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Tradition Champagne is a sparkling wine that is made in the Champagne region in the north of France using the Méthode Champenoise. The traditional grapes used in the making of Champagne are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
Sparkling wines are made in many of the wine-making regions around the world. Some are even made by the same Méthode Champenoise using a blend of the traditional Champagne grapes. However these sparkling wines cannot be called Champagne since they were not made in the Champagne region of France. All sparkling wines begin their journey as still wine. The sparkle is added during the fermentation process. Champagne and Sparkling Wine is made using a secondary fermentation that traps gas (carbon dioxide) inside the bottle which creates the bubbles. What is Méthode Champenoise? The making of Champagne is a lengthy process that is quite involved and a bit complicated. So I simplified my explanation by breaking down the information. Méthode Champenoise is the traditional method by which Champagne is produced. After the primary fermentation and bottling, a second alcoholic fermentation occurs in the bottle. This second fermentation is induced by adding several grams of yeast and several grams or rock sugar. According to the Appellation d’Origine Controlee (AOC) a minimum of 18 months is required to completely develop all the flavors. For the years that have exceptional harvest, the champagne has to mature for at least 3 years.
During the maturing process, the champagne is capped with a crown cap much like a soda bottle cap. The bottle is then riddled so that the lees (yeast) settle in the neck of the bottle. The neck is then frozen, and the cap removed. The pressure in the bottle forces out the lees (yeast). Finally, the wine is topped off with a solution of wine and sugar, sealed with Champagne's distinctive cork and wire cap, then put to rest for another 3 to 6 months before it is labeled and released. Vintage and Non-Vintage Champagne is produced as Vintage or Non-Vintage. Vintage: When there is an excellent harvest year, the Champagne is made with only those high-quality grapes from that same year. However only when the climate conditions produce an excellent crop of grapes is there a vintage year.
 Non-vintage: Most Champagnes produced are non-vintage which are made from a blend of grapes from different years. They must be aged in the bottle for 18 months before being released and sold. Styles of Champagne Blanc de Blanc -- Most Champagnes are a blend of the three traditional grapes of Chardonnay, Piont Noir and Pinot Meunier. However some producers use only 100% Chardonnay which is called "Blanc de Blanc" Champagne. It is a lighter and creamier style which is and quite expensive. It is considered to be the best aperitif wine available in France. Blanc de Noir -- Some producers use only the black grapes of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier for their Champagne which is a more robust, and toasty style called "Blanc de Noir". This also is expensive because it is a very low yield production which makes it a rare find. Dry to Sweet There are varying levels of sweetness to Champagne. Because of the wide range of sweetness levels in Champagne you can drink Champagne with every course of your meal.
Extra Brut: Very Dry (0 to 0.5% of sugar) Let's Celebrate Sparkling wine or Champagne is often suggested and served for very festive occasions or special celebrations. If there aren't any festive occasions on your calendar, don't let it keep you from enjoy sparkling wine or Champagne at any time of the year for no special occasion. Gather together family and friends to enjoy a wonderful evening and have fun. Make a toast to "Life" or "Friendship" or whatever comes to mind. Be whimsical and witty, and be yourself. And most of all enjoy the pleasures of your family's "Champagne evening". Next time you are planning to have dinner with your family and friends, be sure to serve sparkling wine or Champagne. There is a wide variety of affordable wines to fit any budget.  Custom Search
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