Atlas de la France vinicole - Les vins de Champagne - Vallée de la Marne 1944

The 1944 original map "Atlas de la France Vinicole – Les vins de Champagne – Vallée de la Marne" by Louis Larmat is a masterful example of mid-20th-century French wine cartography. Part of Larmat's celebrated "Atlas de la France Vinicole", this map highlights the intricate vineyard landscape of the Vallée de la Marne, one of Champagne's most important sub-regions. Printed by Dorel in Paris, this map is both a work of art and a functional tool that offers an in-depth look at the Champagne region during a pivotal era in history.

Louis Larmat was a renowned French cartographer and oenologist whose series of wine atlases remain influential in the study of French wine terroirs. His work meticulously charts the geographical and topographical details of France’s most important wine regions, allowing wine enthusiasts and professionals to better understand the specific characteristics of each vineyard area. His 1944 map of the Vallée de la Marne provides a comprehensive look at this famous sub-region of Champagne, known for its Pinot Meunier grapes, which play a vital role in the production of the region’s renowned sparkling wines.

The Vallée de la Marne is celebrated for its Pinot Meunier vineyards, which thrive along the banks of the Marne River. The unique terroir of the valley, with its chalky soils and temperate climate, imparts distinct freshness and fruitiness to the wines produced here. Larmat's map offers a detailed overview of the vineyards, showing the boundaries of the wine-growing areas and the intricate network of slopes and river valleys that define the region. Key villages in the Vallée de la Marne, such as Cumières, Hautvillers (famously associated with Dom Pérignon), and Damery, are highlighted on the map, each known for their unique contributions to Champagne’s diverse wine styles.

As with all of Larmat's maps, the "Vallée de la Marne" edition is not only informative but also beautifully designed. The map features delicate hand-drawn lines, precise typography, and color shading that illustrates the topographical features of the valley, including the rolling hills, riverbanks, and vineyard slopes that are crucial to Champagne's viticulture. The detailed representation of terroir—the combination of soil, climate, and geography—helps to explain why the wines from this region exhibit such distinctive qualities. The chalk-rich soil in particular, a key feature of Champagne's terroir, is carefully illustrated to emphasize its importance in cultivating high-quality grapes that lend minerality and finesse to the wines.

The map was printed in Paris by Dorel in 1944, during the final years of World War II, adding historical significance to its production. Despite the war’s challenges, French winemaking continued to be a symbol of cultural pride and resilience. The Vallée de la Marne map, like other Larmat works, reflects this determination to preserve and document France’s vinous heritage, even in times of conflict. It serves as both a practical tool for understanding the Champagne region and a testament to the enduring importance of French wine culture.

Larmat’s "Atlas de la France Vinicole" series was groundbreaking for its time, as it provided a comprehensive geographic understanding of France's wine regions, long before modern GPS technology. These maps were particularly valuable for wine professionals, helping them navigate the complexities of vineyard locations, appellations, and terroirs that determine the character of French wines. The Vallée de la Marne map is especially significant because it offers insight into one of Champagne's most distinctive areas, known for producing some of the finest examples of Blanc de Noirs Champagnes, made predominantly from the Pinot Meunier grape.

In addition to its educational value, the map is a visual delight. The use of soft colors and precise lines gives it an artistic quality, making it a popular piece for collectors and wine enthusiasts alike. It combines scientific accuracy with aesthetic appeal, allowing viewers to appreciate the geography of Champagne while also admiring the craftsmanship involved in its creation.

Today, Larmat’s maps, including the 1944 Vallée de la Marne edition, are highly prized by collectors of vintage maps and wine-related ephemera. They are not only historically important but also aesthetically pleasing, often displayed as artworks that celebrate the rich traditions of French winemaking. This map, with its focus on the Vallée de la Marne, remains a timeless representation of Champagne's storied vineyards and the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into producing the world’s finest sparkling wines.

The 1944 map by Louis Larmat, printed by Dorel, continues to be a valuable resource for those interested in the geography of Champagne and a beautiful piece of cartographic history that captures the essence of one of France’s most cherished wine regions.

Original Poster

Alcohol - Map - Marne - France

South-West of Épernay

Dorel - Paris

Good condition, original folds