Caves Charlemagne

In the heart of the Angoulême conurbation, Caves Charlemagne tells the story of a winemaking tradition that began in 1921. The company owes its origins to Lucien Charlemagne, an oenologist from Reims, who chose the Charente region to develop a business specialising in sparkling wines.

Its identity is closely linked to a remarkable site: former limestone quarries dug beneath Angoulême, which have been transformed into ageing cellars. Even today, these galleries remain one of the most distinctive features of the local wine-growing heritage.

History and origins

Caves Charlemagne was founded in 1921 by Lucien Charlemagne, an oenologist from Reims. His experience in Champagne led him to recognise the potential of the Charente region and its vineyards for producing sparkling wines.

To store its wines, the company converted former underground limestone quarries located beneath Angoulême. These spaces, formerly used in particular as mushroom farms, naturally offer a stable temperature, near-total darkness and conditions favourable to the ageing of the bottles.

More than a century after its founding, the house continues this tradition, specialising in sparkling wines, Charente wines and a range of wine and spirits specialities.

Expertise

Caves Charlemagne’s expertise lies in particular in the production of sparkling wines using the traditional method. The bottles are matured in the former underground quarries, where the natural conditions contribute to the ageing of the wines.

The company also produces various wines made from grape varieties grown in the Charente. The range includes, in particular, Charente IGP wines from Maison des Maines, made from grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

This activity is closely linked to the Charente vineyards and the wine-growing terroirs of the Cognac region.

The range

Caves Charlemagne offers a diverse range:

• Sparkling wines: produced using the traditional method, they are one of the house’s historic hallmarks.
• Charente IGP wines: whites, reds and rosés, notably through the Mainart range from Maison des Maines.
• Pineau des Charentes: an iconic product of the regional terroir.
• Cognac: the house also offers spirits drawn from the Charente’s wine-growing heritage.

The flagship product

J&L Charlemagne 1921 is a cuvée that particularly evokes the house’s identity. This sparkling wine, produced using the traditional method, bears the name and year of foundation of Caves Charlemagne.

It is best enjoyed well chilled as an aperitif, but can also be served with savoury nibbles, seafood or certain less-sweet desserts.

For a broader exploration of the region’s terroir, the range also offers a progression from sparkling wines to still wines, and on to Pineau and Cognac.

The visitor’s experience

Caves Charlemagne offers a guided tour of its historic cellars. The tour takes visitors through the old limestone quarries, showcases the house’s expertise and explains the various stages of winemaking. A guided tasting of two wines is also included in the package currently offered by the house.

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, for groups of 4 to 20 people, by booking only. The price quoted by the house is €15 per person.

It’s a wonderful way to discover a little-known aspect of Angoulême’s wine-growing heritage: beneath the town, the limestone provides a perfect setting for the bottles.

Where can you find the products?

Caves Charlemagne shop is located at: 15 Impasse du Tropic, 16000 Angoulême.

The winery sells its wines, sparkling wines and spirits there.

Key points

Beyond their bottles, Caves Charlemagne represent a remarkable part of Angoulême’s wine heritage. Founded over a century ago, they combine the story of an oenologist from Champagne, the terroirs of the Charente and unique underground cellars waiting to be discovered.

Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.