Whether it is white or rosé, most Champagne is made from a blend of red and white grapes-and uniquely, rosé is often produce by blending together red and white wine. Wines with a large proportion of Pinot Meunier will be ready to drink earlier, while Pinot Noir contributes to longevity. Pinot Noir and its relative Pinot Meunier, provide the backbone to many blends, adding structure, body and supple red fruit flavors. Chardonnay, the only white variety, contributes freshness, elegance, lively acidity and notes of citrus, orchard fruit and white flowers. These can be blended together or bottled as individual varietal Champagnes, depending on the final style of wine desired. While vintage Champagnes are produced in exceptional years, non-vintage cuvées are produced annually from a blend of several years in order to produce Champagnes that maintain a consistent house style.

Champagne’s cold, continental climate promotes ample acidity in its grapes but weather differences from year to year can create significant variation between vintages. Well-drained, limestone and chalky soil defines much of the region, which lend a mineral component to its wines.

Made up of the three towns Reims, Épernay, and Aÿ, it was here that the traditional method of sparkling wine production was both invented and perfected, birthing a winemaking technique as well as a flavor profile that is now emulated worldwide. In order to bear the label, ‘Champagne’, a sparkling wine must originate from this northeastern region of France-called Champagne-and adhere to strict quality standards. Associated with luxury, celebration, and romance, the region, Champagne, is home to the world’s most prized sparkling wine.

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