Discovering Champagne
A Journey into the Heart of the Champagne Region
Champagne vineyards at sunset in the Montagne de Reims offer a breathtaking view of the iconic rolling hills covered in lush grapevines.
Champagne stands out as a wine of unmatched prestige, elegance, and celebration. Originating from the esteemed Champagne region of France, it has earned a special place in the hearts and palates of wine lovers globally. Its storied history, unique terroir, and distinct production methods have cemented Champagne's status as a pinnacle of winemaking. It offers a unique experience for those eager to explore its intricate complexities.
The Historical Legacy of Champagne: From Benedictine Monk to Global Prestige
Prior to Dom Pérignon (1638-1715), the Champagne region’s wines were predominantly still and red. Many credit him with the invention of traditional method sparkling wine, however Blanquette de Limoux, a bottle-fermented wine, was being produced in southwest France as early as 1531.
Dom Pérignon did, however, make important contributions to the production and quality of Champagne such as the invention of the coquard press, a short, squat basket press, which produced clear white wines from red-skinned grapes since the juice had minimal contact with the skins; the blending of grapes from different vineyards to create balance in the finished wine; and harvest in the early morning to retain the freshness of the grapes. Dom Pérignon’s innovations are not only still in use today, but many have been codified into Champagne’s wine laws.
The Champagne Region: A Unique Terroir
The Champagne region, nestled in northeastern France, is defined by its distinctive terroir— the unique set of natural factors like soil, climate, and geography that influence the taste of the wine. In Champagne, the combination of cool weather, chalky soil, and varied microclimates creates the perfect environment for growing grapes that produce the crisp and refreshing wines the region is known for.
The chalky soil in Champagne is one of its most notable features. It helps the vines maintain moisture during dry spells and provides excellent drainage, ensuring that the vines are nourished without becoming waterlogged. The cool climate slows the ripening process, which helps preserve the essential acidity that gives Champagne its characteristic freshness and balance. Champagne is divided into several subregions, each with its unique characteristics that contribute to the diversity of Champagne wines.
The Three Key Subregions of Champagne: A Delicate Balance of Terroir
The Champagne region consists of several subregions, each contributing to the wide range of styles found in Champagne. Three of the most significant subregions—Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, and Côte des Blancs—each offer unique growing conditions that play a role in shaping the final product.
Montagne de Reims: Located to the north of Épernay and Reims, Montagne de Reims is known for its hilly terrain and chalky soil. This subregion is famous for producing Pinot Noir, a grape variety that adds structure, body, and richness to Champagne. The south-facing slopes capture more sunlight, helping the Pinot Noir ripen slowly, which enhances its depth and complexity. The wines here are full-bodied, with deep fruit flavours and subtle spice.
Vallée de la Marne: This subregion runs along the Marne River and has a slightly warmer climate than Montagne de Reims. It is particularly well-suited to Pinot Meunier, a grape that produces fruity, vibrant Champagne with fresh berry flavours. The mixture of chalk, clay, and sand soils contributes to the roundness and smooth texture of the wines. Vallée de la Marne wines are often lively and expressive, with a youthful quality that makes them approachable and easy to enjoy.
Côte des Blancs: The Côte des Blancs is located south of Épernay and is dedicated primarily to Chardonnay. The cool climate and chalky soils of this region create Champagne with crisp acidity, fresh citrus flavours, and a distinctive mineral character. Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs is often used to produce Blanc de Blancs, a style known for its lightness, elegance, and finesse.
The Champagne Making Process: Tradition and Craftsmanship
Champagne is produced using a process known as the méthode traditionelle (or traditional method), which involves a second fermentation inside the bottle. This fermentation produces the effervescence that Champagne is famous for. After the primary fermentation, the wine is bottled with a small amount of sugar and yeast, starting a secondary fermentation that creates the bubbles.
During aging, Champagne develops complexity through its contact with lees (the dead yeast cells) gaining aromas of bread and biscuit. Non-vintage Champagne is aged for at least 15 months, while vintage Champagne ages for a minimum of three years. The wine is then disgorged, a process that removes the dead lees before adding a small amount of wine and sugar in a step called dosage. The dosage determines the sweetness level of the Champagne, with most bottles being Brut (dry) but other styles such as Demi-Sec also available.
Exploring Champagne Styles and Tasting
Champagne comes in a variety of styles, each offering its own unique characteristics. Whether you’re developing your wine tasting skills or simply exploring the diverse wine styles of Champagne, understanding these different styles will enhance your appreciation.
Non-Vintage Champagne: Made from a blend of wines from multiple years, non-vintage Champagne is fresh, vibrant, and ideal for casual celebrations.
Vintage Champagne: Produced from grapes harvested in a single year, vintage Champagne is typically more complex and full-bodied. These wines often develop more depth with age.
Blanc de Blancs: Made entirely from Chardonnay, Blanc de Blancs Champagne is elegant and crisp, with fresh citrus and floral notes.
Blanc de Noirs: Made from black grapes (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier), Blanc de Noirs Champagne is richer and fuller in body, with flavours of ripe fruit and a creamy texture.
Rosé Champagne: A blend of red and white wine or a wine made by allowing the red grape skins to stay in contact with the juice, Rosé Champagne is known for its vibrant berry flavours and lively personality.
Whether you’re just beginning your wine education journey or expanding your wine tasting skills, Champagne offers a fascinating and rewarding exploration. The Champagne region’s unique terroir, its celebrated grape varieties, and the meticulous craftsmanship involved in making this sparkling wine all contribute to its exceptional quality. Every bottle of Champagne is a reflection of the care and tradition that goes into its creation, making it a perfect wine for both casual enjoyment and formal occasions.
At Adventure in Wine, we focus on providing virtual wine education, offering in-depth courses that explore distinctive wine styles like Champagne. Whether you’re aiming for a WSET certification or simply looking to expand your knowledge of wines from around the world, we’re here to support and guide you every step of the way on your wine journey.
Pop a cork this winter and savour the timeless magic of Champagne. Cheers to new adventures, one sparkling glass at a time! 🥂