The Aube Wine Travel Guide (Champagne, France)

Discover Aube: Champagne’s Hidden Gem

Nestled in the southern part of the Champagne region, Aube offers a unique wine experience away from the crowds. This lesser-known area produces exceptional champagnes and boasts charming villages, historic sites, and picturesque landscapes.

Towns and Villages

Explore the enchanting towns and villages of Aube:

  • Troyes: The historic capital with its half-timbered houses and Gothic churches
  • Bar-sur-Aube: A charming town along the Aube River, known for its champagne houses
  • Les Riceys: Famous for producing three AOC wines, including the rare Rosé des Riceys
  • Essoyes: The hometown of Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Wine Producers

Visit these notable champagne houses in Aube:

  • Drappier in Urville: Known for its organic and low-sulfite champagnes
  • Chassenay d’Arce in Ville-sur-Arce: A cooperative producing high-quality champagnes
  • Devaux in Bar-sur-Seine: Offers a beautiful tasting room with vineyard views
  • Rémy Massin et Fils in Ville-sur-Arce: Family-run estate with excellent champagnes

Tasting Tips

Book appointments in advance for tastings. Many producers offer tours of their cellars and vineyards.

Accommodations

Stay at these wine-themed accommodations:

  • Le Clos du Relais in Colombé-le-Sec: A charming B&B in a renovated winemaker’s house
  • Domaine de la Forêt d’Orient near Troyes: Luxury eco-lodges surrounded by nature
  • Hôtel Le Royal in Troyes: A centrally located hotel in a historic building
  • Château de la Motte in Rumilly-lès-Vaudes: An elegant château with its own vineyard

Dining

Savor local cuisine and champagne pairings at these restaurants:

  • Le Valentino in Essoyes: Michelin-starred restaurant with an extensive champagne list
  • La Table du Champagne at Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa: Gourmet dining with panoramic views
  • Le Bistroquet in Troyes: Traditional Auboise cuisine in a cozy setting
  • L’Auberge du Lac in Mesnil-Saint-Père: Lakeside dining featuring local specialties

Wine Shops & Bars

Explore Aube’s wine scene at these local establishments:

  • La Cave d’Essoyes: Offers a wide selection of local champagnes and wines
  • Le Cellier Saint Pierre in Troyes: Historic wine cellar with tastings and events
  • Aux Crieurs de Vin in Troyes: Wine bar featuring natural and biodynamic wines
  • La Maison du Champagne in Bar-sur-Aube: Champagne shop with expert advice

Other Shops

Discover local products and souvenirs:

  • La Maison de l’Outil et de la Pensée Ouvrière in Troyes: Unique tools and crafts
  • Les Halles de Troyes: Indoor market for local produce and specialties
  • La Maison Caffet in Troyes: Renowned chocolatier and pastry shop
  • Au Petit Vigneron in Bar-sur-Seine: Wine accessories and local gourmet products

Attractions

Visit these must-see attractions in Aube:

  • Renoir Cultural Center in Essoyes: Explore the artist’s life and works
  • Nigloland near Bar-sur-Aube: Family-friendly amusement park
  • Forêt d’Orient Natural Regional Park: Outdoor activities and lake beaches
  • Château de La Motte-Tilly: 18th-century château with beautiful gardens

Events

Plan your visit around these wine-related events:

  • Route du Champagne en Fête (July): Open cellars and tastings across Aube
  • Foires de Champagne in Troyes (May): Regional fair with wine tastings
  • Jazz en Vignes (August): Jazz concerts in vineyards throughout the region
  • Harvest festivals (September-October): Celebrate the grape harvest in various villages

Appellations

Understand Aube’s wine designations:

  • Champagne AOC: The primary appellation for sparkling wines
  • Rosé des Riceys AOC: Unique still rosé wine from Les Riceys
  • Coteaux Champenois AOC: Still red and white wines from the Champagne region

Aube is part of the Côte des Bar, known for its Pinot Noir-dominant champagnes.

Grape Varieties

Chardonnay reigns supreme in Aube, Champagne. This versatile grape thrives in the region’s chalky soils, producing wines with finesse and elegance.

Other key varieties include:

  • Pinot Noir: Adds body and structure to blends
  • Pinot Meunier: Contributes fruitiness and roundness
  • Arbane: A rare, indigenous variety preserved by some producers

Main Wine Styles

Aube Champagne offers a range of styles, from crisp Blanc de Blancs to rich Rosés. Notable styles include:

  • Blanc de Noirs: Made entirely from red grapes, often Pinot Noir
  • Cuvée Prestige: Premium blends showcasing the best of the region
  • Single Vineyard: Terroir-driven expressions from specific plots

Food Specialties

Aube’s culinary scene complements its wines perfectly. Local specialties include:

  • Andouillette de Troyes: A traditional sausage
  • Chaource cheese: A creamy, soft cow’s milk cheese
  • Pâté en croûte: Savory meat pie encased in pastry

Drives & Walks

Explore Aube’s picturesque landscapes through scenic routes. Recommended drives include:

  • Route du Champagne: Winding through vineyards and charming villages
  • Forêt d’Orient loop: A tranquil drive around the regional nature park

For walkers, try the Sentier des Cadoles, a trail dotted with traditional stone shelters used by vineyard workers.

Itineraries

Maximize your Aube experience with these curated itineraries:

3-Day Wine Enthusiast Tour

  • Day 1: Visit Drappier in Urville, explore Troyes’ historic center
  • Day 2: Tour small producers in Côte des Bar, lunch in Les Riceys
  • Day 3: Explore Montgueux vineyards, end with tasting at Chassenay d’Arce

Weekend Getaway

  • Saturday: Champagne tasting in Côte des Bar, dinner in Troyes
  • Sunday: Visit Clairvaux Abbey, picnic in the Forêt d’Orient

Getting There & Around

The Aube region is easily accessible by car or train from Paris. Key transportation options include:

  • By Train: Take the TGV from Paris Gare de l’Est to Troyes (1.5 hours)
  • By Car: Drive from Paris via A5 motorway (2.5 hours)

Renting a car is recommended for exploring the vineyards and rural areas. Local bus services connect major towns, but schedules can be limited.

Best Time to Visit

The Aube region offers year-round appeal, with each season bringing unique experiences:

  • Spring (April-May): Mild weather, budding vines, fewer crowds
  • Summer (June-August): Warm temperatures, vineyard tours, outdoor festivals
  • Fall (September-October): Harvest season, beautiful foliage, wine-related events
  • Winter (November-March): Cozy tastings, Christmas markets, potential for snow-covered landscapes

Sustainability Efforts

Aube’s wine industry is increasingly focusing on sustainable practices:

  • Organic Viticulture: Many producers are transitioning to organic methods
  • Water Conservation: Implementation of drip irrigation systems
  • Biodiversity: Planting cover crops and maintaining hedgerows

Look for the HVE (High Environmental Value) certification on wine labels for environmentally-friendly options.

Language Tips

While English is spoken in tourist areas, knowing some French can enhance your experience:

  • Je voudrais déguster du champagne – I would like to taste some champagne
  • Quelle est votre cuvée préférée? – What is your favorite cuvée?
  • Santé! – Cheers!

Further Resources

For more information on Aube Champagne, consult these resources:

Consider purchasing a Champagne Tourist Pass for discounts on tastings and attractions.

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