BEST CHAMPAGNE
BEST CHAMPAGNE |
Champagne,
the outstanding symbol of festivity, may only be produced in the
Champagne region of France. No other wine from wherever else it is
made, inside France or elsewhere, may not use the prestigious name of
Champagne. Champagne is an unparalleled wine.
The
historic heart of Champagne is Reims, about 150 km (93 miles)
north-east of Paris. The geographical centre of the Champagne region
is at Epernay, slightly south of Reims. Champagne is subdivided into
four large areas: the Montagne de Reims (slopes to the south of
Reims), the Vallee de la Marne (the Marne valley from Chateau-Thierry
to Chalons-sur-Marne), the Cote des Blancs (hill ridge south of
Epernay), and finally the Cote de Bar in the department of Aube,
between Bar-sur-Seine and Bar-sur-Aube.
Each
of these areas has its own geographic identity resulting from
countless variations in position, sun- hours, contour, soil, and
finally the different vines. This makes each area unique with its own
character and potential.
There
are more than 300 different terroirs, here referred to as crus, each
equally unique and the subject of countless village interpretations.
BEST CHAMPAGNE |
Only
three varieties of grape are permitted. These three, together with
the soil, give Champagne its specific character. Pinot Noir provides
the backbone and fullness, Chardonnay is responsible for the elegant
acidity and refined taste, and Pinot Meunier imparts the wine with a
fresh and lively character.
Some
labels bear predicates such as 'Grand Cru' or 'Premier Cru'. These
descriptions are in no way a guarantee of quality of the Champagne.
They merely relate to the quality of the grapes used in the making of
the wine.
BEST CHAMPAGNE |
EXTRA
BRUT/BRUT SAUVAGE/ULTRA BRUT
This
wine is very very dry. After degorgement, extra brut is solely topped
up with the same wine and therefore contains virtually no residual
sugar (max. 0.6% by volume). Few people appreciate Champagne as dry
as chalk.
See part 2
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