What is Champagne ?
The term "Champagne" is used to refer to sparkling wine produced exclusively within the Champagne region of France. Champagne is produced by inducing a secondary fermentation in the bottle (Methode Champenoise or Traditional Method). A labor intensive and costly method that produce a greater level of atmospheric pressure compared to sparkling wine using the Charmat method (second fermentation completed in a large tank), or by pumping CO2 to create the bubbles.
Method Champenoise results in finer, more persistent bubbles after opening the bottle. It is also grown on rich, limestone and chalk soil under cool climate conditions. These factors result in sparkling wines that are mostly terroir-driven with added depth of flavor.
The primary grapes used to make Champagne are Pinot Noir (red), Pinot Meunier (red), and Chardonnay (white). Chardonnay and Pinot Noir has the greatest level of finesse and potential for aging. Chardonnay is usually steely in its youth and Pinot Noir provides hints of red fruit and floral tones. Pinot Meunier immediately express floral and fruity appeal. When all three grapes are blended, like most Champagne, Pinot Meunier is the first to dominate the bouquet.
source image @wineenthusiast
Champagne has four major districts and certain varietals grow better in certain districts. Within each district there is a hierarchy concerning grape production. The best grapes are grown in the best villages which are classified as Grand Cru, then Premier Cru (1er Cru), and followed by non-designated village grapes.
The Champagne region is divided in 5 zones:
- The Montagne de Reims (Mountain of Reims): This zone surrounds the south part of Reims and focusses on the production of Pinot noir. The Champagnes of this area are the fullest bodied ones. They are usually being aged
- The Vallée de la Marne (Marne Valley): In Epernay and the Western part of the Montagne de Reims, this region is more focused on the production of Pinot Meunier. The Pinot Meunier results from a mutation of Pinot noir. It is often blended with other vine grapes. For example, the blending of the strong Pinot noir and the fruity Pinot Meunier can make delicious Blanc de noirs!
- The Côte des blancs: If you want to taste some of it, you should stay in Epernay and its surroundings as well, but in its Southest part. Exclusively focused on Chardonnay, this region also blends its Champagne to make Blanc de blancs, made from white grapes only!
- The Côtes de Sézanne: This area is located in the “humid champagne”, a zone full of forests and marshlands. More confidential, the Côtes de Sézanne focuses on the Chardonnay production
- The Côte des Bar (Côte de l’Aube): Located a bit more in the South part, this region is located in the surroundings of Troyes. This region is less famous as well. The grapes planted in here are mostly used for non-vintage fizz.
For example, the district of Montagne de Reims is known to produce some of the best Pinot Noir. The best villages (Grand Cru) within Montagne de Reims is Ambonnay, Ay, Bouzy, Vezenay, and Verzy (look for theses designated villages on the bottle label).
In the district of Cote des Blancs, Chardonnay is king and the best villages (all Grand Cru) are Cramant, Avize, and Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger.
In the district of Vallee de la Marne, Pinot Meunier grows best and the best villages (Premier Cru, 1er) are Dizy, Hautvillers, and Ste-Gemme.
Lastly we would like to decipher some important information that can be found on the label
Sweetness levels:
Brut Nature: Very Dry, No Dosage.
Extra brut: Very dry, Usually no dosage.
Brut: Dry.
Extra Dry: Off-dry (slightly sweet).
Demi-sec: Medium sweet.
Doux: Sweet.
