Learning about Champagne:
Homework Time…
I learned that different champagnes are defined by their grape varietals and sweetness levels. There is also the difference of whether they are vintage or non-vintage. Champagnes are also categorized by their color, including white, rosé, and even black or “noir” varieties. Their color, like all still wines, comes from the skins of the grape and how long the juice is left with those skins.
In addition, the specific blend of grapes (even grapes from different years), the amount of added sugar (dosage), and whether the champagne is a single vintage or a blend from multiple years determines its unique character.
So, how many different styles of Champagne can there be? Quite a few. This is what I learned.
Chardonnay grapes provide a crisp Champagne. You could even taste citrus. Usually these Champagnes age well. These grapes are white or light skinned.
Pinot Noir grapes tend to produce a fruitier flavor, especially in the Montagne de Reims region. These are black skinned grapes.
Pinot Meunier grapes often yield a bolder flavor. These are also black sinned grapes.
Now to find what grapes are used to make each type of Champagne.
Blanc de Blancs is a white Champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. Always. Only Chardonnay grapes are used in Blanc de Blancs.
Blanc de Noirs is a white Champagne made only from black grapes. These can be from Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier. No Chardonnay grapes here.
Rose Champagne is created by adding a small amount of red wine to the white wine.
Stay tuned…
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