![]() While true Champagnes can only be made in the Champagne region of France, from seven distinct grapes and in the Méthode Traditionnelle, sparkling wines aren’t held to the same restrictions. When determining whether a wine is truly Champagne or sparkling, one only needs to identify the region where it was produced. “All Champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is Champagne” They may only be pressed twice, once to make the ultra concentrated cuvée (which is high in sugar and acid) and the second time to make the taille (sugary, lower in acid, and higher in minerals and pigment). A Champagne may be classified as vintage or non-vintage-respectively-when wines are made with grapes of one year’s harvest or a mix of grapes from different years. Like we said, it’s a long, intricate process.Ĭhampagne making is also controlled strictly by the Appellation d’Origine Controlée (AOC). From dictating how one may grow the grapes to how they may be harvested and processed, the rigorous standards distinguish Champagne. For instance, all grapes that are used in Champagne must be hand picked and pressed in a covered environment. During this time, clarification occurs via a process known as riddling, which basically rotates the bottle slowly to capture the dead yeast cells at the neck before the yeast is removed through disgorgement, topped off with sugar and wine known as the dosage, then sealed. The wine in bottle is then aged for at least 15 months “on the lees” (with the dead yeast cells) to add texture and complexity. ![]() Over time, trapped CO2 gas carbonates the liquid to form the trademark bubbles while yeast cells start to die. Grapes are picked and fermented into still wine, then yeast and sugars are added to the cuvée to start the second fermentation as it is bottled. The process in which Champagne is made is called Méthode Traditionnelle, formerly known as the Méthode Champenoise, which is also referred to as “The Classic Method”. In a nutshell, Champagne gets its sparkle from a second fermentation that takes place in the bottle, but the entire process is very technical and labor intensive: The best cuvees offer a harmonious combination of all of these revered characteristics. This is based on the structure, fruitiness, body, aroma, delicacy, freshness, and complexity of the grapes. Only a handful of grapes across Champagne are allowed to be used for its base or “cuvée” (a blend of the first and most concentrated extraction of juices from pressed grapes).Īlthough the ratios vary, about 90% of all blended Champagnes use 2/3 red and 1/3 Chardonnay mixes. In addition to location, Champagne also receives its distinguished name because of the grapes used to produce it (and the distinct flavors that result from grapes grown in Champagne’s cooler climate and chalky, mineral-rich soils). Sparkling winemaking in Champagne dates to the 1700s, and today, vineyards span 84,000 acres throughout the hillsides and plains of its five main growing regions: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, Côte des Blancs, Côte de Sézanne, and The Aube. Outside of the Champagne region, French sparkling wine is known as Crémant. Nestled in the country’s northeastern corner, near Paris, the only labels that are legally allowed to bare the name “Champagne” are bottled within 100 miles of this region (according to European Law). We’re helping to decode the differences between these two bubbly beverages, so you’ll be more informed the next time you pop that bottle and click glasses (this New Year’s Eve, perhaps?).Ĭhampagne, the wine, is named after the region where it is grown, fermented, and bottled: Champagne, France. Don’t let the bubbles fool you. Although sparkling wine and Champagne both possess a refreshing effervescence and a similar trademark “pop” when uncorked, there are a few main reasons why the two labels display different names.
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