Exploring the Champagne Region: Grapes, Method and Winemakers

Posted on by

Introduction

The Champagne region in France is globally renowned for producing the prestigious sparkling wine that shares its name. This region, located in northeastern France, about a 45-60 minute train ride, is synonymous with luxury, history, celebration, and meticulous winemaking. This post delves into the grapes used in Champagne production, the traditional method of making Champagne, profiles of famous Champagne houses, and travel and tourism recommendations in the region.

History of Sparkling Wine in Champagne

As often is the case, especially with sparkling wine, monks play a pivotal role in the creation of Champagne. In the early days, winemakers faced challenges due to the region’s cold climate, which halted fermentation during the winter months and resulted in residual sugars that caused wines to referment unpredictably in the spring. However, it was through the ingenuity of these monks, particularly Dom Pérignon in the 17th century, that the art of sparkling wine production began to emerge. Pérignon’s experiments with blending grapes and controlling fermentation laid the foundation for what would eventually become the world-famous méthode champenoise, the traditional method of making Champagne. Having this said, Dom Pérignon was not the inventor of the method, he simply refined the procedure.

As Champagne gained popularity among European nobility in the 18th and 19th centuries, demand soared, leading to advancements in production techniques and the establishment of prestigious Champagne houses. These houses, many of which still thrive today, refined the craft of Champagne making, perfecting the delicate balance of grape varieties, terroir, and aging processes. 

Grapes Used in Champagne Production

Champagne is primarily made from three grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

  • Chardonnay: This white grape brings finesse, elegance, and a fresh citrus and floral character to the wine. It contributes to the longevity of Champagne and is essential for creating Blanc de Blancs Champagne, which is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes.
  • Pinot Noir: A black grape that adds structure, body, and rich flavors of red fruits. Pinot Noir is particularly prominent in Champagne’s Montagne de Reims sub-region, where it thrives in the cooler climate. Champagne called Blanc de Noir often have Pinot noir as their main grape while Pinot Meunier is also allowed.
  • Pinot Meunier: Also a black grape, Pinot Meunier is known for its fruitiness and approachability. It ripens earlier than Pinot Noir and adds a round, supple character to the wine. It is rarely used as a monovarietal still wine but some sparkling wine makers do make experiments.

These grapes are often blended to balance their distinct characteristics, though some Champagnes are made from a single varietal.

 

The Champagne Method: Méthode Champenoise (Or traditional method).

The traditional method used to produce Champagne is known as the Méthode Champenoise or Méthode Traditionnelle. This complex and labor-intensive process is what sets Champagne apart from other sparkling wines. Here are the key steps:

  1. Harvesting: Grapes are handpicked to ensure they remain intact and are quickly pressed to avoid oxidation.
  2. Primary Fermentation: The grape juice, or must, undergoes its first fermentation in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels, converting sugars into alcohol.
  3. Blending (Assemblage): Different wines from various vineyards, grape varieties, and vintages are blended to create a consistent house style for the non-vintage wines. Vintage vines are from one single exceptional year where the taste is more varied.
  4. Secondary Fermentation: The blended wine is bottled with a mixture of sugar and yeast, then sealed with a crown cap. The yeast ferments the added sugar, producing carbon dioxide, which creates the bubbles.
  5. Aging on Lees: The bottles are aged horizontally in cellars, allowing the dead yeast cells (lees) to impart complex flavors to the wine. This aging period can last several years.
  6. Riddling (Remuage): The bottles are gradually tilted and rotated to collect the lees in the neck of the bottle.
  7. Disgorging (Dégorgement): The neck of the bottle is frozen, and the lees are expelled, leaving clear Champagne behind.
  8. Dosage: A mixture of wine and sugar (liqueur d’expédition) is added to adjust sweetness levels. This determines the Champagne’s style, ranging from Brut Nature (no added sugar) to Doux (sweet).
  9. Corking and Aging: The bottle is sealed with a cork and aged further before being released for sale.
Read related post  Pinot blanc (grape variety)

Renowned Champagne Houses

Moët & Chandon

Founded in 1743, Moët & Chandon is one of the largest and most prestigious Champagne producers. Known for its iconic Moët Impérial, this house has a rich history of supplying Champagne to European royal courts. Moët & Chandon owns extensive vineyards across the region, allowing for meticulous selection of grapes. Their cellars in Épernay are a must-visit, offering tours that showcase their centuries-old heritage and winemaking expertise.

Krug

Established in 1843 by Joseph Krug, this house is celebrated for its uncompromising quality and luxurious Champagnes. Krug is renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship, blending up to 120 different wines from various years to create its Grande Cuvée. This dedication to excellence results in Champagnes with exceptional depth, richness, and complexity. The house also produces single-vineyard Champagnes, such as Krug Clos du Mesnil, showcasing the unique terroir of their vineyards.

Veuve Clicquot

Founded in 1772, Veuve Clicquot owes much of its success to the legendary Madame Clicquot, known as the “Grande Dame of Champagne.” She revolutionized the industry with innovations such as riddling, which improved the clarity of Champagne. Veuve Clicquot’s Yellow Label Brut is famous worldwide for its consistency and vibrant flavors. The house’s Ponsardin cellars in Reims offer an immersive experience, tracing the history and legacy of Madame Clicquot.

The Regions of Champagne

The Champagne appellation is divided into four main regions, each with distinct characteristics that influence the grapes and resulting wines.

Montagne de Reims

This region is renowned for its Pinot Noir, which thrives on the chalky soils and cooler climate. The wines here are known for their structure, depth, and intensity. Famous villages include Verzenay, Verzy, and Bouzy.

Read related post  Trip report: St Emilion (Bordeaux)

Vallée de la Marne

This area is not to be confused with Marne de la Vallee where Disneyland Paris is located. Pinot Meunier dominates in this area, contributing to fruit-forward, approachable Champagnes. The Vallée de la Marne’s diverse microclimates and soils also support Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, offering a variety of styles. Notable villages include Aÿ and Dizy.

Côte des Blancs

Exclusively dedicated to Chardonnay, the Côte des Blancs produces some of the most elegant and refined Blanc de Blancs Champagnes. The chalky soils enhance the grape’s minerality and freshness. Key villages include Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, and Cramant.

Côte des Bar

Located in the southern part of the Champagne region, the Côte des Bar is primarily planted with Pinot Noir. The Kimmeridgian limestone soils impart a unique character to the wines, which are known for their richness and aromatic complexity. Villages such as Les Riceys and Bar-sur-Aube are well-regarded.

Travel and Tourism in Champagne

The Champagne region offers a wealth of experiences for wine enthusiasts and travelers alike. Here are some highlights:

Reims

The unofficial capital of the Champagne region, Reims is home to many prestigious Champagne houses, such as Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, and Ruinart. The city boasts a rich history, with landmarks like the Reims Cathedral, where French kings were crowned.

Key Champagne Houses in Reims

  • Veuve Clicquot: Famous for its Yellow Label Brut and the innovations of Madame Clicquot. The house offers extensive cellar tours in its historic Ponsardin cellars.
  • Taittinger: Known for its elegant, Chardonnay-dominant Champagnes. Visitors can tour the Saint-Nicaise cellars, part of a 13th-century abbey.
  • Ruinart: The oldest established Champagne house, founded in 1729. Ruinart’s Crayères (chalk cellars) are UNESCO World Heritage sites and offer a unique tour experience.

Reims is also renowned for its culinary scene, with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and chic bistros that pair local cuisine with Champagne.

Épernay

Known as the “Capital of Champagne,” Épernay is home to the famous Avenue de Champagne, lined with grand maisons like Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Pol Roger.

Read related post  Alsace Wine Region

Key Champagne Houses in Épernay

  • Moët & Chandon: One of the largest and most famous Champagne houses, offering comprehensive tours of its extensive cellars.
  • Perrier-Jouët: Celebrated for its Belle Epoque range, Perrier-Jouët offers intimate tours and tastings in its beautifully preserved 18th-century cellars.
  • Pol Roger: Known for its association with Sir Winston Churchill, Pol Roger produces rich and complex Champagnes. The house provides detailed tours showcasing its traditional methods.

Épernay offers charming streets, beautiful architecture, and numerous opportunities for Champagne tasting and tours. The town’s festivals and events, such as the Habits de Lumière, add to its allure.

Hautvillers

This picturesque village is the birthplace of Champagne, where the monk Dom Pérignon is said to have invented the sparkling wine. Hautvillers offers stunning views of the vineyards, historic sites, and intimate tasting rooms, providing a more rustic and authentic experience. Key producers in Hautvillers include the Abbey of Saint Peter, where Dom Pérignon is buried, and smaller, artisanal Champagne producers.

Other Notable Areas

Montagne de Reims

  • Bollinger: Located in Aÿ, Bollinger is known for its robust and full-bodied Champagnes, particularly its Special Cuvée and La Grande Année.
  • Champagne Deutz: Also in Aÿ, Deutz is respected for its refined and elegant Champagnes, offering a rich history and beautiful cellars for visitors to explore.

Vallée de la Marne

  • Billecart-Salmon: Based in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, this house is renowned for its exquisite rosé Champagnes and meticulous attention to detail in winemaking.
  • Laurent-Perrier: Located in Tours-sur-Marne, Laurent-Perrier is known for its innovative Champagnes, such as Ultra Brut and Cuvée Rosé.

Vintage Wine

You may hear that wine has a specific vintage and this is important for all wines but especially a thing in Champagne. Most champagne wine are actually non-vintage which means that they are not from a particular year but rather a blend of various years in order to create a recognisable house style as well as achieving a balanced wine. Some years however they decide to make a wine based only on one single vintage. This is a vintage wine which will be quite different and also consequently much more expensive.

Champagne in relations to other wine regions in the world.

Champagne established the traditional method of making champagne that is used in Cava, Cap Classique in South Africa and Franciacorta in Northern Italy and perhaps more similar, England is now producing some top notch sparkling wine using the champagne grapes. Many of the French wine makers such as Louis Pommery have bought land in England as a hedge to climate change and rising temperatures. This actually works really well as much of England also has the same limestone as Champagne.