champagne) is a small wine village just a few kilometres from the busy town of Epernay<\/strong> and the valley of the Marne. Its vineyards are classified as Grand Cru <\/strong>(the highest rating on the \u00c9chelle des Crus<\/em>) and Champagne Bollinger<\/a> is based in the village.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ay is fortunate in being located at the junction of several terroirs of exceptional quality on the right bank of the Marne river, at the southern border of the Montagne de Reims and close to the C\u00f4tes des Blancs – all with different character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ancient houses line the medieval streets, many of them with inner courtyards for protection, whilst there are numerous 19th Century townhouses which reflect a more prosperous age for the village.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This in the heart of the Champagne vineyards and you could choose to stay in a B&B with Champagne vineyard attached at Domaine Sacret<\/a>. Or stay at the art nouveau Hotel Castel Jeanson<\/a>. Or just a few kilometres away at Les Mesneux you could stay in a self-catering apartment at  Coeur de Vigne<\/a> (Heart of the Vine)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The village is only 30 minutes or so from Reims by car – over the famous Montagne de Reims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every other year in July the village celebrates with its Wine Festival (F\u00eates Henri IV) when Champagne flows through the village (7 – 8 July 2018<\/s><\/strong> <\/span>and then next in July 2022) – sample the wine and food at the many Champagne houses which will be open on these two festival days.
On the Saturday evening there is a\u00a0 grand firework display with musical accompaniment, whilst on the Sunday afternoon the carnival processes through the streets.\u00a0 (more info<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Oranges, vase, designed by Ren\u00e9 Jules Lalique, \u00a9 Victoria and Albert Museum, London<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ay was also the birthplace of Ren\u00e9 Lalique<\/strong>, famous for his art deco glass designs, and there is a marked walking route around the village <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"Champagne<\/strong> may be made from a blend of  Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier or Chardonnay grapes. It is called Blanc de Blancs<\/em> when made exclusively from white grapes – i.e. Chardonnay. – although Chardonnay is not predominent in Ay. You pay more for vintage Champagne which is often the base for very special cuv\u00e9es, but most Champagne is NV (Non-Vintage).

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For more accommodation in Ay<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

more in Champagne<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"planenearest airport: Paris CDG<\/strong>(80 miles\/130 km)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Maps and Guides to France and French Wine<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Michelin Wine Regions<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Michelin Atlas France 2025<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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DK F<\/a>r<\/a>ance 2025<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Michelin France 2024<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Guide Hachette des Vins 2025<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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