Champagne

A very long time ago the North of France housed an inner sea. Evidence of this sea and its seabed can be found in the soil of most of this area, where remains of shellfish and fossils are easily tracked. A high concentration of chalk is the result and forms the character of the region we now call Champagne. Champagne wines are considered the ultimate in the world of sparkling wines.

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BOW 8
Veuve Clicquot
Veuve Clicquot - Arrow Amsterdam Yellow Label Brut NV Arrow Amsterdam Yellow Label Brut
€ 61,94 (ex Vat) € 74,95 (in Vat) more info
Jancis Robinson 17
Louis Roederer et Philippe Starck
Louis Roederer et Philippe Starck - Brut Nature Rose 2018 Brut Nature Rose
2018
€ 94,95 (ex Vat) € 114,89 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Aurelien Lurquin
Aurelien Lurquin - Les Forcieres 2022 Les Forcieres
2022
€ 349,00 (ex Vat) € 422,29 (in Vat) more info
Robert Parker 92
Franck Bonville
Franck Bonville - Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs NV Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs
€ 34,95 (ex Vat) € 42,29 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Aubry
Aubry - Le Nombre d'Or Campaniae Veteres Vites 2020 Le Nombre d'Or Campaniae Veteres Vites
2020
€ 59,50 (ex Vat) € 72,00 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Helene Beaugrand
Helene Beaugrand - Particules Elementaires Extra Brut NV Particules Elementaires Extra Brut
€ 34,95 (ex Vat) € 42,29 (in Vat) more info
Francis Boulard
Francis Boulard - Rose de Saignee Extra Brut 2017 Rose de Saignee Extra Brut
2017
€ 39,00 (ex Vat) € 47,19 (in Vat) more info
Agrapart
Agrapart - L'Avizoise Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut 2010 L'Avizoise Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut
2010
€ 119,00 (ex Vat) € 143,99 (in Vat) more info
Winespectator 92
Philippe Gonet
Philippe Gonet - Grande Reserve Brut NV Grande Reserve Brut
€ 29,95 (ex Vat) € 36,24 (in Vat) more info
Robert Parker 95
Ulysse Collin
Ulysse Collin - Blanc de Blancs Les Enfers Extra Brut 2014 Blanc de Blancs Les Enfers Extra Brut
2014
(60 mois)
€ 489,00 (ex Vat) € 591,69 (in Vat) more info
Bollinger
Bollinger - Pinot Noir TX 20 NV Pinot Noir TX 20
€ 99,95 (ex Vat) € 120,94 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Aurelien Lurquin
Aurelien Lurquin - Saignee de Meunier Rose 2022 Saignee de Meunier Rose
2022
€ 349,00 (ex Vat) € 422,29 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Louis Roederer
Louis Roederer - Hommage a Camille Rouge 2022 Hommage a Camille Rouge
2022
€ 179,00 (ex Vat) € 216,59 (in Vat) more info
Louis Roederer
Louis Roederer - Hommage a Camille Blanc 2022 Hommage a Camille Blanc
2022
€ 149,00 (ex Vat) € 180,29 (in Vat) more info
Jancis Robinson 16
Louis Roederer et Philippe Starck
Louis Roederer et Philippe Starck - Brut Nature 2018 Brut Nature
2018
€ 84,95 (ex Vat) € 102,79 (in Vat) more info
Vinous 97
Champagne Salon
Champagne Salon - Le Mesnil 2015 Le Mesnil
2015
€ 985,00 (ex Vat) € 1.191,85 (in Vat) more info
Vinous 94
Aubry
Aubry - Ivoire et Ebene Brut Premier Cru 2014 Ivoire et Ebene Brut Premier Cru
2014
€ 41,95 (ex Vat) € 50,76 (in Vat) more info
Robert Parker 97
Philipponnat
Philipponnat - Le Leon Grand Cru Extra Brut 2015 Le Leon Grand Cru Extra Brut
2015
€ 199,00 (ex Vat) € 240,79 (in Vat) more info
Robert Parker 93
Armand de Brignac
Armand de Brignac - Gold Brut in velvet bag NV Gold Brut in velvet bag
€ 219,00 (ex Vat) € 264,99 (in Vat) more info
Vinous 92
Aubry
Aubry - Le Nombre d'Or Campaniae Veteres Vites 2015 Le Nombre d'Or Campaniae Veteres Vites
2015
€ 44,50 (ex Vat) € 53,85 (in Vat) more info
James Suckling 94
Andre Clouet
Andre Clouet - Dream Vintage Brut 2009 Dream Vintage Brut
2009
€ 59,95 (ex Vat) € 72,54 (in Vat) more info
Jancis Robinson 17
Franck Bonville
Franck Bonville - Unisson Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru NV Unisson Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
€ 38,95 (ex Vat) € 47,13 (in Vat) more info
Vinous 97
Champagne Salon
Champagne Salon - Le Mesnil 2015 Le Mesnil
2015
(in single OC)
€ 995,00 (ex Vat) € 1.203,95 (in Vat) more info
Decanter 91
Cazals
Cazals - Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Carte Or NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Carte Or
€ 34,95 (ex Vat) € 42,29 (in Vat) more info
Robert Parker 92
Franck Bonville
Franck Bonville - Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs NV Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs
(Half bottle)
€ 22,50 (ex Vat) € 27,23 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Franck Bonville
Franck Bonville - Brut Les Belles Voyes Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2017 Brut Les Belles Voyes Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
2017
€ 68,50 (ex Vat) € 82,89 (in Vat) more info
Robert Parker 94
Franck Bonville
Franck Bonville - Pur Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2018 Pur Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
2018
€ 62,95 (ex Vat) € 76,17 (in Vat) more info
Robert Parker 93
Franck Bonville
Franck Bonville - Pur Oger Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2018 Pur Oger Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
2018
€ 59,95 (ex Vat) € 72,54 (in Vat) more info
Robert Parker 93
Franck Bonville
Franck Bonville - Pur Avize Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2018 Pur Avize Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
2018
€ 59,95 (ex Vat) € 72,54 (in Vat) more info
James Suckling 94
Franck Bonville
Franck Bonville - Millesime Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2016 Millesime Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
2016
€ 44,95 (ex Vat) € 54,39 (in Vat) more info
James Suckling 92
Franck Bonville
Franck Bonville - Grand Cru Rose NV Grand Cru Rose
€ 34,95 (ex Vat) € 42,29 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Franck Bonville
Franck Bonville - Collection Prive Millesime Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2007 Collection Prive Millesime Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
2007
€ 77,95 (ex Vat) € 94,32 (in Vat) more info
James Suckling 93
Nicolas Feuillatte
Nicolas Feuillatte - Brut Champagne Cuvée Palmes d'Or 2009 Brut Champagne Cuvée Palmes d'Or
2009
€ 149,00 (ex Vat) € 180,29 (in Vat) more info
Vinous 90
Aubry
Aubry - Le Nombre d'Or Campaniae Veteres Vites 2005 Le Nombre d'Or Campaniae Veteres Vites
2005
€ 129,00 (ex Vat) € 156,09 (in Vat) more info
Winespectator 91
Aubry
Aubry - Ivoire et Ebene Brut Premier Cru 2004 Ivoire et Ebene Brut Premier Cru
2004
€ 129,00 (ex Vat) € 156,09 (in Vat) more info
Vinous 93
Aubry
Aubry - Ivoire et Ebene Brut Premier Cru 2005 Ivoire et Ebene Brut Premier Cru
2005
€ 129,00 (ex Vat) € 156,09 (in Vat) more info
Vinous 93
Aubry
Aubry - Aubry de Humbert 2004 Aubry de Humbert
2004
€ 129,00 (ex Vat) € 156,09 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Aubry
Aubry - Aubry de Humbert 2018 Aubry de Humbert
2018
€ 64,95 (ex Vat) € 78,59 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Aubry
Aubry - Champagne Extra Brut NV Champagne Extra Brut
€ 30,95 (ex Vat) € 37,45 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Moët & Chandon
Moët & Chandon - Brut Imperial Limited Edition Pharrell Williams NV Brut Imperial Limited Edition Pharrell Williams
€ 46,50 (ex Vat) € 56,27 (in Vat) more info
James Suckling 92
Siret
Siret - Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2013 Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
2013
€ 79,00 (ex Vat) € 95,59 (in Vat) more info
James Suckling 92
Siret
Siret - Rose de Saignee Extra Brut 2018 Rose de Saignee Extra Brut
2018
€ 74,00 (ex Vat) € 89,54 (in Vat) more info
Robert Parker 96
Philipponnat
Philipponnat - La Remissonne Premier Cru Extra Brut 2015 La Remissonne Premier Cru Extra Brut
2015
€ 189,00 (ex Vat) € 228,69 (in Vat) more info
Michel Gonet
Michel Gonet - Rajat Parr & Marco Pelletier Blanc de Blanc Les Hautes Mottes Brut Nature 2018 Rajat Parr & Marco Pelletier Blanc de Blanc Les Hautes Mottes Brut Nature
2018
€ 79,00 (ex Vat) € 95,59 (in Vat) more info
Jancis Robinson 18
Larmandier-Bernier
Larmandier-Bernier - Les Chemins d'Avize Grand Cru Extra Brut 2015 Les Chemins d'Avize Grand Cru Extra Brut
2015
€ 134,95 (ex Vat) € 163,29 (in Vat) more info
Robert Parker 96
Larmandier-Bernier
Larmandier-Bernier - Les Chemins d'Avize Grand Cru Extra Brut 2014 Les Chemins d'Avize Grand Cru Extra Brut
2014
€ 134,95 (ex Vat) € 163,29 (in Vat) more info
Robert Parker 95
Larmandier-Bernier
Larmandier-Bernier - Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vieille Vigne du Levant 2014 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Vieille Vigne du Levant
2014
€ 139,00 (ex Vat) € 168,19 (in Vat) more info
James Suckling 94
Michel Genet
Michel Genet - Author 2014 Author
2014
€ 69,00 (ex Vat) € 83,49 (in Vat) more info
Michel Genet
Michel Genet - MG BB 2017 MG BB
2017
€ 46,95 (ex Vat) € 56,81 (in Vat) more info
Falstaff 97
Bollinger
Bollinger - Grande Annee Rose 2014 Grande Annee Rose
2014
€ 179,00 (ex Vat) € 216,59 (in Vat) more info
Jancis Robinson 16
Agrapart
Agrapart - 7 Crus NV 7 Crus
€ 44,95 (ex Vat) € 54,39 (in Vat) more info
Vinous 93
Franck Bonville
Franck Bonville - Millesime Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2015 Millesime Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
2015
€ 42,95 (ex Vat) € 51,97 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Cazals
Cazals - Extra-Brut Grand Cru Rose XV NV Extra-Brut Grand Cru Rose XV
€ 46,95 (ex Vat) € 56,81 (in Vat) more info
Decanter 93
Cazals
Cazals - Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Clos Cazals 2014 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Clos Cazals
2014
(Magnum)
€ 224,00 (ex Vat) € 271,04 (in Vat) more info
Decanter 93
Cazals
Cazals - Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Clos Cazals 2014 Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Clos Cazals
2014
€ 95,00 (ex Vat) € 114,95 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Cazals
Cazals - Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Solera NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Solera
€ 54,00 (ex Vat) € 65,34 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Cazals
Cazals - Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millesime 2016 Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millesime
2016
€ 41,95 (ex Vat) € 50,76 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Louise Brison
Louise Brison - A l'Aube de la Côte des Bar 2018 A l'Aube de la Côte des Bar
2018
€ 37,50 (ex Vat) € 45,38 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Cazals
Cazals - Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millesime 2015 Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Millesime
2015
€ 39,00 (ex Vat) € 47,19 (in Vat) more info
Moët & Chandon
Moët & Chandon - Nectar Imperial Rose Limited Edition Pharrell Williams NV Nectar Imperial Rose Limited Edition Pharrell Williams
€ 60,00 (ex Vat) € 72,60 (in Vat) more info
Jancis Robinson 16
Thienot x Penfolds
Thienot x Penfolds - Brut Rose NV Brut Rose
€ 39,95 (ex Vat) € 48,34 (in Vat) more info
Wine Enthusiast 95
Perrier Jouet
Perrier Jouet - Champagne Belle Epoque 2015 Champagne Belle Epoque
2015
€ 149,00 (ex Vat) € 180,29 (in Vat) more info
Decanter 91
Cazals
Cazals - Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Carte Or NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Carte Or
(Half bottle)
€ 21,50 (ex Vat) € 26,02 (in Vat) more info
Jeb Dunnuck 93
Petit & Bajan
Petit & Bajan - Obsidienne Brut Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru NV Obsidienne Brut Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru
€ 61,95 (ex Vat) € 74,96 (in Vat) more info
Vinous 96
Dom Perignon
Dom Perignon - Dom Perignon 2015 Dom Perignon
2015
€ 194,17 (ex Vat) € 234,95 (in Vat) more info
Louise Brison
Louise Brison - A l'Aube de la Côte des Bar 2020 A l'Aube de la Côte des Bar
2020
(Half bottle)
€ 20,50 (ex Vat) € 24,81 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Louise Brison
Louise Brison - A l'Aube de la Côte des Bar 2017 A l'Aube de la Côte des Bar
2017
€ 36,50 (ex Vat) € 44,17 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Louise Brison
Louise Brison - Chardonnay de la Côte des Bar 2017 Chardonnay de la Côte des Bar
2017
€ 45,95 (ex Vat) € 55,60 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Louise Brison
Louise Brison - Rosé de la Côte des Bar 2018 Rosé de la Côte des Bar
2018
€ 38,95 (ex Vat) € 47,13 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Helene Beaugrand
Helene Beaugrand - Particules Elementaires Extra Brut NV Particules Elementaires Extra Brut
(Magnum)
€ 79,95 (ex Vat) € 96,74 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Helene Beaugrand
Helene Beaugrand - Le Grand Carre Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut NV Le Grand Carre Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
(Half bottle)
€ 22,95 (ex Vat) € 27,77 (in Vat) more info
Jeb Dunnuck 94
J-M Sélèque
J-M Sélèque - Soliste Meunier Pierry 1er Cru Les Gouttes d'Or 2018 Soliste Meunier Pierry 1er Cru Les Gouttes d'Or
2018
€ 84,95 (ex Vat) € 102,79 (in Vat) more info
James Suckling 96
Taittinger
Taittinger - Comtes de Champagne Rose 2011 Comtes de Champagne Rose
2011
€ 199,00 (ex Vat) € 240,79 (in Vat) more info
James Suckling 96
Perrier Jouet
Perrier Jouet - Champagne Belle Epoque Rose 2012 Champagne Belle Epoque Rose
2012
(Magnum)
€ 695,00 (ex Vat) € 840,95 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Clement Perseval
Clement Perseval - Chamery 1er cru NV Chamery 1er cru
€ 36,95 (ex Vat) € 44,71 (in Vat) more info
Robert Parker 96
Laurent Perrier
Laurent Perrier - Grand Siecle Les Reserves Nr. 20 NV Grand Siecle Les Reserves Nr. 20
(Magnum)
€ 1.895,00 (ex Vat) € 2.292,95 (in Vat) more info
Winespectator 92 Sale
Philippe Glavier
Philippe Glavier - La Grace d'Alphael Grand Cru Brut NV La Grace d'Alphael Grand Cru Brut
€ 37,95 € 29,50 (ex Vat) € 35,70 (in Vat) more info
Wine Enthusiast 94 Sale
Maurice Grumier
Maurice Grumier - Cuvee Amand Extra-Brut 2012 Cuvee Amand Extra-Brut
2012
€ 69,95 € 59,95 (ex Vat) € 72,54 (in Vat) more info
Jancis Robinson 17
Adrien Renoir
Adrien Renoir - Les Montants Grand Cru 2019 Les Montants Grand Cru
2019
€ 98,95 (ex Vat) € 119,73 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Adrien Renoir
Adrien Renoir - Les Vignes Goisses Grand Cru 2019 Les Vignes Goisses Grand Cru
2019
€ 98,95 (ex Vat) € 119,73 (in Vat) more info
Vinous 93
Adrien Renoir
Adrien Renoir - Les Epinettes Grand Cru 2019 Les Epinettes Grand Cru
2019
€ 98,95 (ex Vat) € 119,73 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
J-M Sélèque
J-M Sélèque - Soliste Pinot Noir 1er Cru Les Gayeres 2019 Soliste Pinot Noir 1er Cru Les Gayeres
2019
€ 82,95 (ex Vat) € 100,37 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
J-M Sélèque
J-M Sélèque - Partition 7 Parcelles Extra Brut 2018 Partition 7 Parcelles Extra Brut
2018
€ 89,95 (ex Vat) € 108,84 (in Vat) more info
Jancis Robinson 17
Franck Bonville
Franck Bonville - Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2015 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
2015
€ 48,95 (ex Vat) € 59,23 (in Vat) more info
Tim Atkin 92
Helene Beaugrand
Helene Beaugrand - Au Coeur des Racines Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2018 Au Coeur des Racines Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
2018
€ 47,50 (ex Vat) € 57,48 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Louis Roederer
Louis Roederer - Brut Rosé Late Release Vintage 1999 Brut Rosé Late Release Vintage
1999
€ 269,00 (ex Vat) € 325,49 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Louis Roederer
Louis Roederer - Brut Rosé Late Release Vintage 1998 Brut Rosé Late Release Vintage
1998
€ 269,00 (ex Vat) € 325,49 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Louis Roederer
Louis Roederer - Brut Rosé Late Release Vintage 1996 Brut Rosé Late Release Vintage
1996
€ 269,00 (ex Vat) € 325,49 (in Vat) more info
Winespectator 92
Louis Roederer
Louis Roederer - Brut Rosé Late Release Vintage 1995 Brut Rosé Late Release Vintage
1995
€ 269,00 (ex Vat) € 325,49 (in Vat) more info
Jancis Robinson 17
Henriot
Henriot - Cuve 38 La Reserve Perpetuelle Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut NV Cuve 38 La Reserve Perpetuelle Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut
(Magnum)
€ 495,00 (ex Vat) € 598,95 (in Vat) more info
Robert Parker 90
Cazals
Cazals - Brut Grand Cru Cuvee Rose NV Brut Grand Cru Cuvee Rose
€ 33,95 (ex Vat) € 41,08 (in Vat) more info
Robert Parker 97
Bollinger
Bollinger - La Cote aux Enfants 2013 La Cote aux Enfants
2013
€ 795,00 (ex Vat) € 961,95 (in Vat) more info
Robert Parker 95
Bollinger
Bollinger - Grande Annee 2015 Grande Annee
2015
€ 145,00 (ex Vat) € 175,45 (in Vat) more info
Wine Enthusiast 93
Maurice Grumier
Maurice Grumier - Les Plates Pierres Extra Brut 2012 Les Plates Pierres Extra Brut
2012
€ 38,95 (ex Vat) € 47,13 (in Vat) more info
BOW 8
Benoit Dinvaut
Benoit Dinvaut - Solera NV Solera
€ 38,95 (ex Vat) € 47,13 (in Vat) more info
Winespectator 90
Yann Alexandre
Yann Alexandre - Roche Mere Brut Nature 2016 Roche Mere Brut Nature
2016
€ 29,95 (ex Vat) € 36,24 (in Vat) more info

The best wines from Champagne

A very long time ago the North of France housed an inner sea. Evidence of this sea and its seabed can be found in the soil of most of this area, where remains of shellfish and fossils are easily tracked. A high concentration of chalk is the result and forms the character of the region we now call Champagne. Because of the chalk, the soil is very permeable to water, so rainwater is easily dissipated and warmth of the sun during the day is released at night. A calcareous subsoil (often chalk-based), absorbs heat and facilitates vine drainage, promoting the balance of the grapes and creating vast underground caves, perfect for ripening wines.

Champagne, however, is not Burgundy. Its climate is not as tolerant, nor is its soil as diverse. Campagne’s chalky soils and unique climate create the perfect conditions for crafting its renowned sparkling wine. Champagne's excellence is determined by the combination of grape excellence and winemaker expertise.

Champagne is a white wine. However, the wines if made from mostly blue grapes: pinot noir en pinot meunier. Chardonnay is also used. A Champagne made from 100% Chardonnay grapes is called Blanc de Blancs, a Champagne made from 100% blue grapes is called Blanc de Noirs. The latter is quite rare.

Some of the best Champagnes come from domaines like Selosse, Krug, Bollinger, Veuve Clicquot, Armand de Brignac, Salon, Roederer, Moet et Chandon

Champagne

Where exactly is the Champagne region?

Beginning in the first century, Romans farmed grapes in ancient Gaul (today Champagne). Champagne was being marketed to traders in Spain, England, and Italy by the thirteenth century. Fermentation in Champagne was halted by the cold winters. The wine began to bubble as it warmed. Bottles would occasionally burst due to bubbles, thus gaining the moniker "the devil’s wine." Despite its flaws, French royalty started to favour sparkling Champagne in the late 17th century.

Champagne has some remarkable stories about winemaking and winemakers, which can be read in for example the history of the blog of Dom Perignon.

Climate and soils in Champagne

Champagne's unique climate offers both challenges and advantages for grape growing. The challenging weather conditions are due to its northern location. Champagne's climate combines the continental and the oceanic influences. While oceanic factors provide constant rainfall and cooler temperatures ideal for grape growth, severe winter frosts and sporadic summer hailstorms remain a constant threat. The Vosges Mountains forms a protective barrier within the area play a crucial role in stabilizing temperatures and maintaining soil moisture, contributing to the perfect acidity of the grapes essential for sparkling wine production.

What does a sparkling wine from Champagne taste like?

At this point, we need to go into a little more detail. The explanation for the different characters and diverse tastes of champagne goes far deeper than the selection of grapes from different sub-regions. The best way to get an overview is to look at the different styles of champagne, for which there are very precise guidelines. And that's exactly what we're going to do.

The different types of Champagne

Champagne is made in a number of different styles or type. These are:

  • Non Vintage Champage
  • Millesime Champagne
  • Prestige Cuvee
  • Blanc de Blancs
  • Blanc de Noirs
  • Rose Champagne

These different styles or types are explained in the next chapters.

Non-vintage champagne

Champagne is obviously renowned for the production of champagne. Champagne typically involves a mix of three grape varieties, which are Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir. These are blended to create different styles. Blanc de Blancs is exclusively made of Chardonnay. These wines have remarkable age potential. Blanc de Noirs includes Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier, exclusively crafted from blue grapes. This wine is quite rare and is a specialty of the Aube region.

Millésimé champagne

The Champagne area is classified with the AOC appellation and encompasses the whole territory of Champagne. Several villages in Champagne have ''Grand Cru Appellation d'Origine Controlée'' (AOC) controlled designation of origin. The Grand Cru commune of Bouzy owes its reputation mainly to Pinot Noir. There are also dozens of villages classified as Premier Cru, in which the grapes listed on the label come exclusively from these villages.
In the realm of great French wines, Champagne production involves seven crucial processes: manual grape harvesting, specific pressing techniques, blending, second fermentation in bottle, straining, disgorging, dosing, and minimum aging time.

Prestige Cuvée

This is the flagship of each house. There are no binding specifications for a prestige champagne. That is why the designation is usually not on the label. However, the cellar master uses only the best grapes from the best vineyards and the best vintages. Accordingly, prestige champagnes are more expensive than millésimés, but they also enchant with their enormous depth and radiance. Anyone who has ever had such a champagne in a glass will not forget it in a hurry.

Blanc de Blancs

Translated, Blanc de Blancs means ‘white from white grapes’. The name says it all, because only white grape varieties are used here. Usually this is then Chardonnay. As a rule, the cellar master wants to bring the character of a particular terroir or municipality to the bottle with a Blanc de Blancs. These champagnes are usually full of elegance and freshness and have a very good structure. They can also age extremely well.

Blanc de Noirs

Here we have the ‘white made from black grapes’. Pinot Noir or Meunier are pressed white here. If the grapes are pressed particularly slowly, the sparkling wine can have a very light pink tinge. This is usually an indication that the sparkling wine is very fruity and caresses the palate. But at the same time, these wines are surprisingly elegant.

Rosé Champagne

To prepare a rosé champagne, the cellar master has several options. The most common is the so-called rosé d'assemblage, in which a dash of red wine is added to the expedition dosage after disgorging. These champagnes are very fruity and delicate. To make a rosé de saignée, the cellar master macerates red grapes until he has achieved the desired colour. These rosé champagnes are much stronger and more intense and have a very complex structure.

What food goes with sparkling wines from the Champagne region?

It would be a shame to reduce champagne to an aperitif. Yes, its fine bubbles perfectly prepare the palate for further delights. And yes, its moderate alcohol content, which hardly ever exceeds 12.5 percent by volume, makes it an ideal introduction. Especially if you serve a non-vintage. But champagne is also an excellent accompaniment to food!

A Blanc de Blancs, for example, goes very well with sushi, sole or scallops, while a Blanc de Noirs is the ideal accompaniment to all kinds of poultry dishes. It is also a great match for veal. A Millésimé, on the other hand, is a guaranteed delight with duck or goose. And yes, it also goes very well with a spicy pizza or savoury crisps. And with vintage sardines! We are very happy to serve caviar or oysters with a prestige champagne. And a rosé champagne is an ideal accompaniment to fish and shell soups. Particularly strong varieties even go well with a steak! As you can see, there are no limits to your creativity. Discover the different champagnes at Best of Wines now!

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