Champagne

Champagne is a sparkling wine, and more importantly, one of the most revered wine regions in the world. Located in North Central France at the 49th parallel, it is one of the coolest winegrowing regions. What this means, is the terroir factors that exist create conditions that enable fruit to ripen.

These factors include:

• Vineyard exposure (South-facing is optimal)

• Soil (limestone radiates heat and chalk retains moisture)

• Forests planted within the vineyards regulating temparature and promoting biodiversity

Global warming has benefitted cool growing regions like Champagne to help ripen its fruit with greater consistency. The last 25 years have produced more vintage Champagnes than in any other period in its history.

Most enthusiasts are not aware of Champagne’s commitment to sustainable development:

• published the first carbon footprint for a wine area in 2003

• - 20% carbon footprint per bottle

• - 50% pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers

• 68% of area has environmental certification

While Champagne is often associated with celebration and prestige, it is a wine that can enhance a meal and or any occasion that you would enjoy a table wine with. To help you decide and make the best selection, here are the styles of Champagne (from driest to sweetest):

• Brut

• Extra Brut

• Extra Dry

• Demi Sec

• Doux

Here are common types of Champagne that represent different style and quality:

• Non vintage: represents a majority of the Champagne produced. Is a house style meant to be consistent year after year

• Vintage: represents wine from a single vintage which is typically a a great vintage. Only 10% of Champagne is vintage

• Blanc de Blancs: white wine from white grapes (so Chardonnay). It is a lighter, crisper style

• Blanc de Noirs: white wine from red grapes (Pinot Noir and/or Meunier). It is a richer style.

• Tete de Cuvee: a Champagne house’s best wine (example is Moet et Chandon’s Dom Perignon)

While many people perceive Champagne as one general area, there are 4 distinct wine regions in Champagne that grow different grape varieties producing different styles. Knowing the styles oif each region goes a long way in selecting the right style of Champagne for you. The regions are:

• Montagne de Reims: known for Pinot Noir

• Vallée de la Marne: known for Meunier

• Côte des Blanc: known for Chardonnay

• Côte des Bar: known for Pinot Noir

In 2005, the Champagne Hillside, Houses and Cellars were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.Having been recognized as symbolic places where Champagne wines are born and produced, this listing asserts the outstanding universal value of Champagne : its unique and priceless character.

Having been to Champagne, one thing was evident everywhere you go. People enjoy Champagne with all types of food, lunch or dinner. I urge you to open a bottle and enjoy when you have your next dinner out or special dinner at home.

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