How to choose champagne?

How do you decide which champagne to buy? What’s the best way to buy champagne? How can you find the best quality champagne at the best price? We’ll cover all these questions. How to choose a good bottle of champagne?

Champagne’s delicate bubbles have the power to add a touch of festivity to any celebration. Whether it’s for a wedding, a birthday or simply an evening with friends, choosing the perfect champagne can prove a real headache. However, with the right knowledge, you’ll be able to unearth the ideal cuvée to delight your taste buds and those of your guests. Dive into this ocean of sparkling flavours and let us guide you through the winding paths of the Champagne vineyards.

The Prestigious Origins of Champagne

Hailing from the exceptional terroir of Champagne, a wine-growing region in northern France, champagne owes its renown to the unique convergence of viticulture, geography and history. It was in the city of Reims that the kings of France were once crowned, endowing this region with an aura of nobility and celebration. This idyllic setting allowed the sparkling history of Champagne wines to blossom. Although the precise origins of champagne remain unclear, the traditional method, also known asthe ‘méthode champenoise’, is the source of its greatness. This unique technique involves inducing a second fermentation in the bottle, giving rise to the fine bubbles that characterise champagne.

The King Grape Varieties of Champagne

Champagne can be made from seven different grape varieties, but three of them dominate almost the entire vineyard: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Each of these varieties brings its own distinctive aromatic and flavour profile to the sparkling nectar.

- Pinot Noir, a black grape with white juice, gives Champagne its body and power, offering vinous and full-bodied notes.-

- Pinot Meunier, also a black grape with white juice, is renowned for bringing suppleness and fruity notes to the blends.

- Chardonnay, the only permitted white grape variety, is synonymous with elegance and finesse, with delicate aromas of white flowers and citrus.

The Different Styles of Champagne

Champagne comes in a multitude of styles, each reflecting the winemaker’s choices and the specific characteristics of the blend. Here are some of the main categories to be aware of:

Brut Champagne

A must-try, Brut Champagne is the flagship cuvée of every Champagne house. Dry and well-balanced, it pairs wonderfully with aperitifs and complements most dishes. It is the ideal choice for festive occasions where you wish to cater to a wide range of tastes.

Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Made exclusively fromChardonnay grapes, Blanc de Blancs is characterised by its pale colour and delicate aromas of white flowers and citrus fruits. Its elegance and liveliness make it an excellent choice for special occasions.

Blanc de Noirs Champagne

Contrary to its name, Blanc de Noirs is a white champagne made from black grapes (Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier). It is characterised by powerful, vinous aromas, offering a tasting experience similar to that of a still wine. Its assertive character makes it an excellent pairing for gourmet dishes.

Rosé Champagne

With its delicate, rosy hue, rosé champagne captivates with its fruity freshness and notes of cherry and wild strawberry. It can be produced either by adding a small quantity of red wine or by macerating the skins of black grapes.

Vintage Champagne

Vintage champagnes are produced from grapes harvested in a single, exceptional year. Rich and flavourful, they reflect the unique character of their vintage and offer an incomparable tasting experience. These exceptional cuvées are often available in limited editions and at higher prices.

Special and Prestige Cuvées

Some Champagne houses offer special or prestige cuvées, created from meticulously selected blends and aged for several years. These exceptional Champagnes are reserved for the most discerning connoisseurs and the most prestigious occasions.

Dosage: The Key to Sweetness and Acidity

After the second fermentation in the bottle, the winemaker carries outthe ‘dosage’, which involves adding a ‘liqueur d’expédition’ made up of wine and sugar. It is this crucial stage that determines the sweetness level of the final champagne.

- Extra-Brut: 0 to 6 grams of sugar per litre, for lovers of dry, crisp champagnes.

-Brut: Less than 12 grams of sugar per litre, offering the perfect balance between freshness and roundness.

- Extra-Dry: 12 to 17 grams of sugar per litre, slightly sweeter than Brut.

- Sec: 17 to 32 grams of sugar per litre, a sweeter style but still well-balanced.

- Demi-Sec: 32 to 50 grams of sugar per litre, ideal for pairing with desserts.

- Doux: More than 50 grams of sugar per litre, for lovers of sweet, indulgent champagnes.

Food and Wine Pairings: Champagne at the Table

Although often associated with aperitifs and celebrations, Champagne can also be an excellent choice to accompany your meals. Here are a few suggestions for successful pairings:

- Brut and extra-brut champagnes pair beautifully with starters, seafood and grilled fish or fish in a light sauce.

- Blancs de blancs, with their freshness and finesse, are perfect for accompanying poultry dishes or delicate fare.

- Blancs de noirs, which are more full-bodied and vinous, pair harmoniously with red meats, game and mature cheeses.

- Rosé champagnes, with their fruity notes, are an excellent choice to accompany fruity desserts or spicy dishes.

- Demi-sec and sweet Champagnes are ideal for rounding off a meal in style, paired with indulgent desserts or blue-veined cheeses.

Choosing the Perfect Champagne for Your Event

Whether you’re organising a wedding, a birthday or any other celebration, choosing the perfect Champagne is crucial to making the occasion truly special. Here are a few tips to guide you in your selection:

For the Welcome Reception

Opt for brut, blanc de blancs or rosé champagnes, which will bring a touch of freshness and lightness to this convivial moment. Their finesse and elegance will create a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

For the Meal

If you wish to serve champagne throughout the meal, opt for Blanc de Noirs or vintage cuvées, which offer enough character to complement the various courses.

For Dessert

Demi-sec or sweet champagnes are the ideal choice to accompany your indulgent desserts. Their sweetness will bring out the flavours of the pastries and fruit.

For Special Occasions

For special events, such as weddings or milestone birthdays, don’t hesitate to choose special cuvées or prestige cuvées. These exceptional champagnes will offer your guests an unforgettable tasting experience.

Calculating the Amount of Champagne Required

To avoid running short or having too much left over at your event, it’s essential to calculate precisely how much champagne you’ll need. Here are a few guidelines to help you:

- For the reception, allow approximately one bottle for every three people.

- For dessert, allow one bottle for every four people.

- If you wish to serve champagne throughout the meal, allow one bottle for every two people.

Feel free to adjust these quantities depending on the profile of your guests (light drinkers, bon vivants or party-goers) and the duration of your event.

Choosing the Right Supplier: The Importance of the Short Supply Chain

When buying champagne, opt for the short supply chain by turning to trusted winegrowers or wine merchants. This approach will not only allow you to benefit from more competitive prices, but also guarantee the freshness and quality of your bottles. Many winegrowers now offer direct sales, giving you the opportunity to discover their unique cuvées and benefit from their expert advice. Don’t hesitate to ask them about their production methods and blends to find the champagne that’s perfectly suited to your tastes and your event.

Ruinart

Founded in 1729, Ruinart is the oldest champagne house. Its cuvées, such as ‘R de Ruinart’ and ‘Dom Ruinart’, are renowned for their unrivalled elegance and finesse.

Moët & Chandon

The iconic Moët & Chandon house is renowned for its brut champagnes, notably the unmissable “Impérial”. Its prestige cuvées, such as “Dom Pérignon”, are timeless classics.

Veuve Clicquot

With its famous “Brut Carte Jaune” cuvée, Veuve Clicquot is synonymous with tradition and expertise. Its prestige cuvée, “La Grande Dame”, is a true jewel in the house’s crown.

Taittinger

Renowned for its elegant and well-balanced champagnes, Taittinger offers a varied range, from the “Brut Réserve” to the prestigious “Comtes de Champagne”.

Bollinger

Bollinger stands out for its powerful and complex champagnes, such as the “Special Cuvée” or the “Grande Année”, which appeal to connoisseurs who appreciate character.

Discover the Smaller Producers

Beyond the major houses, the Champagne region is brimming with talented small producers who craft exceptional cuvées. By turning to these passionate winemakers, you’ll have the opportunity to discover unique champagnes that are authentic reflections of their terroir. These champagne artisans make it a point of honour to respect traditions and bring out the very best in every plot of their vineyards. Their cuvées, often produced in limited quantities, offer an incomparable tasting experience, full of character and authenticity.

Storing and Serving Champagne

To fully enjoy the flavours and aromas of champagne, it is essential to store and serve it under the best conditions. Here are a few tips to follow:

Storage

- Store your bottles away from light and vibrations, in a cool, dry place (ideally between 10 and 15°C).

- Store the bottles lying down to prevent the cork from drying out.

- For vintage champagnes or special cuvées, follow the ageing recommendations provided by the producer.

Serving

- Serve champagne chilled, between 8 and 10°C, to fully reveal its aromas and finesse.

- Use flutes or champagne glasses to appreciate the dance of the bubbles and the aromatic notes.

- Avoid filling the glasses to the brim to allow the champagne to breathe and express itself fully.

Conclusion

Champagne is an exceptional nectar, the result of time-honoured expertise and a unique terroir. By mastering the subtleties of the different styles, dosages and blends, you’ll be able to choose the perfect champagne to enhance any occasion. Don’t be afraid to explore the cuvées offered by small producers, as this is often where the most authentic and surprising gems are to be found. Whether you’re a discerning connoisseur or simply curious, let your taste buds and instincts guide you to discover the champagne that will meet your expectations and delight your guests. After all, champagne is much more than just a drink; it is a celebration of life, an ode to joy and sharing.