A Drink That’s More Than Just For Celebration – Champagne

It’s hard to imagine a celebration that doesn’t involve at least one bottle of Champagne – weddings, New Year’s, monumental achievements, and so forth. There’s something classic about the pop of a cork followed by loud cheering. Yet, that’s just what we’re used to. Champagne is more than a drink for special occasions.

It’s a drink that possesses a long history behind it, a drink that is made with fine craftsmanship, and one with a tradition.

Why is Champagne Unique and What Makes it Unique

Many people tend to think about sparkling wine when they think of Champagne. While all Champagne is sparkling wine, not all sparkling wine is Champagne.

It’s not just about bubbles.

Not any sparkling wine can become Champagne simply because someone wants to. There are very strict requirements on what needs to happen in order for a wine to be classified as Champagne:

• It MUST be produced in the Champagne region (France).

• It must be created by strictly following the regulated procedure requirements.

• It must use only approved grape varieties.

• It must undergo secondary fermentation inside the bottle.

These strict regulations ensure consistency in taste and a required quality.

So even if a winemaker – somewhere in the world – makes the best sparkling wine using those exact same techniques, it (legally) cannot be called ‘Champagne’.

But it’s not just the branded name that carries the weight of the product; there’s a specific reason why this precise region is known for creating this product.

The Champagne regions’ cool and balanced climate, mixed with very nutrient-rich soil, is what’s creating a sort of foundation. And if you also factor in all the centuries of wine-making history that’s taken place here, it’s really hard to replicate this anywhere else.

What About The Grapes?

Champagne is made using three main grape varieties:

• Chardonnay – The most popular one; these grapes are known for their elegance, freshness, and specific citrusy/zesty notes. They’re dry and slightly acidic.

• Pinot Noir – These grapes are used to create Champagne with a stable structure and body, as well as that unique red fruit character. Dry and fuller body grapes.

• Pinot Meunier – These grapes are known for having versatility and approachability. These grapes are fruitier and slightly soft, which is also perceived as ‘sweet’.

Each grape plays a part in the overall balance of creating the world-renowned drink of today. Makers usually blend wines from different vineyards and harvests. They use this to maintain a certain standard. Wines usually highlight or represent one vintage, but unlike them, Champagne often blends vintages of different sorts and across different seasons.

It’s that technique that gives it a distinct, unique flavor.

But it’s not just one single grape that’s used for one Champagne. For instance, the world-famous Dom Perignon is made using a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The Traditional Method of Making Champagne

Whenever anyone thinks of Champagne, they think of bubbles. They are, after all, a trademark characteristic of the famous drink.

But how are these bubbles made?

Well, after the base wine is produced, winemakers add yeast and sugar before sealing the bottle. This is when the second fermentation happens; it happens within the bottle itself. It’s this second fermentation that creates those belled bubbles, or more precisely, carbon dioxide (CO2)

This is what’s referred to in this industry as the ‘traditional method’.

And while this method does require much more patience and precision, it’s the preferred one when it comes to quality and prestige. After all that is done, bottles are aged for months, or sometimes even longer, like years; this allows them to develop those complex flavors.

The bubbles are not just a process of carbonation; they are what give texture, depth, and what refines the whole taste into one wonderful and unique flavor.

How To Serve Champagne the Right Way

• There is more to Champagne than just opening the bottle. Temperature is important. Champagne should be served within temperatures ranging from 45-50°F (7-10°C).

• What type of glass we use is important. Flutes are still popular, but many experts now recommend tulip-shaped glasses or white wine glasses. These types of glasses allow flavors to better develop.

• Most people like a loud pop, but it is better to open it in a way that makes a gentle sigh. It is because this type of controlled opening helps preserve carbonation.

Champagne can be found all across the world. Whether in France, Germany, Japan, the USA, or anywhere else.

But also remember, Champagne, like any other wine, is still an alcoholic beverage and as such it must be enjoyed in moderation, and as such it is also important to note that selling Champagne requires a license to sell alcohol.

So, if you find yourself wanting to buy Champagne, for example, in Texas, USA, make sure the places that sell it have a required license, in this case, a Texas TABC certification. Or any other corresponding license based on the place you are in.

This way, you know you’re getting the real deal.

Conclusion

Like the rich drink that it is, Champagne’s history is equally rich. Although for most of us it was introduced through celebration, its story goes beyond that.

Champagne is something that was shaped by geography, craftsmanship, innovation, and through years and years of careful and precise refinement. It is that history that put it all across the world from the humble vineyards in northern France, where it all began.

As wine culture continues to evolve, Champagne is more and more appreciated by everyday people and wine connoisseurs.

It is appreciated for its fine taste, enjoyment while drinking, and its history.