The landscape that earned Champagne its name (it roughly translates as "open countryside") undulates very gently over the white, calcareous soils of the Paris Basin. Pinot Meunier dominates the vineyards, growing on about 40% of the total acreage It is easier to grow and is less prone to frost damage. Twenty percent are held back to be used for blending purposes. Vintage champagne must spend a minimum of three years of aging. (Accessed 02/05/09)http://www.maisons-champagne.com/traduction/english/organisations_professionnelles/historique_umc_gb.htm, UMC. (Accessed 02/05/09)http://www.champagne.fr/en_aoc_resume.html, Le Champagne. The 38 Premier Cru villages have grades from 90 to 99%. This led to a greater focus on white wines. The main grape variety is the Chardonnay which represents 95 % of the total wine region. They are as follows:Extra Brut, Brut Sauvage, Ultra Brut, Brut Intégral or Brut Zéro — These wines are bone dry with less than .6% of residual sugar per liter. In fact, each Champagne house is regulated to set aside a portion of wine each year to enter their “reserve" system. The soil is mainly composed of limestone. From the renowned Champagne houses to the independent winegrowers discover ones of the most beautiful wine cellars of France. As the bubbles became more popular, doctors throughout France and Europe commented on the health benefits of the sparkling bubbles which were said to cure malaria. "Champagne Region Set to Expand." Renowned in the entire world, it has become a reference in sparkling wine. Throughout the year, growers must be mindful of the hazards of fungal disease and early spring frost. From weddings to graduations, ship christenings to New Year's Eve, Champagne is the go-to bubbly for getting the party started. The Champagne wine region is situated in the North-East of France and it is a large agricultural and industrial area. The viticultural boundaries of Champagne are legally defined and split into five wine-producing districts within the historical province: Aube, Côte des Blancs, Côte de Sézanne, Montagne de Reims, and Vallée de la Marne. Pinot Noir is also grown in the outlying Aube region, or Côte des Bars, but is considered to be of lower quality. Premier Crus were vineyards with 90–99% ratings while Deuxième Crus received 80–89% ratings. . "An exceptional 'terrior'." [2], The Champagne province is located near the northern limits of the wine world along the 49th parallel. [5] The Counts of Champagne ruled the area as an independent county from 950 to 1316. See Champagne wine labels. Non-vintage Champagnes must mature in bottle for a minimum of 15 months in total before release (i.e. Along both banks of the River Marne, is the Vallée de la Marne. Champagne tends to be more expensive than other sparkling wines, … Very few wines are as universally known as Champagne. The grapes on the southern facing slope add more power and character. The Pinots of the Montagne de Reims that are planted on northern facing slopes are known for their high levels of acid and the delicacy they add to the blend.