about champagne

• The Art of Wine Making
• The Regions
• The Grapes
• The Diversity of Champagne

Champagne is not just a wine, it is a feast for the senses. The soft pop of the cork, the delicate movement of the bubbles and the distinct Champagne aroma makes Champagne a unique and authentic symbol for any form of celebration. But how much do you know about Champagne?

1. The Art of Wine Making

The true architect of the grape and the delightful unique taste of French Champagne is the wine maker. His time honoured skills, techniques, passion and ability to combine the traditional with the modern makes Champagne what it is, and what it always has been; inimitable.

The wine maker is proud of his art and works the vines according to the traditions of over three hundred years. He possesses the skills to convey the character of the vine through the wines and Champagne that he produces.

 

 

The true art of the wine maker is to use their ability to use different grape combinations to produce their very own blends such as ‘Cuvees Speciales’ or ‘Cuvees Prestiges’. It is this skill that makes Champagne incomparable.

 

 

Our wine makers are all members of the Association des Vignerons Indépendants, ensuring that nothing but the most uplifting, unique and exceptional quality Champagne is available from French Bubbles.

 

 

2. Regions

Champagne is a unique and very beautiful region with a history of vine growing dating back to the dawn of Christianity. Its vineyards are made up of chalk rich soil which determines the extraordinary flavours of Champagne. In winter, the soil protects the roots of the vine from frost and in summer the same soil releases the moisture required for healthy growth.

Drinking Champagne from French Bubbles evokes the unique combination of these elements with the sparkle, delectable taste and rich history – offering you an uplifting experience that simply cannot be matched.

The Champagne terroir (a word used to describe the combination of natural and manmade factors which define the Champagne region) is unique. Located in northern France, it has a harsh climate, distinctive chalky sub soil providing natural irrigation, and hillside vineyards that catch the sun. Over the centuries, the wine makers of Champagne have learned to harness the potential of their environment, and the research and development still continues to this day.

This is what makes French Bubbles Champagne so unique, special and uplifting.

Each Champagne region is distinct. The Champagne from each region is uplifting in its own unique way, the sparkle, taste and texture differ from region to region:

 

The Mountain of Rheims
A huge plateau with gentle inclines on which the invest curve around the slopes of the hills from the North-West or Rheims to Epernay. Pinot Noir (suggest we link these grapes to the ‘Grapes’ section) is to be found there, followed by Piont Meunier and Chardonnay. Champagnes from this region have strength, and body and perfect for times of grand celebration and joy.

 

The Marne Valley
The slopes flank the river on both sides, following its curves as it meanders from Aÿ to beyond Château-Thierry in the Aisne. This region is dominated chiefly by Piont Meunier, followed by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Champagne from this region are fabulous all-round Champagne for smaller, more intimate moments of celebration with their delicate bubbles and elusive flavours.

 

The Côte des Blancs
The vineyards follow the slopes that run from Epernay in the north down to the slopes around the town of Sézanne. The Cote de Blancs is devoted to producing white grapes and is characterised by Chardonnay. Champagne from this region are perfect for small moments of joy, celebration or just to savour with a loved one.

 

 

The Côte des Bars and Montgueux
Characterised by the low hills between the river Seine and the river Aube at the southern tip of the region create beautiful rolling countryside, the Cote des Bar, South of Troyes, is distinguished by its species of grape with its fruity aroma: Pinot Noir. This Champagne is

 

3. The Grapes

Since 1935 the grapes of only 3 species of vines, selected for their ability to express the specific characteristics of the Champagne territory, have been authorised for inclusion in making Champagne:

 

Pinot Noir
Grown mainly on the slopes of the Mountain of Reims and in the Cote des Bar, Pinot Noir is a black grape variety with white juice, and gives Champagnes their aromas of red berry fruit as well as strength and body.

 

 

 

Pinot Meunier
Another black grape variety with white juice, the Pinot Noir is grown mainly in the valley of the Marne and is characterised by its roundness and bouquet.

 

 

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a white grape variety mostly planted on the Cote des Blancs, and gives Champagne its floral aroma with light and delicate notes.

 

 

 

4. The Diversity of Champagne

 

 

Champagne is produced in a variety of notes and every Champagne House or Grower offers a range of wine which reflects their own style.

There are so many varieties to choose from, it’s important to be aware of the diversity of Champagnes available. All are delectable, marking it hard to decide. So if you’re wondering whether to choose vintage or non vintage, Brut or Demi-Sec, White or Rose, traditional blend or Crus, then our short guide should help you make up your mind…or you could just try them all!

Vintage Champagne has a great deal of character, and is created from wines of a single harvest that are thought to be exceptional and deserve to be appreciated to the full.

Non Vintage Champagne is the result of harvests from different years blended together. Each year some of the harvest is kept in reserve for future years’ blends, and this is why non-vintage wine often has a distinct house style.

Brut is a description of a trait acquired by Champagne at the end of the production process, when the winemaker adds the dosage which determines its sweetness. This final stage allows the wine to express itself and show its full range, including the delicate aromas. Brut Champagne wines are dry and the most popular.

Demi-Sec Champagne is slightly sweeter taste as more sugar is added. Demi-Sec is suitable to drink with desserts, and was very popular during the 18th Century.

Rosé Champagnes are produced by macerating the black grapes or by adding locally produced red wine to the blend.

Blanc de Blancs is a white Champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes,

Blanc de Noirs is made exclusively from black Pinot Noir and Meunier grapes.

Time allows the aroma of Champagne to fully develop. All Champagnes are aged in cellars of the Wine Houses for at least 15 months, and vintages are aged for a minimum of three years – even longer for prestige cuvees.

Young wines have a flowery, citrus fruit aroma, whilst mature wines have the aroma of summer flowers or ripe fruits.

Mature wines of over five years express themselves through bouquets of dried flowers and nuts.