The Ultimate Guide to Champagne Wine
Few names in the world of wine are as iconic—and often misunderstood—as Champagne. Champagne is a sparkling wine made from grapes grown exclusively in the Champagne region of France. Over the years, its bubbly bottles have come to be synonymous with luxury, celebration and prestige. In this article, we’ve created our own champagne wine guide to formally introduce you to this glorious grape juice, covering everything from the region’s location to its winemaking heritage.
Where Is the Champagne Wine Region Located?
If you were to look at a map of the Champagne wine region, you’d see it lies in the northeast of France, 150 kilometers east of Paris. In fact, you can visit the esteemed wine region as a day trip while vacationing in the capital. A short 45-minute train trip from the city center will take you to Reims, the unofficial champagne capital of France. The region is divided into five legally defined subregions: Montagne de Reims, the Marne
Valley, Côtes de Blancs, Côtes de Sézanne and Côtes des Bar.
Montagne de Reims
Montagne de Reims is particularly well-renowned for its Pinot Noir grapes and for producing robust and full-bodied Champagnes, thanks to its chalky soils. Notable producers from this area include Verzy, which excels in making high-quality Pinot Noir.
Vallée de la Marne
The Vallée de la Marne, or Marne Valley, is situated south of the Montagne de Reims, on the riverbanks of the Marne. Pinot Meunier grapes reign supreme in this subregion.
Côtes de Blancs
Côtes de Blancs specializes in Chardonnay and is celebrated for its elegant and mineral-driven Champagnes with refined flavor profiles.
Côtes de Sézanne
Côtes de Sézanne produces fresh Champagnes with vibrant flavors as a result of its cooler climate and chalky soils.
Côtes des Bar
Côtes des Bar produces richer, more robust Champagnes primarily from Pinot Noir. Champagne from this region is renowned for being fruit-forward and having high depth and complexity of flavor.
What is The Geography of the Champagne Region of France?
Let’s look beyond a map of the Champagne wine region now and delve into the geography that gives its grapes their distinct flavors. The chalk retains water while offering excellent drainage, and the marl adds a rich mineral complexity—together, they create the perfect environment for growing Champagne grapes. The rolling hills and dramatic Montagne de Reims also have a big influence on the grapes that grow in the champagne. This varied topography creates little microclimates. South-facing hills soak up abundant sunlight, helping the grapes to ripen fully, while the cooler, north-facing slopes provide a different growing condition. These microclimates across the Champagne region lead to grapes with a broad spectrum of nuanced flavors.
What is the History of Champagne Wine?
The history of the champagne wine region traces back to between the third and fifth centuries when it is thought that the Romans planted the vines and created the vineyards. From here, the wine industry began to grow. In the ninth century, Champagne became associated with the coronation of French Kings in Reims Cathedral which catapulted its renown across the whole of France. By the time it reached the thirteenth century, bottles were already being sold to other European countries like Spain, Italy and France. While wine from the French region of Champagne is now celebrated for its delicate bubbles, it wasn’t always sparkling. In fact, it wasn’t until the 17th century that the sparkling version of Champagne emerged—and it did so by accident.
The Champagne region often experienced freezing winters that would halt the wine's fermentation. When temperatures rose in the summer, a secondary fermentation occurred inside the bottles, producing carbon dioxide bubbles and creating the signature fizz. The buildup of gas sometimes caused the bottles to explode. At the time, local winemakers considered these bubbly bottles faulty, though they were occasionally seen as a fun novelty. However, by the late 17th century, the sparkling versions gained popularity among French royalty. This newfound attention from the nobility led to wine from the Champagne region of France being created as the sparkling wine we know today.
Champagne vs Wine: Are Wine and Champagne the Same Thing?
One of the most common things people wonder about this famous sparkling beverage is whether champagne actually is wine. The answer is yes—Champagne is a type of wine, but these terms are not interchangeable. So, what exactly is the difference between wine and Champagne?
Wine is an umbrella term that refers to any alcoholic beverage that is produced from grapes or other fruit, regardless of where it was created. Champagne, however, is a sparkling wine that has been produced specifically from the best red and white grape varieties in the Champagne region of France. This is why sparkling wine and Champagne are not the same: Champagne is specific to a particular region, while sparkling wine can be produced elsewhere.
What Are The Most Widely Planted Grape Varieties in Champagne?
As we’ve covered, only wine made from grapes grown in the French region of Champagne can be called Champagne. You might now be curious about which specific grapes are used to make the world’s favorite bubbly. Below, we’ve outlined the primary grape varieties used in Champagne production.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most famous white grape varieties. Light and versatile, these grapes provide champagne with its characteristic light, crisp quality, and a rich palette of flavors including citrus, white fruits, and buttery undertones.
Pinot Meunier
Although less well-known, Pinot Meunier grapes play a crucial role in Champagne production. These red grapes are celebrated for their dry, fruity and robust flavors. They provide champagne with its slick texture and balance the bolder notes of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is the third key grape used in Champagne production. These deep red grapes add body, depth, and complexity, infusing the Champagne with rich red fruit aromas. Additionally, some winemakers use lesser-known grape varieties to create unique cuvées. Examples include Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc.
The Appellations of Alsace Vineyards
The Champagne AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) designation represents a high standard for wines produced in the Champagne region. To qualify for this prestigious label, several strict criteria must be met:
● Authorized Grape Varieties: Only specific grapes such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier are permitted in the production of Champagne.
● Production Technique: The wine must be crafted using the traditional méthode champenoise, which includes a secondary fermentation within the bottle.
● Regional Sourcing: The grapes must be sourced from the Champagne region of France, which covers more than 34,000 hectares of vineyards.
These regulations help ensure that every Champagne bottle maintains its quality and authenticity, upholding the reputation of the AOC label. The Champagne region produces a delightful range of sparkling styles, each with its own unique flavor
profile and characteristics, largely influenced by its sugar content. This is why there isn’t a straightforward answer to what Champagne tastes like. Here, we explore the distinct styles of Champagne and what sets them apart.
Champagne By Sweetness Levels
The sweetness of Champagne is determined by the sugar content, or “dosage,” added just before sealing the bottle. Find a breakdown of the sweetness levels, from driest to sweetest below:
● Brut Nature: Less than 3 grams of sugar per liter, offering a very dry taste.
● Extra Brut: 0-6 grams of sugar per liter, still quite dry.
● Brut: Less than 12 grams of sugar per liter, providing a balanced dryness.
● Extra Sec: 12-17 grams of sugar per liter, with a hint of sweetness.
● Sec: 17-32 grams of sugar per liter, noticeably sweeter.
● Demi-Sec: 32-50 grams of sugar per liter, for those who prefer a richer sweetness.
● Doux: More than 50 grams of sugar per liter, the sweetest option available.
These categories range from extremely dry (Brut Nature) to very sweet (Doux), catering to a variety oftastes and palates.
Different Styles of Champagne Wine
Non-Vintage Champagne
Non-vintage Champagne is created using grapes collected from various different years, often blending multiple vintages. Winemakers balance the flavor, aromas and tastes carefully each year to ensure they remain consistent. It's usually more affordable and versatile for everyday celebrations. Examples of this include the Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label which is rich and creamy with toasty, fruity flavors.
Vintage Champagne
Vintage Champagne is made from grapes picked in one single year. This means that each year's Champagne can taste different depending on the weather conditions in which its grapes grew. As a result, the quality and flavor can vary a lot from one year to the next. Providing a unique expression of the harvest year, vintage champagne is often preferred over non-vintage. Dom Pérignon, for example, is only ever released as a vintage and is renowned for its depth and complexity.
Prestige Cuvée
Prestige Cuvée is a very highly esteemed style of Champagne and is often seen as a champagne house’s finest product. It is made from a single vintage and aged on the lees for several more years than a classic vintage. Dom Pérignon P2, with its intense flavor profile, is an exquisite example of a Prestige Cuvée.
Blanc de Blancs
Blanc de Blanc champagne is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. It is known for its light, crisp, and elegant flavor. Taittinger Comtes de Champagne is a wonderful Blanc de Blanc champagne. It is refined on the tongue, with fresh, floral notes. Pierre Gimonnet and Fils.
Blanc de Noirs
Blanc de Noirs Champagne is made from black grapes like Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier. Although it uses black grapes, the Champagne is white because the juice is pressed and fermented without the skins, which are responsible for red wine’s color. This process results in a fuller-bodied, richer flavor profile. A standout example of Blanc de Noirs is Ruinart Blanc de Noirs, which boasts elegant raspberry notes and a touch of spice.
Rosé Champagne
Rosé Champagne is made by blending freshly crushed white and black grapes with a little red wine. While the exact ratio varies, the white wine has to make the majority. This method imparts delicious red berry flavors to the Champagne. A notable example is Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé, known for its delicate, citrus notes.
A Guide to Tasting Wine From the Champagne Region
When it comes to tasting Champagne wine, it’s not just as simple as taking a sip. You must engage three of your senses. Below, we share how to go about tasting a glass of bubbly.
Visual Inspection
When tasting champagne, start by observing its appearance. The color can provide clues about its age: younger champagnes typically have a lighter hue, while older ones develop a deeper, golden shade. Pay attention to the bubbles as well. High-quality champagne features lively, fine bubbles that rise gracefully in the glass. Finally, assess the clarity of the champagne. The finest champagnes are crystal clear, whereas those with less clarity may not offer the full spectrum of flavors and aromas.
Aroma Evaluation
The next step in tasting champagne is assessing its smell. Gently bring the glass to your nose and inhale the aromas. Look for bright citrus and sweet notes, which are typical of high-quality champagne. You might also detect subtle hints of yeast and minerals, which indicate its age and blend.
Taste Analysis
The final—and arguably most enjoyable—stage of tasting Champagne is when you engage your taste buds. Gently tilt the glass towards your mouth, inhale simultaneously, and let the subtle flavors unfold on your palate. As you taste, pay close attention to the flavors: are they sweet and fruity, or dry and crisp? Do you notice hints of yeast or fresh bread? Beyond the taste, consider the texture of the Champagne. A well-balanced Champagne should feel light and creamy on the tongue, without any harshness.
Summary
A symbol of elegance and extravagance, Champagne is one of the most esteemed wine regions in France and around the world. The best way to get a feel for the heritage and wines of this viticultural paradise is to visit some of its vineyards for yourself.
Want to explore the taste and heritage of Champagne's famous sparkling wines? Explore our exceptional wine-tasting tours in the champagne wine region. We offer visits to top vineyards, from renowned names like Dom Pérignon to personalized tours of the Champagne houses. Experience the Champagne region on your own terms with our curated wine-tasting adventures.
