Mount Montbeh is a famous Champagne wine-producing region, planted with high-quality varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
At an elevation of 288 meters, it's not a tall mountain, but its undulating terrain forms a natural barrier to the south of Reims.
Especially at a place known as the "Reims Valley," the road advances along a narrow gorge only 300 meters wide and 2 miles long.
It's like a checkpoint; controlling it could keep the enemy's armored and mechanized units out.
...
Shire led the French-American Allied Army to camp outside the Reims Valley, arriving there just after eight at night, as they didn't rush to attack once darkness fell.
On this, Pershing had a different opinion.
In a cave covered by black cloth at the entrance, Pershing analyzed the map under a dim oil lamp:
"Mount Montbeh is not suitable for armored battles, Vice Admiral."
