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All about champagne

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What is champagne?

Champagne is a sparkling wine made from grapes grown, harvested, and produced in the Champagne region. Sparkling wine can only be called 'Champagne' if it originates from the Champagne region. The grape varieties used to make champagne each have their own character and taste, influenced by the climate and soil in which they grow. Most of us know champagne as a festive bubbly drink, and while it certainly is, champagne is more than just that!


The history of champagne

Let's take a dive into the history of champagne. Champagne has a rich history, and it took some time for it to become the champagne we know today.

The Romans were the first to introduce winemaking to France. The name of the region comes from the Latin 'Campania.' At that time, wines were still diluted with water and stored in a very primitive manner. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the monasteries took over winemaking. Monks needed wine for their services but were also avid wine lovers.

In 1662, English scientist Christopher Merrit discovered that any wine could be made sparkling by adding sugar. However, no one could control the process of the second fermentation, and bottles kept exploding. Dom Pérignon took on the challenge and delved into bottling wine. He soon found that securing the cork with wire kept the pressure in the bottle. He then managed to reduce the pressure inside the bottle. The discovery of champagne was widely credited to Dom Pérignon.

In the early 18th century, champagne became increasingly popular, and demand rose among the upper class. Moët et Chandon, Ruinart, and Veuve Clicquot were the first champagne houses. Each had its own story, history, and played a significant role in the development of champagne.

The use of the name 'Champagne'

The designation "champagne" may not be used for all sparkling wines. We have outlined some of the strict rules regarding the use of the word 'Champagne'.
Champagne may be called Champagne if:

  • The sparkling wine comes from the Champagne region.
  • The sparkling wine was prepared according to the Méthode Champenoise.
  • It is made using a combination of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbane, and/or the Petit Meslier grape varieties.
  • The bottles have undergone cellar aging for a minimum of 15 months.
In addition to the above criteria, there are even more strict criteria that are laid down in the regulations of the champagne region. Every aspect is recorded. From the pruning methods, to the minimum alcohol percentage and the limit of extraction of the juice from the grapes. The CIVC, (Comité Interprofessionel du Vin de Champagne) closely controls the production, promotion and distribution of the wines.



Grape varieties used for Champagne

Champagne is usually made from a mixture of white and blue grapes. Only 6 grape varieties are allowed for making Champagne.
Most commonly used grape varieties:
  • Chardonnay
  • Pinot Noir
  • Pinot Meunier
These three grape varieties stand as the primary choices for making Champagne. Furthermore, Pinot Blanc, Arbane, and Petit Meslier are used, although these varieties are used less frequently. (Those last three grape varieties account for only 1% of the total 30,000 hectares of vineyards).
The Chardonnay grape is globally distributed and is commonly used in the production of white wines. This grape ripens early and can handle both heat and cold weather. The Chardonnay grape is very well-suited for aging in wooden barrels. When exclusively Chardonnay grapes are used for a champagne, the resulting Champagne is called 'Blanc de Blancs'.
Pinot Noir is a blue grape variety characterized by compact clusters and it's thin skin. This grape is cultivated globally, with a preference for cooler climates and limestone-rich soils. Champagnes crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes are called 'Blanc de Noirs'.
The Pinot Meunier grape belongs to the blue grape variety. It ripens early, is resilient to winter conditions, and can endure frost effectively. Pinot Meunier is generally less esteemed than the other two grape varieties. However, it can contribute to the creation of a notably fruity and harmonious champagne.

Types of Champagne

Each champagne has its own style and taste, influenced by cellar processes, grape varieties used, pressing techniques, and the harvest year.

Champagnes can be categorized into the following types of champagne:

  • Brut: has a dosage of less than 15 grams of sugar per liter.
  • Extra sec: has a dosage of more than 12 and less than 20 grams of sugar per liter.
  • Sec: has a dosage of more than 17 and less than 35 grams of sugar per liter.
  • Demi-Sec: has a dosage of more than 35 and less than 50 grams of sugar per liter.
  • Doux: has a dosage of more than 50 grams of sugar per liter.

Brut champagnes are the most consumed champagnes, constituting a staggering 95% of all consumed champagnes. For those who enjoy a slightly sweet taste, Demi-Sec is an excellent choice. Doux champagne, being very sweet, is rarely produced nowadays. 

How is Champagne Produced?

You've already learned a bit about the history and origins of champagne. Champagne is famous for its sparkling bubbles. The production process consists of several steps. How is champagne made, and how does it acquire its bubbles? Champagne houses adhere to the 'Méthode Champenoise,' a technique exclusive to champagne producers in the Champagne region. The following steps are undertaken to transform grapes into champagne:

 Méthode Champenoise

  1. Harvesting the grapes
  2. Pressing the grapes
  3. First fermentation
  4. Blending (assemblage)
  5. Second fermentation
  6. Aging process
  7. Remuage
  8. Dégorgement
  9. Adding sugar
  10. Corking


Uncorking and Serving Champagne


Opening champagne might seem a bit tricky, but if you practice a little, you'll get the hang of it! Start with Uncorking champagne by gently loosening the wire cage. Make sure to hold the cork firmly, as there's a chance it might pop off due to pressure. Then, twist the bottle, not the cork! The cork will gradually pop out. Tilt a champagne glass slightly and pour the champagne in slowly—avoid pouring too hard to prevent the champagne from overflowing.

Champagne can be served in various types of glasses. While everyone knows the classic champagne flutes, champagne is also served in tulip-shaped glasses or champagne coupes. However, champagne coupes are not as commonly used nowadays because their wide shape allows the bubbles to escape quickly.

Tasting Champagne involves just four simple steps:

  1. Look: Is the champagne clear? What color does it have? And how intense are the bubbles?
  2. Listen: How do the bubbles fizz and crackle? The louder, the more carbonation the champagne has.
  3. Smell: Champagnes have various aromas. You can distinguish the scents by putting your nose slightly into the glass.
  4. Taste: After looking, listening, and smelling, you can finally taste the champagne.


Storing Champagne

The shelf life of champagne depends on various factors, including grape composition, grape quality, bottle size, and cork quality. Champagne bottles do not have an expiration date, and the duration for which champagne can be stored is often uncertain. Here's an indication of how long you can store the following types of champagnes:

  • Non-vintage Champagne: up to 9 months
  • Prestige Champagne: 10-15 years
  • Vintage Champagne: up to 1 year
  • Opened Champagne: 3-5 days
Store champagne in a dark, draft-free place. The ideal storage temperature is between 7 and 12°C. Lay the champagne bottle horizontally and try to move the bottle as little as possible. This helps maintain the quality of the champagne, ensuring you can savor a delightful drink.



Champagne Cocktails

Champagne is not only enjoyable on its own but also makes for delightful champagne cocktails. We've listed the five tastiest cocktails for you:
  1. Kir Royal
  2. French 75
  3. Scroppino
  4. Mimosa cocktail
  5. Bellini cocktail


Serve a champagne cocktail as an aperitif on a special occasion like a holiday, Mother's Day, or any other festive event. Explore our tips for combining champagnes with other ingredients, and find out how to create the perfect champagne cocktail. We also provide garnishing suggestions!

Champagneshop.com

Champagneshop.nl is the specialist in delivering champagnes. Do you want to surprise someone with a unique gift? Check out our extensive range or contact us for personalized advice.