The cellars of the Joseph Perrier Champagne House boast 3 kilometres of passages with vaulted ceilings 5 to 10 metres high, punctuated by “essor” – meaning daylight shafts – and walls bearing witness to the work of thousands of people who have either signed them or left behind traces of their presence.
This is where millions of bottles rest on lees or wooden blocks, in this labyrinth which remains constantly cool with naturally controlled ventilation thanks to the large trees on the hillside.
Did you know?
The history of champagne, “the king of wines and the wine of kings” is intimately connected to Châlons. In the 19th century pharmacist, Jean-Baptiste François and Adolphe Jacquesson, inventor of the champagne metal cap and the muselet (wire cage), both came from Châlons. They made a major contribution to improving winemaking techniques thanks to their exceptional inventions. At that time, Châlons was home to around a dozen champagne houses and many hectares of vineyards.
