Champagne :

Champagne wines owe their inimitable character to a unique combination of climate and soil composition, otherwise referred to as ‘terroir’.With its northern geographical position at the limits of the vine’s cultural zone, the climate is harsh, softened only by an oceanic influence. The chalky sub-soil naturally provides the vine with constant irrigation. The vines’ position on the slopes provides the best sunlight and the run-off of any excess water.

The Champagne region produces the most celebrated sparkling wines in the world. East of Paris, it is the most northerly AC in France ­ a place where grapes struggle to ripen fully. They are fermented once, then undergo a second fermentation in the bottle, which produces carbon dioxide, contained under pressure. It is through this méthode champenoise or Champagne method that Champagne acquires tight, crisp, long-lasting bubbles and a yeasty, toasty dimension to its flavour. Champagne Regions Champagne is divided into five distinct areas ­ the best are the Montagne de Reims where Pinot Noir performs brilliantly, and the Chardonnay-dominated Côte des Blancs south of Épernay. If you buy a bottle of Coteaux Champenois, still wine from the area, you can see why they decided to make bubbly instead; it tastes mean and tart, but is transformed by the Champagne method to some of the most complex wines of all.

he Champagne trade is dominated by large companies or houses, called négociants-manipulants, recognized by the letters NM on the label. The récoltants-manipulants (recognized by the letters RM) are growers who make their own wine.

Grape Varieties
Champagne is produced only from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Chardonnay produces light, perfumed Champagne and dominates the vineyards of the Côte des Blancs. Pinot Noir is carefully pressed to avoid getting any colour in the wine, and the resulting flavour is fuller and meatier than Chardonnay. Pinot Noir is best from the Montagne de Reims area. Pinot Meunier, the most popular variety, adds fruitiness and perfume and makes the Champagne more approachable.

Styles of Champagne
Non-vintage: Most Champagne is a blend of two or more vintages. Quality varies enormously, depending on who has made the wine and how long it has been aged. Most Champagne is sold as Brut, which is a dry, but not bone-dry style. Interestingly, Extra Dry denotes a style less dry than Brut.
Vintage: Champagne made with grapes from a single vintage. As a rule, it is only made in the best years.
Blanc de Blancs: Champagne made solely from Chardonnay ­ generally, more creamy and with an emphasis on fruit flavours, lightness and elegance.
Blanc de Noirs: Champagne made entirely from black grapes, either Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, or a combination of the two. These Champagnes have upfront character and less elegance than some.
Rosé: Pink Champagne, made either from black grapes or (more usually) by mixing a little still red wine into white Champagne.
De luxe cuvée: In theory the finest Champagne and certainly always the most expensive, packaged in the fanciest bottles.

More Links on  Champagne:

www.champagne.com
welcome to champagne

<< back