BEST CHAMPAGNE

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 area

BEST CHAMPAGNE  

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.

The soil

BEST CHAMPAGNE  

The chalk of the gently-sloping hills is covered with a thin layer of loam. The vines send their roots really deep into the chalk rock (sometimes up to 5 metres/ 16 feet deep) in order to derive the required nutrients and water. In addition to their role in regulating water supply, the chalk rocks also help to regulate temperature.

The grapes

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.

The various types of Champagne examined

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  

The best communes of Champagne, from which in theory the best grapes should come are given a quality rating of 100%. The growers will therefore receive the full price established for grapes grown within the specific communes and these communes may bear the predicate Grand Cru. The slightly lower quality Premier Cru communes receive between 99 and 90% of the price set. All other communes can only be paid a maximum of 89% of the price. However, a modest winemaker will only make modest Champagne whatever quality of grapes are used.

 

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