Champagne

The Best Sparkling Wine in the World

Presentation | Grape Varieties | Champagne Structure | Conservation | Storage

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.