Champagne (326)

Champagne: Delightfully sparkling, delicious, and above all wafted by an elegant fragrance. At VINELLO, you are exactly right to secure this sparkling treasure.

Champagne - The Sparkling Elegance of Champagne

Champagne - a picturesque region in northeastern France. It is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes. Rather, it is known for one of the noblest and most sought-after sparkling wines in the world: Champagne. This exquisite drink is reserved for celebrations and special occasions. It embodies elegance, sophistication, and luxury like no other. Let us take a look at the fascinating world of champagne and the unique region from which it comes.

Champagne - The Epitome of Luxury and French Lifestyle

The Champagne region covers an area of about 34,000 m² and a length of approximately 150 km. It includes the French departments of Marne, Aube, Haute-Marne, and Ardennes. The region is characterized by gentle hills, picturesque vineyards, and charming villages. The climate in Champagne is temperate. Together with the chalky soils, this provides ideal conditions for viticulture. In Champagne, several thousand small winemakers cultivate the vines in now 357 municipalities. The diverse conditions in a total of 20 regions, or six major regions, give champagne its unique character. The red grape varieties Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) and Pinot Meunier (Schwarzriesling) account for 38 and 34 percent, respectively. Additionally, the white grape variety Chardonnay makes up 28 percent. Minimal shares derive from the white grape varieties Arbane, Petit Meslier as well as White and Gray Burgundy.

How is Champagne made?

Champagne Production: Art and Science

The production of champagne is an art that has been perfected over centuries. It follows a special method known as "Méthode Champenoise" or "Traditional Bottle Fermentation." This elaborate technique gives champagne its typical fine bubbles and complex taste.

Although red grapes are in the majority, one can primarily buy white champagne. The red grapes must be pressed very quickly after harvesting. This minimizes the transfer of color from the skins to the juice. Here, a significant quality characteristic appears in the production of champagne. From 160 kilograms of grapes, a maximum of 102 liters of must may be obtained. During the first pressing, only about 80 liters can be extracted for the best champagne. Cheaper champagne, often referred to as "tradition," may also contain base wines from the second and third pressings.

Champagne from Blanc de Blancs to Blanc de Noir

The base wines are blended in the spring for bottle fermentation. Champagne made only from white grapes can be called Blanc de Blancs. If only base wines from red grape varieties are combined, it results in a rare Blanc de Noir. Non-vintage champagne is cheaper and comes from the current as well as older vintages.

A Lot of Time with the Méthode Champenoise

For bottle fermentation, which may only be called méthode champenoise with champagne, particularly a lot of time is planned. A sparkling wine must remain on the yeast for six months, and a Crémant for nine months. For a non-vintage champagne, it is 15 months. For vintage champagne, it is even three whole years.

Afterwards, the bottles are shaken until the yeast forms a plug in the neck of the bottle. This is frozen before opening the bottle and then shoots out. The loss is compensated by the shipping dosage - the most closely guarded secret of every champagne house. This consists of sweet wines, sugar solution, or even very light cognac, the Esprit de Cognac. It determines, among other things, how much residual sugar is present in a champagne.

The individual steps for the production of champagne summarized:

1. Base Wine Production: Selected grapes, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, are harvested and processed into a base wine.

2. Assemblage: The cellar master blends wines from different vintages and grape varieties to achieve the desired style of champagne.

3. Tirage: Sugar and yeast are added to the base wine, and the bottles are sealed. The second fermentation occurs in the bottle, producing carbon dioxide that remains dissolved in the liquid.

4. Aging: The bottles are stored on the yeast for a specified period. This contributes to the development of flavors and complexity.

5. Riddling and Disgorging: The bottles are gradually tilted and shaken to move the yeast into the neck of the bottle. When disgorging, the yeast sediment is removed.

6. Dosage: Before the final sealing, a mixture of sugar and wine, known as "dosage," is added. This serves to balance the flavor of the champagne.

Quality Levels of Champagne

Champagne is always a quality sparkling wine of controlled origin - an AOC. Its alcohol content is usually around 12, but it can also reach 12.5 percent by volume. Additionally, a high density of vines that reduces yields but improves quality, as well as hand-picking, is required. A higher proportion of older vintages also benefits quality and is recognized by the designation "réserve." The additions "prestige" or "spéciale" indicate the best champagnes from a champagne house.

The official quality classification among top champagnes is based on the price that the grapes command in individual municipalities. If this is identical to the maximum price in a municipality, a champagne from this Grand Cru may call itself as such. If the grapes achieve 90 to 99 percent of the maximum price, you can purchase this champagne as Premier Cru.

Diversity and Styles of Champagne

Champagne is available in various styles, ranging from dry to sweet. Here are some of the most common types of champagne:

• Brut: Dry champagne with little residual sugar. Perfect for aperitifs and as an accompaniment to various dishes.

• Extra Brut: Even drier than Brut, for lovers of particularly dry wine.

• Sec: A slightly sweet champagne that pairs excellently with desserts.

• Demi-Sec: With a higher sugar content, ideal for a sweet indulgence.

Champagne and Culture

Champagne is not just a drink, but also a symbol of joy, luxury, and festivity. It is enjoyed on special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries. It is inextricably linked to celebrations and glamorous events.

A Spark of Luxury in Every Bottle

Champagne remains the home of exquisite champagne. A sparkling wine that embodies the art of winemaking and the passion of an entire region. With its elegant bubbles, diverse flavors, and timeless allure, champagne is a true masterpiece. Every bottle tells a story of tradition, innovation, and pure enjoyment. A spark of luxury that makes every moment special.

Buy Champagne Online at VINELLO

VINELLO is your wine specialist for all sparkling delights, from Prosecco to champagne. You can purchase your champagne online with us and choose from many payment methods. Particularly with VINELLO, you have the option to buy on account from your very first order. Furthermore, you have a cork-taster return policy. Quick delivery and individual service are also a matter of course for us.