Which Champagne subregion is centered on the town of Épernay?

The Vallée de la Marne is the Champagne subregion centered on Épernay.

The valley follows the Marne River west and east of Épernay and contains vineyards on slopes overlooking the river. Meunier is particularly important in much of the Vallée de la Marne because it performs well in the region’s cooler, frost-prone conditions. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also planted, and local blends vary from village to village.

Épernay is one of Champagne’s principal wine towns. Its Avenue de Champagne is lined with major houses and sits above extensive underground cellars. The town’s location makes it an especially useful reference point when learning the geography of the appellation.

The Côte des Blancs is associated especially with Chardonnay, while the Montagne de Reims is strongly linked with Pinot Noir. The Côte des Bar lies farther south in the Aube department. These names describe vineyard zones, not separate appellations that replace Champagne itself.