Ambonnay

Ambonnay (PLZ 51150) ist eine kleine Gemeinde in Frankreich, in der Champagne Region Montagne de Reims, mit 976 Einwohnern (Stand 2016). Ambonnay liegt rund 15 km östlich von Épernay. Laut den Überlieferungen soll der Name der Gemeinde auf einen römischen Offizier Amboniacus zurückgehen, zu den Zeiten, da Kaiser Probus (Marcus Aurelius Probus) den Befehl erteilt hatte, die Weinberge von Gallien auszubauen und mit neuen Rebstöcken zu kultivieren. Ambonnay ist ein malerisches Dorf, mit engen Gassen, das sich seinen Charme bewahren konnte.

The commune is one of the 17 places that hold the status of the Champagne classification, as a Grand Cru place. With 384 hectares (as of 2019) of vineyards, Ambonnay holds the second largest acreage, behind Verzenay, among the communes with full Grand Cru status. In the vineyards, about 312 hectares are devoted to Pinot Noir vines and 72 hectares to Chardonnay.

Except for an isolated site, southwest of the village, the vineyards of Ambonnay are found primarily north to northwest of the commune. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of between 120 and 180 metres. The northernmost vineyards border the Bouzy vineyards at an altitude of between 200 and 220 metres. Although the Ambonnay vineyards are an extension of the Bouzy vineyards, there are clear differences.

Champagne Noel Leblond-Lenoir Cuvée Arbane BdB Brut 0,75L

While the Ambonnay vineyards are primarily south-east to east-facing, the Bouzy vineyards are on south-facing slopes. This affects the style of the wines. Ambonnay grapes produce wines with a distinctive note, full and rich, with bite, similar to that of Bouzy but with a more floral note. Since the early 18th century, Ambonnay has been known and famous for its red still wines, although the neighbouring wines from Bouzy are now more appreciated.