Aÿ: Where Champagne Was Born

How to Complete

3 steps curated by Wine Memories

1. 🍷 1

   Visit Maison Bollinger

   wine $$$

   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.

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2. ⛰️ 2

   Walk the Henri Giraud Vineyards

   Optional

   adventure $$

   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.

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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.

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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