Caractérisation physique et évolution historique d'un terroir viticole champenois : le cas de la commune de Sézanne (Marne – France)

Abstract

Due to the blending, we don't speak of "terroir" in Champagne vineyard. But, in fact, oenologists of each "Maison de Champagne" make their wines with different grapes varieties harvested in different plots. This work is founded only on traditional knowledge and wine tasting.Choice during works of winegrowing and wine tasting can be improved with scientific studies of the "micro-terroirs". That's why, some years ago, a reflection begun on the concept of "terroir" in Champagne. This article presents a case study of Sezanne, a vineyard area of 22.8 km2, unknown and not classified among the best vineyards. It carries out the relation between physics and historic parameters, and how the wine growers modify plantations to adapt themselves to the requests of the consumers, while respecting the traditions and the natural conditions.

Keywords

• geomorphology
• France
• terroir
• topography
• lithologic formations
• grape variety