What is champagne?

Champagne is a sparkling wine from the departement Champagne in France. You know Moet ChandonVeuve CliquotTaittinger or Dom Perignon but what is so special about them?

There must be something about it as Champagne was the favorite drink of Napoleon Bonaparte, Coco Chanel and Winston Churchill among a large crowd of enthusiasts. Is it just a special sparkling wine or is there some magic? – What is Champagne?

Key takeaways

  • Champagne is a sparkling wine which can only be produced in the Champagne in France
  • It is available in different degrees of dryness and sweetness as rosé Champagne or white champagne
  • The most popular Champagne is brut Champagne
  • White Grapes which can be used for Champagne production are Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Petit Meslier and Arbane
  • Red Grapes which can be used for Champagne production are Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier
  • Blanc de blancs is a sparkling wine made from white wine grapes exclusively
  • Blanc de noirs is a sparkling wine made from red wine grapes exclusively

Where does Champagne come from?

You can only produce Champagne in the French department Champagne with grapes which are growing there. Recently the Suisse town Champagne lost a lawsuit forbidding it to establish an AOC “Commune de Champagne”. The Comité Interprofessionel du vin de Champagne or champagne bureau defends the name and the use of the term Champagne to protect its singularity.

When was Champagne first produced?

Centuries ago, the Champagne region grew mostly dry red wines. Following a cold wave the local winemakers started to produce grey wine a turbid beverage from unripe red grapes. Combined with a change in storage method from oak barrel to glass bottle the remaining sugar in the wine led to a second fermentation giving it effervescence. A couple of centuries later pressure resistant bottles are becoming available as well as a standard method, dosage, to initiate the second fermentation. That`s how Champagne was born!

Which grapes are used for Champagne?

Vintners can only use seven grapes in the manufacture of this sparkling wine with 3 grapes being responsible for 99 % of plantations. These are two red grapes pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay. Grapes of lower importance for Champagne are arbane, petit meslier, pinot blanc and pinot gris.

How is Champagne made?

Grapes

Like the use of the name “Champagne” the manufacturing is reglemented, too. This limits the quantity of grape juice to 102 litres out of 360 kg of grapes. The first 82 litres which are obtained after 3 pressings are called “cuvee”. The “taille” completes the 102 litres with 2 further pressings. Excess volumes are not used for the production of this very special sparkling wine.

Primary fermentation

The next step is the fermentation of the different wines for the Champagne. Assembling of the clear wines (vin clair) and addition of the draft liquour (liqueur de tirage) unites the ingredients for the sparkling wine.

The draft liquor contains a mixture of the original wine, sugar and yeast. Storing the sparkling wine over wine lies for 15 to 36 months gives the Champagne its characteristic taste. A long storage period over wine lies underlines its “brioche” note. Gradually the dead wine lies are moving towards the capsule by putting them upside down in the riddling board. Turning the bottles from time to time helps to complete the separation of the wine lies. The invention of the riddling board by the veuve Cliquot made the removal of the wine lies efficient.  

Secondary fermentation

Freezing the provisional capsule allows to remove the yeast containing ice cube.  Replacing this volume with the dosage liquor helps to finalise the aroma. It contains a mixture of the original wine and yeast (zero dosage) or a mixture of wine, sugar solution and yeast. The brut dosage with a sugar content of the added liquid of 6 -12 g/l sugar is responsible for 90 % of Champagne market volume.

Closing the bottle with the final cork and agraffe provide the desired drink after a further storage period for consumption by the sparkling wine enthusiast.

Styles of Champagne

Champagne is a beloved sparkling wine that can bring a celebratory spirit to any occasion. Originating from the Champagne region of France, it has become one of the most popular and iconic wines around the world. While all Champagne comes from this small area, there are various types and styles that vary in flavor, aroma, body and character.

Blanc de Blancs

Blanc de Blancs, or “white of whites” in French, is a type of sparkling wine made exclusively from white grapes. This sparkling wine was first developed in the 18th century and has since become one of the most popular types of Champagne available. The grapes used to create Blanc de Blancs are typically Chardonnay, but other varieties may be used as well such as Pinot Gris or Pinot Blanc. The result is a light, crisp sparkling wine with delicate flavors including citrus fruits, apples and honeysuckle.

Blanc de Noirs

Blanc de Noirs – White from Black Champagne is a popular form of sparkling wine that has its own unique characteristics. Made from black grapes, Blanc de Noirs sparkling wine has a strong fruity flavor and aroma that are complemented by delicate notes of honey and brioche. Its distinct copper color makes it stand out among other types of sparkling wine. Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are used to make this sparkling wine variety

Rosé

Rosé Champagne is an exciting blend of white and red wines. The blending is done before the second fermentation step. This luxurious drink has a unique flavor that offers something for everyone, from the casual sipper to the connoisseur.

The more complex rosé sparkling wine production causes the higher price of sparkling wine.

Non Vintage Champagne

A non vintage Champagne is a sparkling wine made with grapes grown in the Marne region of France. Non-vintage sparkling wine is a blend of multiple vintages, creating an overall consistent flavor profile year after year. This sparkling wine variant is also called BSA (Brut sans Année) or Brut without vintage. The flagship sparkling wines of all major Champagne producers are BSA wines.

BSA sparkling wine has several advantages over vintage sparkling wine that make it the preferred choice for many occasions.

Non vintage champagnes are more affordable than those made from one single vintage and offer quality and consistency, as the producers carefully select wines from different harvests to attain a specific taste. They also have greater availability due to their larger production volumes and can be found in almost any store or restaurant throughout the world. Since non-vintage champagnes are blended by winemakers, they have a complexity and balance that can’t be achieved through aging alone.

Vintage Champagne

Vintage champagne is a special type of sparkling wine, produced from grapes grown in a single year, and aged for at least three years. It has a unique flavor that can’t be found with any other type of sparkling wine. Vintage champagnes are considered to be the crème de la crème of bubbly beverages and have become increasingly popular among sparkling wine connoisseurs.

Is Champagne sweet?

Champagne is a luxurious beverage that has been around for centuries, and its sweetness–or lack thereof-has been debated among wine connoisseurs for years. But what makes it sweet? And is all Champagne sweet?

The answer depends on the specific type of sparkling wine. Generally, there are seven main types of champagne:

Champagne VarietySugar content g/lFood Pairing
Brut nature or zero dosageSalty, fatty food like Churros, Steak and French fries
Extra Brut3 to 6Dim Sum, Spring rolls, Poutine, Sichuan style dishes
Brut6 to 12Lobster, roast chicken or turkey, sushi
Extra Dry or Off Dry12 to 17Sushi, lobster, fish
Sec17 to 32Chorizo, anything deep fried, foie gras
Demi Sec32 to 50Scallops cooked in butter, burrata and tomatoes drizzled with olive oil
Doux> 50Creme brulee, Ice with raspberries, mousse of red fruit

Consumers taste for Champagne moved towards dryer Champagne in the past decades.

Brut champagne has some level of residual sugar, although it’s usually dry or only slightly sweet. On the other hand, zero dosage champagnes have no added sugar at all. These types are typically more acidic and less sweet than regular brut varieties. Consequently, while most champagnes do exhibit some level of sweetness, they tend to be much less sugary than other wines like Moscato or Riesling.

What is the difference between Champagne and sparkling wine?

Champagne and sparkling wine are two popular beverage options for celebrations or special occasions. While many people assume Champagne and sparkling wine to be the same, in reality, there are distinct differences between the two beverages.

The main difference between Champagne and sparkling wine is that true Champagne only comes from a specific region of France called Champagne. As a result of its location, the climate here is cooler.

This produces grapes with higher acidity levels and lower sugar content. To make up for this lack of sweetness, producers add additional sugar during fermentation to produce bubbles. Sparkling wine without added sugar liquor for the second fermentation is called “zero dosage” sparkling wine. These are very dry but crisp Champagnes. The result is a wine with a crisp flavor profile with more intense aromas than that found in other types of sparkling wines.

In addition, all bottles labeled as Champagne must go through an aging process before hitting shelves.

What does Champagne taste like?

Champagne is an iconic beverage associated with celebrations, luxury, and sophistication. But what does it actually taste like? This sparkling wine can vary in flavor depending on the grapes used to make it, the winemaking process employed, and even its age.

In general, this sparkling wine has a bright acidity that brings out flavors of fruits such as apples and peaches, along with notes of yeastiness. Some champagnes will have hints of bakery-like aromas like brioche or croissant due to the secondary fermentation process in their production.

The bubbles add texture to the wine’s flavor profile as well as a crispness that sparkles on the tongue. For those who prefer a more intense flavor profile there are brut champagnes which have more body than other varieties and contain higher levels of residual sugar.

Best food with Champagne

Champagne is a bubbly, light, and refreshing alcoholic beverage that adds a touch of luxury to any occasion. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food for an even more enjoyable experience. Many people wonder what the best types of food are when it comes to pairing sparkling wine. Here are some tips on finding the perfect food pairings with Champagne.

When pairing sparkling wine with food, look for light dishes that won’t overpower the delicate flavor of the drink. Fresh seafood, like oysters and shrimp, pairs perfectly with sparkling wine and will bring out its unique nutty flavors. Creamy cheeses like brie also go well with sparkling wine, as do fruits like strawberries and raspberries which add a sweet complement to this dry beverage.

You can also pair it with rich, salty food like a steak with French fries or a juicy smash burger!

Why is Champagne more expensive than other sparkling wines?

Champagne is a sparkling wine that is made from grapes grown in the Champagne region of France. It is one of the most expensive wines in the world, and there are several reasons why it costs more than other sparkling wines.

First, this sparkling wine must be produced within the limits of the Champagne and abide by strict production regulations outlined by French law. These rules include how long fermentation must last, which grapes may be used to make it, as well as when and how much sugar can be added during production. All these steps take additional time and money to produce a bottle of Champagne, which increases its cost compared to other sparkling wines that don’t have such strict regulations.

Another reason why Champagne is pricier than other types of sparkly wine has to do with its prestige factor.

What color is champagne?

This special sparkling wine can be white or rosé. The Champagne is the only region which allows to mix red and white wines to make rosé. The most important method to make pink Champagne champagne is to add a little red wine to the white wines during the assemblage. Macerating the most of red grapes with their skin for a short time is the saignee (bleeding) method. Producing champagne this way yields a sparkling wine which has a darker colour and is wine like with sometimes slight tannin notes.

How long does champagne last unopened?

Champagne groups into non-vintage bruts and vintage sparkling wine. Non-vintage bruts assemble out of up to 50 different wines and vintages to assure a constant quality. Vintage champagne composes out of wines from a single year. You can keep non-vintage bruts between 1 to 3 years and vintage sparkling wine up to 5 to 7 years. A good indication is to use the date of disgorging. Sometimes you can find this information on the rear label of the sparkling wine bottle.    

How many carbs in Champagne?

Against common thinking champagne contains the least quantity of calories of wines and sparkling wines with 80 kcal per 100 ml. Despite adding sugar during the fermentation, it converts into carbon dioxide and additional alcohol. In case you`re looking for even lower caloric content you could try zero dosage sparkling wine which has an even lower carb level. If you`re on a diet and would like to have a drink the best choice is a glass of sparkling wine –  enjoy !

Which Champagne to buy?

When it comes to choosing a bottle of bubbly, nothing quite says luxury like Champagne. From its origins in France, Champagne has become the go-to toast for everything from weddings to New Year’s Eve celebrations. But with so many different types of this sparkling wine available, how do you know which one is right for you? One option that should be at the top of your list is Brut Sans Année (or non-vintage).

All flagship sparkling wines from the big Champagne houses are BSA (Brut Sans Annee) blends. They are made using a blend of wines from several different vintages that mix together to create a consistent flavor profile.

This type of sparkling wine offers a pleasant balance between freshness and body without being too acidic or sweet. Many describe the taste as “crisp” or “brisk” with notes ranging from citrus fruits to dried apricots and honey.

Keep in mind that vintage Champagne bottles are expensive and mostly for specialists!

Best selling Champagne brands

Veuve Cliquot

Veuve Cliquot is a brand of Champagne that has been enjoyed by connoisseurs around the world for centuries. Established in 1772, this French luxury Champagne producer has become a symbol of quality and prestige. Owned today by LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Veuve Cliquot remains an iconic symbol of wealth and distinction.

Picture taken from www.veuveclicquot.com

The name “Veuve Cliquot” pays homage to Philippe Clicquot-Muiron, who founded the company in 1772 and his wife Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin (the widow Clicquot). Although her husband sadly died when she was only 27 years old, she took over the business and built it into one of the most respected brands of sparkling wine in the world.

Nicolas Feuillate

Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne was founded in the early 1970ies by Henri Macquart and Nicolas Feuillate. Henry is now run by his grandson. The winery presents an incredibly rich history that dated back to the very beginning of sparkling wine production.

Picture taken from www.nicolas-feuillatte.com

Today, Nicolas Feuillatte continues to build on this long heritage and strives for excellence and innovation. Their wines are made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier grape varieties from small parcels of land located close to Épernay in the heart of the vallée de la marne region. They produce a variety of different champagnes including non-vintage blends, vintage cuvées, prestige cuvées, rosés and even bottles specifically created for holidays such as Christmas.

Moet et Chandon

Moet et Chandon, a subsidiary of luxury goods giant LVMH. It is one of the most iconic Champagne brands in the world. Founded over two centuries ago in 1743. Moet et Chandon has an illustrious history of crafting high-quality champagnes that have been loved by generations. The company has become synonymous with grandeur, glamour and sophistication and is the preferred choice for all special occasions.

Moet et Chandon produces a wide range of delicious champagnes made from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes that are grown in its vineyards located across France’s Champagne region. From classic Brut Imperial to Grand Vintage Collection and Rare Vintage Collection, every bottle reflects craftsmanship and quality that cannot be matched by any other brand.

Picture taken from www.moet.com

G.H. Mumm

G. H. Mumm is a renowned and respected sparkling wine producer, known for their signature Mumm Cordon Rouge, that has been crafting signature blends of Champagne for over 200 years. G.H.Mumm has been producing high-quality, luxurious bubbly since the 1800s when Jean-Remy Moet and Nicholas Louis Mumm founded the House of Mumm in Reims in 1827.

Today, G.H.Mumm is still considered to be one of the most prestigious Champagne houses in the world and it is owned by French spirits giant Pernod Ricard.

Picture taken from www.mumm.com

Laurent-Perrier

Laurent Perrier Champagne is a French Champagne house founded in 1812 by André Michel Pierlot. Located in the small village of Tours-sur-Marne, it is one of the oldest and most renowned Champagne houses in France. The company was taken over by Eugène Laurent Perrier, who gave the brand its name, in 1887.

Today, Laurent Perrier is still owned and managed by the family of Bernard de Nonancourt, who took control shortly after World War II. The company produces some of the finest sparkling wines made from Chardonnay grapes grown exclusively on their Le Mesnil sur Oger vineyard and other carefully selected sites. Their wines are distinguished for their lightness and finesse as well as for their bright fruitiness and hint of mineral character.

Picture taken from www.laurent-perrier.com

Taittinger

Taittinger Champagne is a well-known and beloved French Champagne produced by the Taittinger family. For over three hundred years, the Taittinger name has been synonymous with the finest quality sparkling wine, and their iconic brand of bubbly continues to be popular among connoisseurs around the world. Today, it is still a family-run business that produces high-end sparkling wine from grapes grown in some of France’s most prestigious vineyards.

The Taittinger winemaking tradition began in 1734. Jacques Fourneaux started making wine on his estate near Reims in northeastern France. In 1932, Pierre Taittinger bought the Château de la Marquetterie and established Champagne Taittinger. He introduced his signature Brut Réserve blend which was made with Pinot noir and Chardonnay grapes.

Picture taken from www.taittinger.com

Pommery

Pommery Champagne is a popular brand of bubbly in the world of sparkling wines. Hailing from Reims, France, it has become one of the most recognizable and sought-after champagnes throughout Europe. Established in 1836 by Madame Pommery, this Champagne house produces an array of different varieties that are sure to please any palette.

Madame Pommery’s dedication to quality and innovation has made her Champagne a beloved staple among wine connoisseurs around the world. The family’s commitment to producing only the finest bottles has continued into present day. Their wide selection of brut and brut rosé champagnes have been praised for their unique flavor profiles.

Picture taken from www.champagnepommery.com

Conclusion

Champagne is an exclusive sparkling wine produced in the department Champagne in France. It`s a world famous sparkling wine admired by a lot of wine lovers. If you like Champagne you may be interested in other sparkling wines like Cremant, Sekt or Prosecco. – Enjoy!

ChristinaDay
Hi, my name is Christina Day, and I am a self-proclaimed wine connoisseur. It is my favorite alcoholic drink, and I enjoy nothing better than kicking back on the sofa after a long week of work to enjoy a glass of wine… or two!

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