Before exploring the fantastic world of Champagne make sure you are familiar with a few important facts before you go. Maybe you are already aware of everything about these, but then you might learn something fresh!
1. Champagne Is A Wine
It may sound like saying the obvious, but in reality Champagne is considered to be a distinct entity from still wines. In fact Champagne is made from fermented grapes using similar cultivation techniques to other wines.
But, Champagne is exceptional in that it has to adhere to unique methods to get its sparkling bubbles. Specific guidelines set out by the appellation, together with a highly secure, officially designated designations of origin guarantee that Champagne’s name is secure from corner-cutting.
2. It’s Only Made In Champagne, France
Of course, most people are aware that Champagne is a product of France. But, over the years, Champagne was in conflict with other sparkling wines that would make use of its name and reputation to promote their own.
Champagne is specifically the same region name in the north-eastern region of France 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Paris. But, the wine-producing region is a patchwork that extends across it and into neighbouring regions too.
Importantly, to differentiate between the two , the wine takes the masculine form in the French language (le Champagne) where-as the region itself is feminine (la Champagne).
The mentioned Appellation assures that sparkling wine is only known as Champagne when it is made within the strict 35,000 hectare (84,000 acres) area. In addition the Interprofessional Committee of Champagne Wine or CIVC enforces this in the United States and around the world.
Learn all you can about the region as well as its climate, and its geography by reading our comprehensive Champagne map guide.
3. It’s made with both black and White Grapes
It is believed that the Champagne area has been producing white wine using wine grapes that are red since beginning in Middle Ages. It was initially made during the height of their fierce competition with Burgundian neighbors. Burgundy reds were deep in color, whereas Champagne’s efforts were typically weaker or pink.
As Dom Perignon came onto the scene in the 16th century and he, in turn enhanced these techniques. To make transparent white wines using black grapes they were quickly pressed and gently to stop the skins from macerating into the juice.
In general Champagne is made from three main grape varieties. The most well-known wine grape, is Pinot Noir, which is also utilized in Burgundy. However, they also make use of another grape that is black, Pinot Meunier, as well as white grapes, Chardonnay. Learn more about these grapes with our Champagne guide to the grape.
4. It’s blended (Most Of the All The)
Outside of France In other countries, it’s fairly normal for the grapes to be mentioned on labels prior to or in lieu from the specific region. This is particularly prevalent for New World wines. While some French wines have adjusted to this trend however, the region has always been first because it is the most reliable marker of a wine’s authenticity.
Sometimes, however, the grape isn’t mentioned since it has multiple varieties. For instance in Bordeaux the winemakers blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc amongst others.
Similar to this as several Champagnes combine their wines, as described in the previous section to make unique flavours. Yet, unlike every another wine blend their years.
A Champagne blend can contain up to 30 to 50 different harvests from various vineyards, villages, and vintages. All of this is done to ensure that each when you drink that particular house’s Champagne it will surely taste exactly the identical.
But, there are certain exceptions. For example you can find Vintage Champagnes as well as blends which make use of one grape colour. Visit this page to read more about the various varieties of Champagne!
5. Champagne is Fermented Twice
In contrast to Prosecco and a few Cavas Champagne is subject to intense periods of fermentation and maturation. In contrast to Prosecco does not leave the autoclave made of stainless steel that is pressurised vat until it is bottled for sale, Champagne spends most of its time maturing in bottles.
Grapes ferment inside casks or in vats after the press, until no sugar remains. After that, the remaining wine gets bottle-aged using a mixture of sugar and yeast which is sealed by an alcohol cap. As it ages within the bottle yeast and sugar chemically interact and create gas. This produces the sparkling.
Champagnes should age around 12 months or more like this, however they go through other processes to ensure they are aged properly. But, there are some that will remain in storage for longer than they can be seen in the sunlight. Find out more about the process of making Champagne is made using our guide.
6. It’s drinkable straight All You Need To Do is
Some wines will be stored for years after being bottle-aged. They can sit inside the cellars collectors and merchants for a long time before being released. Through this period they will accumulate in complexity and worth.
In Champagne they approach it in a different way. Instead, Champagne is kept in the cellar of the house and sealed with caps on bottles until it has been aged to perfection. When they are appropriate to offer their wines for sale. At that point the cap is removed and the wine is then corked.
While some drinkers prefer to age their champagnes following corking, you don’t need to. If you own one, why put it off and squander the enjoyment? Be sure to serve your Champagne correctly and at the correct temperature!
7. It Can Be Diet-Friendly
In general, drinking fine alcohol drinks is not a good idea while you are on a diet. It’s a wonder to know that certain Champagnes have no sugar? Additionally in contrast to Diet Coke, it’s 100 100% natural, and a little more refined!
8. It was discovered by accident
In spite of two widely held, yet contradicting views, sparkling wine wasn’t created through Benedictine Monk Dom Perignon, nor English scientist Christopher Merret. Both played a major role in shaping Champagne into the wine it is the way it is today.
The history of Champagne
In actual fact bubbly wine’s phenomenon was first discovered through accident in the middle age in Saint Hilaire Abbey. Others Benedictine monks in the vicinity of Carcassone began to realize that wines bottled after fermentation in oak barrels often developed bubbles.
9. The British Love Champagne
In fact it was reported that the French exported record 34 million champagne bottles into the UK in 2015. In addition to the French who purchased 162 million bottles and the British consume more Champagne than any other nation.
In addition, some of the most sought-after Champagne houses are able to obtain an Royal Warrant granted by the British Royal Family. Krug, Bollinger and Moet & Chandon are among the most well-known. However, the honor goes to GH Mumm, Laurent-Perrier, Pol Roger, Veuve Clicquot and Lanson.
10. It’s not always expensive
The big houses could dominate the market, and they export the most to consumers in other countries. However, within the official 320 Champagne villages there are 300 main Champagne houses and 15800 producers.
It is likely that such a large number suggests that there are a lot of unknown and obscure Champagnes there, waiting to be found. In addition, due to their brands not yet having achieved popularity, they could be very affordable! For instance, top bottles are available just $15 EUR (18 dollars) and vintage Champagnes can be purchased at around $20 EUR (24 US dollars).