Champagne

Buy Champagne

Champagne; the region responsible for the world-famous sparkling wine of the same name. A true Champagne can only bear the name Champagne if it actually comes from this wine region. The finest and most delicious bubbles in the world are produced here in this verdant region in northern France. The chalky soils, the cool, almost perfect climate, and extensive experience combine to create the delicious flavors and aromas of the world's finest Champagnes. In this northernmost wine region, summers are very warm and sunny, while winters can be quite frosty. The changeable climate can make growing grapes quite challenging. The soil consists primarily of chalk, which is perfect for Champagne. This is because it absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night. This is ideal for the vines. Five grape varieties are permitted for Champagne production: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbane, and Petit Meslier.

Diversity thanks to five Champagne regions

The Champagne region comprises five regions, each with its own renowned estates, villages, and grape varieties. Starting with Montagne de Reims, this region lies between Reims and Epernay, and Pinot Noir takes center stage. One of the biggest players in this region is Louis Roederer, who has been producing exceptional Champagnes since 1760. Then there's the Côte des Blancs region, where Chardonnay is widely planted on the slopes. The world-famous and popular Moët & Chandon estate is based here. In the south, we find the Côte de Sézanne region, where Chardonnay has also truly found its place. However, the aging process is completely different, allowing the wines to become fruitier, fuller, and more mature. A prime example is the Palmer & Co Blanc de Blancs Champagne, where the blend is supplemented with Chardonnay from the Côte de Sézanne for a fuller result. With 7,650 hectares of vineyards, the most important region is the Côte des Bar, which annually produces a quarter of the champagne sold worldwide. Finally, there's the Vallée de la Marne region. Pinot Meunier grapes are grown extensively in this region. Thanks to its ideal location and conditions, the grapes mature quickly.

Refined bubbles thanks to the Traditional Method

The technique used to produce the bubbles we love so much is called the Methode Traditionelle. This method is used worldwide for making sparkling wines. To be officially certified as Champagne, it must not only originate from the Champagne region but also follow this exact method. A lightly sparkling wine is transferred from the barrel to the bottle, after which yeast, cane wine, and possibly citric acid are added. These ingredients continue the wine's fermentation in the bottle. This second fermentation must last exactly 60 days, with the bottle halfway down. Finally, the bottle is topped up with sparkling wine and, if necessary, some additional cane wine. And then we can call it Champagne.