Name the main Champagne subregions and the grape variety most associated with each.

• A. Montagne de Reims — Pinot Noir; Côte des Blancs — Chardonnay; Vallée de la Marne — Pinot Meunier; Côte des Bar — Pinot Noir
• B. Montagne de Reims — Chardonnay; Côte des Blancs — Pinot Noir; Vallée de la Marne — Pinot Meunier; Côte des Bar — Pinot Noir
• C. Montagne de Reims — Pinot Meunier; Côte des Blancs — Chardonnay; Vallée de la Marne — Pinot Noir; Côte des Bar — Pinot Meunier
• D. Montagne de Reims — Pinot Noir; Côte des Blancs — Chardonnay; Vallée de la Marne — Pinot Meunier; Côte des Bar — Pinot Noir

Answer: (D)

Champagne style comes from how each subregion’s climate and soils favor a particular grape. The famous pairing is Montagne de Reims with Pinot Noir, Côte des Blancs with Chardonnay, Vallée de la Marne with Pinot Meunier, and Côte des Bar with Pinot Noir. This aligns with how these areas contribute color, body, aroma, and acidity to blends: Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims provides structure; Chardonnay from Côte des Blancs brings high acidity and finesse; Pinot Meunier from Vallée de la Marne adds fruitiness and roundness; Pinot Noir from Côte des Bar supplies depth and color. The other options mix these associations, which is why this combination is considered the best match.