Champagne

Champagne is a sparkling wine made in the France region of ...Champagne ! Contrary to general belief, only sparkling wines made in this region can be named and called Champagne. There is only one appellation in the region and that is Champagne AC. Certain villages within the region have a "cru status"; 44 are rated "premier cru" and 17 "grand cru", but they are located within the same appellation. Within the appellation boundaries there are five sub-regions: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne and Cote de Blancs are the closest to the mayor production areas of Reims and Épernay. Then Cote de Sézanne and Cote des Bar are the other two sub-regions. The three main grapes varieties used in the making of Champagne are Chardonnay (high acidity with floral and citrus character), Pinot Noir (body and structural backbone) and Pinot Meunier (fruity flavors). Champagne is made using the traditional method. This term indicates that a wine has gone a second fermentation in the same bottle that will be later sold. The first fermentation can be carried in stainles steels vats, oak barrels or both. This is the technique most often used to make premium sparkling wines that although costly and time-consuming, can command higher prices.