Aÿ: Where Champagne Was Born

Before Champagne sparkled, it was still wine from Aÿ. This Grand Cru village was so renowned in the 16th century that Francis I called himself 'Lord of Aÿ.' Today it's home to Bollinger, whose Vieilles Vignes Françaises is made from ungrafted pre-phylloxera Pinot Noir vines - among the oldest in the world.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Visit Maison Bollinger Wine · Price: high

   The house that makes wine from pre-phylloxera vines.

   Book well ahead at champagne-bollinger.com - tours from €75. If possible, request information about the Vieilles Vignes Françaises - made from ungrafted Pinot Noir vines planted before the phylloxera epidemic (1870s). Only ~3,000 bottles made per year. Even if you cannot taste it, understanding this unicorn wine is essential.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Walk the Henri Giraud Vineyards Adventure · Price: moderate · Optional

   See oak-barrel aged Champagne from clay-rich Pinot terroir.

   Book at champagne-henri-giraud.com. Henri Giraud is known for using Argonne forest oak (not Limousin) and farming some of Aÿ's best Pinot parcels. The clay-rich soil gives wines unusual depth. Ask about their single-parcel philosophy.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Find Francis I's Inscription History · Free

   The King of France called himself 'Lord of Aÿ' - find the historical marker.

   Walk through the village center looking for historical plaques. Francis I (1494-1547) was so enamored with Aÿ wines that he adopted the title 'Seigneur d'Aÿ' (Lord of Aÿ). The village was famous before Champagne even sparkled.

   Log Memory

Insider tips

• Bollinger's Vieilles Vignes Françaises is made from ungrafted pre-phylloxera vines - only ~3,000 bottles/year

• Francis I called himself 'Lord of Aÿ' in the 16th century - before sparkling Champagne existed

• Henri Giraud uses Argonne oak (not Limousin) - a rare barrel choice