Champagne News
Styles of Champagne
Styles of Champagne vary enormously. The use of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes generally prevail over minorities such as Meunier, and more often than not white and red grapes are blended. Exceptions are labelled Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) and Blanc de Noirs (100% Pinot Noir). The latter tends to be fuller bodied, as does…
Understanding Champagne Label Codes
There are many different combinations in which Champagne grapes can be grown and made into the sparkling wine. How this happens affects what is put on a Champagne bottle label. Here is an explanation of what the letters you see on the bottles mean. NM – Négociant-Manipulant – This appears on the label of large…
Does ‘Terroir’ matter for Champagne?
The term ‘Terroir’ is one of those for which wine enthusiasts have a good feel but find it hard to accurately define. It’s the expression or the link the land has with the wine. The silky complexity and array of smoky sensations aroused by a glass of claret or the fresh flinty aromas and lemon…
Champagne Lallier – Grand Crus
Unique Grands Crus… Lallier house makes Champagne by selecting the best grapes from the appellation, each cuvée is unique and different… Here are the Grand Crus from Champagne Lallier. Cuvée Grande Reservé – Grand Cru – 65% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay Cuvée Blanc de Blancs – Grand Cru – 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay Cuvée Rosé…
Champagne LALLIER
Champagne LALLIER, uniqueness of Grands Crus… The House of LALLIER is situated in the heart of the village of Aÿ, historic birthplace of the Champagne region. Located above vaulted cellars dating from the end of the XVIIIth century, the House of LALLIER produces exceptional wines exclusively from Grands Crus vineyards. Francis Tribaut, owner and head winemaker epitomizes…
Can you tell the difference between Prosecco and Champagne?
A good Prosecco is a very good wine, however, Prosecco and Champagne are two very different wines, due to their wine making process, classic vs charmat, grape varieties and not least the cost. However many drinkers see them as similar, two sparkling wines with a massive price difference and yes, it can be true, that…
Fermentation in oak barrels vs steel tanks
Up until the 19th Century, still wine was traditionally produced in oak barrels. In Champagne, still wine was made in barrels that were commonly large and over 10 years old. These Oak barrels allow the Champagne still wine to “breath”. However wine in barrels does experience loss through evaporation and absorption, so the barrel must…
Dom Pérignon; The Man Behind the Name
For many ‘Dom Pérignon’ is the hallmark for quality. The very fine prestige Champagne of the historic Moet & Chandon house, it is easily one of the most highlighty decorated and recognisable names in champagne, or indeed in the entire wine-world. But what many may not know is that Dom Pérignon is named after a…
What is a Muselet?
A Muselet is the wire cage that fits over the cork of a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine to prevent the cork from emerging under the pressure of the carbonated contents. Bottles were initially corked with pieces of wood with oil-sponged cloth, and then plunged in wax. They discovered very quickly that it was not sufficient to sustain…