Presentation
French Champagne is the
finest sparkling wine made in the world. Champagne is the name of the wine
region located about 90 miles northeast of Paris.
Champagne can contain
up to three different grapes: Chardonnay (white grapes), Pinot
noir and Pinot Meunier (red grapes). Vintage Champagnes are only
produced in the very best years, they are always more expensive than non vintage
Champagnes. Most Champagnes are the supreme expression of the blender's art,
assembled from numerous vintages, multiple grape types and various selected
vineyards within the Champagne district then carefully hand made and fermented
in the bottle. By making these blends, the winemakers are able to create a
consistent ''house'' style and, indeed, each Champagne producer has its own
distinct style. In Champagne, the name and reputation of the producer tells you
more about the wine than any other single factor.
From dry to sweet,
Champagnes are labelled Brut Absolute, Brut, Extra-Dry,
Sec (Dry), Demi-Sec and Doux (Sweet). Blanc de Blancs
bottling are made entirely from Chardonnay grapes and tend to be lighter and
more delicate in style. Blanc de Noirs are made from red grapes and tend to be
fuller bodied and richer tasting; Rose Champagnes are dark pink in color and
frequently intensely flavored.
Champagnes combine the complexities of
fine grapes grown in some of the best vineyards in France and effervescence to
create one of the most sensual taste experiences in the world!
Champagne
is famous all around the world since a long time. It has its own place in a lot
of historic events. Qualified as “wine of kings” Champagne is the wine of choice
for launching ships and celebrations. Over centuries man's talent transformed
the wines' characteristic effervescence into the purest expression of a very
special delicacy.
Champagne area is located at the East of Paris. Reims is
the main town.
Parcels of Champagne production are meticulously classified
into numerous and named since a long time.
Vineyards grow under a severe
climate softened by an oceanic influence.
Soils are mainly limestone which
gives the vineyard a permanent natural irrigation.
Grape
Varieties
The appellation authorizes 3 grape varieties to produce
the Champagne:
Pinot noir: It gives the wine red fruits aromas and brings
body and power to the cuvee blending.
Pinot Meunier: This variety is supple
and fruity. It has an intense bouquet and gives roundness to the
wine.
Chardonnay: It is the variety of finesse. It gives floral marks. It
develops quite slowly which makes a good balance for wine maturation when
blended.
Champagne Structure
Many Champagne wines exist; they can be classified under
4 families of wines:
- Champagne wines
with Body:
Key words for these Champagne wines are: power, structure and
intensity.
Such Champagne wines are usually made with a predominance of Pinot
noir and Pinot Meunier, two grape varieties which create distinctive aromas and
give the wine depth, vinosity, power and vigour. These are muscular Champagne
wines, enjoyable for theirs scents of violets, spices, truffles, fresh butter,
Virginia tobacco, ripe wheat and biscuit pastry.
- Champagne wines
with Heart:
Key words for these Champagne wines are: generosity, warmth
and softness.
These wines are fresh, smooth and always well-balanced. They
are usually dominated by Pinot noir and Pinot Meunier, but they can be Rosé or
Demi-sec. Their colors range from golden yellow through to deep pink. On the
nose, red petals, honey, peaches, pears in cinnamon, candied oranges and
gingerbread may come to mind. On the palate we appreciate their round and soft
character.
- Champagne wines
with Spirit:
Key words for these Champagne wines are: light, vivacious
and delicate.
Invariably they are brut or Blanc de Blancs Champagne wines
with a preponderance of Chardonnay. As they mature and reach their optimum they
develop a certain raciness. Champagne wines with Spirit are lively, brilliant,
clear-cut, often with a grey-yellow color. Their bubbles are light, quick to
form, sprightly with a lovely delicate appearance. We are reminded of fresh
fruit, in particular citrus and exotic fruit, mint and fresh almonds. A true
jewel with a light golden color and fine necklace of bubbles.
- Champagne wines
with Soul:
Key words for these Champagne wines are: maturity, complexity
and richness.The rarest vintages, the most complete wines and collectible
Special Cuvées. Inevitably these are mature wines, often from exceptional years.
The extremely fine bubbles and their old gold, even amber like appearance
inspires an almost religious awe in many drinkers.
Champagne Conservation
We recommend
you store your bottle of champagne at 8°-10° C or 50° F.
Champagne Storage
In order
to maintain the quality of your bottles, please store them horizontally in a
cool place,
until the the bottles are opened.
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