If you have ever had the opportunity to taste a nice glass of Champagne, hopefully you know the level of elegance that exists in the wines. Although there are sparkling wines from all over the world, to be called Champagne, the wine must come from Champagne, France. There are 3 grapes that can be used for Champagne production: Chardonnay which is a white grape, and Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, which are red (black). When it is made from only Chardonnay grapes, it is called a Blanc de Blanc, when it it is made from the red grapes it is called a Blanc de Noir.
The production of Champagne starts out like all wines, by fermentation to produce alcohol in a tank of some sort. The difference is that it goes through a secondary fermentation in the bottle. During fermentation, two things are produced, alcohol and carbon dioxide (CO2). When the second fermentation happens, the bottle is sealed and the CO2 is trapped in the wine, hence the bubbles. Because of the pressure that is built up , it has to be sealed with a wire cage over the cork. Also, opening a bottle can be very dangerous. If not held properly, the cork can seriously put an eye out!
Champagne does tend to be on the more expensive side, compare to other sparkling wines, but the quality is also generally higher. For a true Champagne, expect to pay $30 US. at a minimum, and up to as much as you want to spend. The price has much to do with the producer (called a Champagne house), vintage, and quality level. Most houses will make non-vintage (NV) blends (cuvee...coo-vay) from several years, as well as a Champagne from a specific vintage year. Vintage Champagnes are tend to be more expensive, and also are usually more complex in flavor and aromas than the NV. They will also usually have a "prestige cuvee", which is the House's top Champagne.
I have had the opportunity to taste a lot of Champagne in my career, and it is my favorite of all wines to drink. Depending on the producer, they can range in flavors of breadiness and baked apple pie, to crisp citrus notes of lemon curd. Champagne is normally dry, and will be labeled "brut". There are various sweetness levels though, and the range from "extra dry" (which is actually a little sweet) to "demi sec" and "doux", which is like a dessert champagne.
There are several different types of Champagne house as well, the main difference being where they get there grapes from. The two main houses are either "Negociant manipulant" (NM), which source the vast majority of their grapes from other growers. There are also "Recoltant manipulant" (RM), and they can only buy 5% of their total production. RM's are also known as "grower champagne".
Paul Barra Special Club Rose Champagne, RM
If you are looking for a great celebration bottle, I would highly suggest popping a bottle of Champagne! You will feel like royalty, and it really makes a special occasion even better!!
I am a wine professional, and love sharing my passion for wines with others. I will be writing more articles about wines from around the world, and try to be educational and entertaining. All photos are taken by me at various tastings around town and at my store. If you like what you see, please UPVOTE and FOLLOW for more like this! If you feel that others might like this, a RESTEEM is always appreciated!! Thank you for your interest and support!!
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