Magazine of wine 

Champagne is a name bestowed on a prestigious winegrowing region that resides 93 miles northeast of Paris. This expansive enclave has a reserved character that is steeped in Old World history. It is a community of understated elegance with a geographic identity that extends beyond any other province in the world. The historic perspective of Champagne dates back to the 5th century when the Romans excavated deep mines into the rigid chalk and limestone soils that encircle the city.These caves, called “crayeres” served as a protective lifestyle for the city of Reims and the French underground during the wars of 1914-1918. Within a community of markets and hospitals, quarries protected soldiers and residents during the German invasions. The subterranean matrix of tunnels is cool and dimly lit with high cathedral-like ceilings that dwell 125 feet below ground. Ruinart was one of the first Champagne houses to use these ancient cellars for the aging and maturing of their cuvées.