Billy-le-Grand

Billy-le-Grand lies halfway between Reims and Châlons-en-Champagne, on the eastern edge of the Montagne de Reims, about 20 km from both Châlons and Épernay. L'UMC places it in the Grande Montagne de Reims terroir, alongside Trépail, Vaudemange and Villers-Marmery: together they form the part of the Montagne where, unlike much of the area, Chardonnay prevails over Pinot Noir.

According to the UMC, the vineyard covers 64.2 ha and is tended by 21 winegrowers: 69% Chardonnay and 31% Pinot Noir. The plots lie between 135 and 178 metres, on slopes with an average gradient of 9.6% and varied aspects, mainly east, southeast and south. According to the Comité Champagne, Chardonnay brings freshness and floral and citrus aromas; Pinot Noir brings body and structure. Among the houses with vines in the commune, the UMC mentions Mumm.

The village is recorded as Billeium in 1107 and was called Grand-Billy until the Revolution; it has always been small, so much so that in 1502 it was annexed to Trépail and in 1773 had 48 inhabitants. The canal from the Aisne to the Marne runs beneath nearby Mont de Billy, through a 2,302-metre tunnel dug between 1840 and 1858. In the church, a statue of Saint Restituta and a crucifix are listed as historic monuments. On the échelle des crus, Billy-le-Grand was rated 95%, and the regulations for AOC Champagne list it among the Premier Cru communes.

When a Champagne from Billy-le-Grand joins the STELT selection, it appears below. The village is marked on the Champagne map.