If you are new to wines, then Champagne would have been among the firsts to get your attention. The sparkling wine’s origin dates back to the 3rd century from the Champagne region in northeastern France, which obviously, suggests its name.
From being the welcoming drink at hotels and first-class airplanes to being showered at weddings and special occasions, Champagne has become a favorite over the years. If you are looking to learn more about this luxurious wine, then stick through and get to know some amazing facts that you can show off the next time you are at a bar or a party!
What is Champagne?
Any sparkling, white wine is not Champagne, and the reason is pretty simple – It is not from Champagne! Yes, it is illegal to label any drink as ‘Champagne’ unless the grapes being used are not sourced from France’s Champagne region and the process of preparation is not as per the devised ‘Méthode Champenoise’ or the centuries-old Champagne-making method.
Three types of grapes are mainly used for making this drink, which are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Other than the grapes, the flavor also depends on its aging period, which is 15 months for ‘Non-Vintage’ and 36 months for ‘Vintage’ versions.
How Champagne is Made?
Champagne is obtained when still wine undergoes a second fermentation process. Sugar and yeast are added to the still wine and then it is bottled up for the fermentation process to start. The bottles are kept at a 45-degree angle, wherein the sugar is being converted into alcohol, causing carbon dioxide production that gives the Champagne its ‘bubbles’.
The dead yeast cells, known as Lees, remain in the bottle for at least 12 months and impart the drink its characteristic brioche and almond-like flavors. To remove the lees, the bottle’s neck is frozen and then the cap is popped off.
Afterward, a mixture of still wine and sugar, known as Dosage, is added to the bottles before closing them, which is responsible for the final sweetness levels – ‘Dry’ for Less Sweet and ‘Sweet’ for obviously, More Sweet Champagne.
Different Styles of Champagne
As we wind up, let’s take a look at the most confusing subtopic – the styles of Champagne. These styles are majorly determined by the types of grapes used and the fermentation process.
- Brut Champagne – Dry Champagne prepared by a blend of multiple vintage versions which include all three main grape varieties.
- Rosé Champagne – Slightly red-colored due to the mixing of red wine or the juices of the red grape skins.
- Blanc de Noir Champagne – Prepared from either Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier, but grape skins are removed early to prevent any color mixing.
- Blanc de Blancs Champagne – Prepared primarily from Chardonnay grapes.
