Champagne

A symbol of power and refinement, champagne is surely one of the best known and valued sparkling wines in the world. Champagne is made according to the champenoise method, in the French region of Champagne. Following the first traditional fermentation, the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle after adding sugar and yeast. Depending on the residual sugar after this second fermentation, champagne can be classified as Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, Dry, Semi-Dry or Sweet.

The origin of Champagne

Champagne dates back to the 17th century when, because of the heat, which damaged still wine on its way to England, a second fermentation was added to generate carbonic gas. This turned the still wine into the well-known sparkling wine that we are talking about and that the English loved. In France, they quickly worked on improving transport, processes and conservation, which resulted in a new product that came to enjoy worldwide recognition and prestige.

The Champagne making process

The process today is the same as it was before:
-First fermentation at a low temperature to conserve organoleptic characteristics. This makes what is known as base wine. 
-Second fermentation in the bottle to release carbonic gas. This process generates sediments that must be removed. For this, the bottles are placed in a stack, at an angle and periodically rotated so that these sediments end up in the neck area. 
-The bottles are then disgorged to remove these sediments and the empty space is filled with the same champagne or with liqueur d'expédition depending on the type.

Champagne location and terroir

The best known sparkling wine in the world, champagne, comes from vineyards in the northern part of France to benefit from a cool, sunny climate with high levels of rainfall. These champagne soils are usually made of clay, limestone, marls and chalks, perfect for winemaking.

A brief look at the rules of Champagne

The rules of champagne making are very strict and include the following: grape yields per hectare, must yield per kg of grapes and planting density. Mixing red and white wines is allowed when making some of the rosés that are invited to the most glamorous parties in the world.