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Champagne

Is it Champagne or Sparkling Wine?
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 this special celebratory wine 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 a secondary fermentation process 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.

Simply Put - How to Make the Bubbles
A second fermentation, usually done in the individual bottle, starts with the addition of sugar. The waste product of the yeasts metabolizes the sugars and produces carbon dioxide gas.

This carbon dioxide is the carbonation, or the bubbles which are now in the same bottle that is eventually sold to you.

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.

Only when the climate conditions produce an excellent crop of grapes is there a vintage year. That vintage Champagne is then made with only those high-quality grapes from the harvest of that particular year.

Styles of Champagne

Blanc de Blanc translated is "white of white" -- a fitting name for this style which is made from white grapes, namely only 100% Chardonnay grapes. It is a lighter and creamier style which is quite expensive and is considered to be the best apéritif wine available in France.

Blanc de Noir translated is "white of black" for this style of white Champagne which is made with only the black grapes of Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier. The grapes are put through a special quick pressing so that the skins do not stain the color of the pressed juice. This is a more robust and toasty style that is expensive because it is a very low yield which makes it a rare find.

Dry to Sweet

Did You Know?

Dosage Is the final dosage of sugar which is added to achieve the various levels of sweetness.

Extra Brut: Very Dry (0 to 0.5% of sugar)
Brut: Most common style of dry Champagne (approx. 0.5 to 1.5% of sugar)
Extra Dry: Medium dry (1.5 to 2% sugar)
Sec: Medium sweet/dry (1.75 to 2.5% sugar)
Demi Sec: Sweet (2.5 to 5% sugar) and served as a dessert Champagne
Doux: Sweetest dessert-style Champagne (4% or more sugar)

Celebrate With Bubbly

Champagne is often suggested and served for very festive occasions and special celebrations. If there aren't any festive occasions on your calendar, don't let it keep you from enjoying Champagne at any time of the year "just because!" There is a wide variety of affordable wines for every budget to enjoy any day of the year.

So gather together family and friends to enjoy a wonderful evening and have fun. Make a toast to "Life", to "Friendship", or whatever comes to mind. Be whimsical and witty, and be yourself. And most of all enjoy the pleasures of your special "Just Because!" celebration.

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