Definition: Crayère

In Champagne, particularly between Reims and Epernay, several cellars have been built in chalk caves that were used as dwellings as far back as Gallo-Roman times. These huge underground rooms, shaped like truncated pyramids with their tops reaching the surface, are lit by a faint ray of light. Many chalk cellars are classified as historic monuments. Today, impressive galleries connect these chalk cellars, which were used as quarries for the construction of towns and cities, as well as shelters during the two World Wars. The Champagne region's subsoil plays a key role in the quality of its wine. The limestone makes it easy to dig galleries without having to shore them up, and these cellars, which extend deep underground (from 10 to 50 metres), are highly resistant to temperature variations (from 9° to 11°C, depending on the depth). In addition, as limestone is permeable, the humidity level is ideal for storing wine (up to 90%). These are optimal conditions for a slow, fine and creamy second fermentation. All these tunnels between Epernay and Reims cover a network of nearly 300 km. Cellars of this quality and size exist nowhere else. Electric vehicles are used to move around inside them.