Champagne refers to wine that is made from grapes grown in the Champagne region of France. The juice extracted from these grapes is also fermented and bottled in this region. While most people associate any bubbly wine with Champagne, they could be far from the truth. Both Champagne and other sparkling wines have an effervescence that almost makes them similar, especially when bottles are popped up.
In addition to the region, Champagne also gets its name from the grapes used to produce it. These grapes are grown in the mild climate of Champagne, which is also known for its chalky mineral-rich and chalky soil, giving the grapes a unique flavor. Of the many varieties of grapes grown in this region, only a few are used for its base, locally known as “cuvée.” Here’s a list of the grapes used in Champagne production:
• Pinot Noir (most widely used)
• Chardonnay (popularly used)
• Pinot Meunier (Popularly used)
• Pinot Gris
• Pinot Blanc
• Arbane
• Petit Meslier
The ratios vary during production, but almost 90 % of the blended Champagnes use 1/3 Chardonnay mixes and 2/3 red mixes. This depends on the structure, body, fruitiness, delicacy, freshness, aroma, and complexity of the grapes. The wines used for blending Champagne often have all these characteristics.
Process Of Making Champagne
After answering the “what is Champagne” question, it is time to get familiar with the Champagne making process. The method is called Méthode Champenoise, which translates to “fermented in a bottle.” The process involves a two-step fermentation process in which the grape juice is first fermented into alcohol. It is then stored in bottles to trap carbon dioxide, which gives Champagne the trademark bubbles. Yeast, yeast nutrients, and sugar are also added and then left for carbonation to develop. Afterward, dead yeast cells are removed in a process called Riddling or Le Remuage to unleash the pure Champagne.
Styles Of Champagne
It is essential to understand that Champagne comes in various levels of sweetness and styles so that you can get the right bottle when shopping. Here are the styles of Champagne you need to know:
• Blanc de Noir – this translates to “white from black,” meaning that it is white wine produced by black grapes, essentially Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
• Blanc de Blanc – literally means “white from white,” which means white wine produced by white grapes (Chardonnay). This wine is usually lighter than other wines.
• Rosé – this is wine made by blending red and white wine before bottling.
• Non-vintage Champagne – these wines are blends of various vintages of wine Producers blend multiple wine vintages to achieve a consistent “house style.” This is vital in producing wine that has a consistent taste all-year.
• Vintage Champagne – these are wines produced using grapes that come from the vintage indicated on the bottle. Less than 10% of the total wine produced in a year is vintage wine.
The next time poses the “what is Champagne” question, you should make it clear that Champagne is a region from which Champagne-producing grapes are grown and fermented. It is also essential to note that Champagne differs from other sparkling wines due to the types of grapes used in production as well as the production process.