What Are the Crayères Used for in Champagne ?

The crayères are an integral part of Champagne’s heritage. These impressive underground chalk cellars, dug several centuries ago, are today considered architectural and oenological treasures. Their role in the production and ageing of champagne is essential, and their history contributes greatly to the worldwide reputation of the region. Let’s explore what makes the crayères so unique and why they represent such a valuable asset for the Champagne Houses.

The Origin of the Crayères: A Millennia-Old Legacy

The Champagne crayères date back to the Gallo-Roman period. At that time, vast chalk quarries were excavated to provide building materials for the city of Reims and its surroundings.

Over the centuries, these former open quarries were transformed into deep underground galleries, sometimes located more than 20 or 30 metres below the surface.

As time went on, these abandoned spaces were rediscovered by Champagne winegrowers. They quickly realised that these locations offered ideal conditions for storing and ageing wine. This is how the famous Champagne crayères were born—cellars that now house millions of bottles.

A Unique Geographical Location

The crayères are found mainly in Reims, but also in Épernay and in certain villages of the Montagne de Reims.

They form a vast underground network, some parts of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

These deep cavities share several common characteristics:

• Highly pure white chalk that retains humidity and naturally regulates temperature

• Vertical galleries known as “light wells”, allowing gentle air circulation

• Perfect silence, essential for the wine’s long resting period

Ideal Conditions for Storing Champagne

The reason Champagne Houses value the crayères so highly is that they provide an exceptional environment for ageing wines.

They offer three major advantages:

1. Constant Temperature

The temperature within the crayères remains stable, between 10 and 12°C all year round.

This natural coolness prevents abrupt variations that could compromise the wine’s quality.

2. Perfect Humidity Level

Chalk absorbs moisture and releases it gradually, maintaining an ideal humidity level.

This is essential for preserving corks, preventing them from drying out, and ensuring perfect airtightness throughout the ageing process.

3. Total Darkness

Champagne is sensitive to light, which can cause aromatic faults.

In the crayères, total darkness protects the bottles and allows them to evolve slowly and harmoniously.

These exceptional conditions enable the region’s cuvées to develop remarkable finesse, structure and aromatic complexity.

A Place Filled with History and Emotion

The crayères are not just cellars: they are places where history was written.

During the Second World War, some served as shelters for the people of Reims. Others were transformed into underground living spaces: schools, makeshift hospitals, meeting rooms…

Even today, walking through these silent galleries is a unique sensory experience. Visitors feel the weight of time, the cool damp scent of chalk, and the peaceful presence of thousands of bottles resting in silence.

An Asset for Champagne Quality

Thanks to their natural qualities, the crayères play a crucial role in crafting the finest champagnes. They allow:

• slow and controlled ageing

• a finer and more elegant mousse

• more complex aromas

• greater longevity of the cuvées

A Heritage to Discover… and to Taste

Some crayères are open to the public today, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the heart of Champagne tradition.

But to truly experience their magic, nothing compares to tasting a cuvée crafted in respect of this unique heritage.

The crayères of Champagne are much more than simple cellars: they are the symbol of a millennia-old legacy, an exceptional terroir and a unique savoir-faire. Their role in ageing champagne is essential, providing natural conditions that allow the creation of delicate and refined cuvées.

Thanks to this outstanding underground heritage, Champagne Houses can produce wines of exceptional quality, both elegant and timeless.

Champagne Delaunois Chanez offers a selection of authentic and refined champagnes, available directly online.

You can order your bottles on the official website: https://champagne-delaunois-chanez.fr