Champagne and its wines

The Champagne is one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world and the only one that can produce wines under the appellation Champagne AOC, a byword for excellence in traditional method sparkling wine. Set in the north-east of France, Champagne stands out for its the cool climate, the chalky soils and the centuries-old tradition, which contribute to the production of complex, elegant, long-lived sparkling wines.

The main grape varieties used are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, each of which brings unique characteristics to the wine: Chardonnay gives freshness and finesse, Pinot Noir gives structure and power, while Pinot Meunier adds fruitiness and softness.

What is the Champagne wine district?

Champagne is governed by strict legislation that defines the production of its sparkling wine, divided into several sub-zones, each with unique characteristics:

• Montagne de Reims → Famous for Pinot Noir, which brings structure and intensity.
• Vallée de la Marne → Dominated by Pinot Meunier, which adds roundness and fruit.
• Côte des Blancs → The kingdom of Chardonnay, for fresh, elegant Champagnes.
• Côte de Sézanne → Softer, fruitier Chardonnay wines.
• Aube (Côte des Bar) → Pinot Noir with greater ripeness and roundness.

The Great Wine Regions of Champagne

1. Montagne de Reims

• Main grape varieties: Pinot Noir.
• Style: Structured, intense Champagnes, perfect for laying down.
• Famous municipalities: Verzy, Verzenay, Bouzy, Ambonnay.

2. Vallée de la Marne

• Main grape varieties: Pinot Meunier.
• Style: Fruity, soft Champagnes, excellent for drinking young.
• Famous municipalities: Aÿ, Dizy, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ.

3. Côte des Blancs

• Main grape varieties: Chardonnay.
• Style: Fresh, mineral, elegant Champagnes.
• Famous municipalities: Cramant, Avize, Mesnil-sur-Oger.

4. Côte de Sézanne

• Main grape varieties: Chardonnay.
• Style: Softer, fruitier Champagnes, with more moderate acidity.

5. Aube (Côte des Bar)

• Main grape varieties: Pinot Noir.
• Style: Champagne with body and greater maturity.
• Famous municipalities: Les Riceys, Bar-sur-Seine.

Characteristics of Champagne Wines

Colour

• Whites: Straw yellow with golden highlights.
• Rosé: Pale pink with coppery shades.

Aromas

• Fruity: Citrus, green apple, peach in the whites; wild strawberry in the rosés.
• Floral: White flowers in the Chardonnays.
• Toasty and Mineral: Notes of bread crust, yeast, chalk.

Palate

• Fresh and Mineral: In the Blanc de Blancs, with vibrant acidity.
• Structured and Complex: In the Blanc de Noirs and the vintage Champagnes.
• Creamy and Elegant: In the prestige cuvées, with long ageing on the lees.

Typical Grape Varieties of Champagne

White Grape Varieties

• Chardonnay: Elegant and mineral, the basis for Blanc de Blancs.

Black Grape Varieties

• Pinot Noir: Structured and intense, perfect for Blanc de Noirs.
• Pinot Meunier: Fruity and rounded, ideal for young champagnes.

Why Choose a Champagne?

A Champagne is synonymous with celebration, luxury and refinement. Perfect with aperitifs, shellfish, fish dishes and creamy cheeses, this sparkling wine is a worldwide icon of quality and elegance.