Rare Old Wine Map of Côte des Blancs by Larmat, 1944: Champagne, Vineyards, Grape Quality, Towns

This exquisite map, "Les Vins de Champagne - La Côte des Blancs," crafted by the renowned Louis Larmat in 1944, is a captivating exploration of one of France's most celebrated wine regions. The map serves as a detailed infographic, showcasing the intricate network of vineyards in La Côte des Blancs, southeast of Épernay. It meticulously delineates the individual Champagne vineyards and communes, offering a visual feast for those passionate about viticulture and cartography alike. The map's thematic focus on grape quality and classification provides a unique insight into the historical landscape of Champagne production during the mid-20th century.

The map employs a sophisticated color-coding system to convey the quality of grapes, as detailed in the "Échelle des Crus: Blancs." This system categorizes vineyards into various classes, with colors ranging from orange for the highest quality "Hors classe" to salmon for the second category of "Blancs et Noirs." This visual representation not only enhances the map's aesthetic appeal but also serves as an informative guide for understanding the historical significance of these classifications. Such detail underscores the importance of terroir and tradition in Champagne production.

Louis Larmat, the mapmaker, was celebrated for his detailed viticultural maps of France, and this map is a testament to his expertise. His work is characterized by precision and artistry, capturing the essence of the regions he depicted. This map is no exception, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Champagne, a region synonymous with luxury and refinement. The map's creation during World War II adds an additional layer of historical intrigue, reflecting the resilience and enduring legacy of French winemaking.

The map also features an inset showing the delimitation of the Champagne region, providing broader geographical context. This inclusion highlights the strategic importance of the area within France and its renowned reputation for producing world-class wines. The detailed topography and road networks further enhance the map's utility, making it not only a beautiful piece of art but also a functional tool for understanding the region's layout and connectivity.

In addition to its visual and historical appeal, the map lists notable communes such as Cuis, Chouilly, and Cramant, among others. These locations are integral to the Champagne region's identity, each contributing to the area's rich tapestry of flavors and traditions. The map's ability to encapsulate such depth of information in a visually engaging manner makes it a prized possession for collectors and connoisseurs alike, offering a window into the storied past of one of the world's most celebrated wine regions.

Places on this map

• Cuis
• Chouilly
• Cramant
• Avize
• Grauves
• Oger
• Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
• Villeneuve-Renneville
• Voipreux
• Vertus
• Bergères-les-Vertus
• Épernay
• Forest of Vertus
• Ardennes (inset map)
• Aisne (inset map)
• Seine-et-Marne (inset map)
• Marne (inset map)
• Haute-Marne (inset map)
• Aube (inset map)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Color-coded vineyards:
• Orange for "Hors classe" (100% quality)
• Mid-yellow for 1ère catégorie (90-99% quality)
• Pale yellow for 2e catégorie (80-89% quality)
• Salmon for Blancs et Noirs 2e catégorie (80-89% quality)
• Legend for interpreting vineyard quality
• Inset map showing Champagne region delimitation
• Detailed topography and road networks
• Historical vineyard boundaries

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: "Les Vins de Champagne - La Côte des Blancs"
• Creator: Louis Larmat
• Year of creation: 1944
• Publisher: Atlas de la France Vinicole L. Larmat
• Type of map: Infographic thematic map
• Themes:
• Detailed delineation of Champagne vineyards
• Quality classification of grapes
• "Échelle des Crus: Blancs" indicating grape quality
• Design and style:
• Uses color coding to indicate grape quality
• Includes a legend for interpreting colors
• Historical significance:
• Created during World War II
• Represents the viticultural landscape of France during the mid-20th century
• Context about the mapmaker: Louis Larmat was known for detailed viticultural maps of France

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

This map is taller than most, which would make it a perfect statement piece in a panelled room, on a gallery wall, or perhaps alongside another tall piece of art or furniture.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.