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What is Champagne? Champagne is perhaps the most famous sparkling wine in the world, but the name is often wrongly used for other sparkling wines. True Champagne is protected by the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) Champagne. This means that the name "Champagne" may only be used for sparkling wines that actually come from the French Champagne region. Additionally, Champagne can only be produced using the grape varieties Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Arbanne, or Petit Meslier. Most Champagnes are made from a combination of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and/or Chardonnay. But what about sparkling wines outside the Champagne region? Of course, sparkling wines are also produced outside Champagne. In France, these are often called Crémant, in Spain it's Cava, and in Italy it's Prosecco (or Valdobbiadene DOCG!). Are all sparkling wines the same? No, definitely not! The different varieties are often made with other grapes and come from different terroirs. This results in significant taste differences between sparkling wines. Within Champagne itself, there is also an enormous variety of flavors to discover.
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Méthode Champenoise Champagne is produced using the traditional Méthode Champenoise . In this production method, only still wine is made during the first fermentation. The second fermentation takes place in the bottle, where carbon dioxide is created. After this fermentation, the champagne ages in the bottle with the remaining yeast, which adds extra complexity and flavor to the wine. When the wine is ready for sale, the old yeast is removed, and a small amount of sugar is added. The cork is then placed on the bottle, and the champagne is ready for sale. While the production of Champagne is strictly regulated, each winemaker adds their own touch to the wine. This is done through the composition of the grapes, the age of the vines, or the amount of sugar (dosage) added at the end. This makes every Champagne unique!
Blanc de Blanc or Blanc de Noir Champagne comes in different variations. Often, champagne contains a blend of various grapes, such as the white Chardonnay and the blue Pinot Meunier. However, champagne can also be made exclusively from white grapes or exclusively from blue grapes. In that case, the champagne is called Blanc de Blanc (white from white) or Blanc de Noir (white from black), respectively. A Blanc de Blanc consists entirely of white grapes, usually 100% Chardonnay. This is typically self-explanatory, but in the case of champagne, where sometimes a blend is made, it's helpful to mention this. A Blanc de Noir is a white wine made entirely from blue grapes, such as Pinot Meunier or Pinot Noir. A Blanc de Blanc is often known for its citrus notes and floral aromas, while a Blanc de Noir typically has a fruitier character, with notes of red fruit. When choosing champagne, it's important to think about what you're in the mood for, as no two champagnes are the same!
Buy Champagne at ONWINE At ONWINE, you buy your Champagne directly from the winemaker. The winemaker sets the price and the selection. With every order you place, you contribute to a fairer and more transparent wine world!
