Champagne
Main grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier
Sub-regions: Vallée de la Marne, Montagne de Reims, Côtes des Blancs, Côte de Sézanne (Épernary and Reims are the two main centers of production)
Climate: The climate here is cool, which makes the whole process of producing wine just a little tricksy – so the next time you’re happily taking a sip of your Bolly remember that a helluvalot of work has gone into making those delicious bubbles.
You should know... The production of Champagne is specific to say the least – grapes are hand picked so that only whole and healthy bunches are used (the price tag makes a little more sense now, right?). Since the weather in this region can dramatically vary year to year the blending of grape varieties is really important – just as Picasso used his pallet, these wine makers use their tanks to create absolute masterpieces. Champagne has a range of sweetness levels, but in case you were ever wondering what the mysterious ‘Brut’ means, it’s ‘dry’ – and this is by far the most popular.
Sub-regions: Vallée de la Marne, Montagne de Reims, Côtes des Blancs, Côte de Sézanne (Épernary and Reims are the two main centers of production)
Climate: The climate here is cool, which makes the whole process of producing wine just a little tricksy – so the next time you’re happily taking a sip of your Bolly remember that a helluvalot of work has gone into making those delicious bubbles.
You should know... The production of Champagne is specific to say the least – grapes are hand picked so that only whole and healthy bunches are used (the price tag makes a little more sense now, right?). Since the weather in this region can dramatically vary year to year the blending of grape varieties is really important – just as Picasso used his pallet, these wine makers use their tanks to create absolute masterpieces. Champagne has a range of sweetness levels, but in case you were ever wondering what the mysterious ‘Brut’ means, it’s ‘dry’ – and this is by far the most popular.
