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Champagne wines can contain up to three different grapes: Chardonnay, and the
red grapes Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Vintage Champagne wines are only
produced in the very best years; they are always more expensive than
non-vintage Champagne wines, but they are not always better tasting. Most
Champagne wines are the supreme expression of the Champagne wine blender's art,
assembled from numerous vintages, multiple grape types and various
selected vineyards within the Champagne district, then carefully hand
made and fermented in the bottle. By making these blends, the Champagne
winemakers are able to create a consistent ''house'' style and, indeed,
each Champagne wine producer has its own distinct style.
Finally, there are several important terms you will encounter on a
Champagne wine label that tell you much about the contents. From dry to
sweet, Champagnes are labeled Brut Absolut, Brut, Extra-Dry, Sec, Demi-Sec
and Doux. Blanc de Blanc Champagne bottlings are made entirely from
Chardonnay grapes and tend to be lighter and more delicate in style.
Blanc de Noirs Champagne wines are made from red grapes and tend to be fuller
bodied and richer tasting; Rose Champagnes are dark pink in color and
frequently intensely flavored.
Champagne Wine Tip:
In Champagne, the name and reputation of the producer tells you more
about the wine than any other single factor. Champagne wines combine the
complexities of fine grapes grown in some of the best vineyards in
France with the intricate subtleties of yeast and sometimes even oak
elements plus the experience of tongue-tickling delight from pinpoint
bubbles and effervescence to create one of the most sensual taste
experiences in the world! |
