How to choose Champagne

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

Champagne’s delicate bubbles have the power to add a festive touch to any celebration. Whether it’s for a wedding, an anniversary or simply a night out with friends, choosing the perfect Champagne can be a real headache. However, with the right knowledge, you’ll be able to unearth the perfect cuvée to tantalise your taste buds and those of your guests. Dive into this ocean of sparkling flavours and let us guide you through the twists and turns of the Champagne vineyards.

The Prestigious Origin of Champagne

From the exceptional terroir of Champagne, France’s northern wine-growing region, Champagne derives its renown from the unique confluence of viticulture, geography and history. It was in the city of Reims that the kings of France were once crowned, lending the region an aura of nobility and celebration. This idyllic setting has given rise to the sparkling history of Champagne wines. Although the precise origin of Champagne’s invention remains uncertain, the traditional method, also known as the ‘méthode champenoise’, is at the heart of its greatness. This unique technique involves a second fermentation in the bottle, producing the fine bubbles that characterise Champagne.

The Kings of Champagne

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

- Pinot noir, a black grape variety with white juice, gives Champagne its body and strength, offering winey, full-bodied notes.-

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

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

The Different Styles of Champagne

Champagne comes in a wide variety 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:

Champagne Brut

A must-have, brut champagne is the flagship cuvée of every champagne house. Dry and well-balanced, it is the perfect accompaniment to aperitifs and most dishes. It’s the ideal choice for festive occasions when you want to cater for a wide range of tastes.

Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Made exclusivelyfrom Chardonnay grapes, Blanc de Blancs is characterised by its pale colour and delicate aromas of white flowers and citrus fruit. 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 taste experience similar to that of a still wine. Its assertive character makes it an excellent pairing for gourmet dishes.

Rosé Champagne

With its delicate rose-tinted colour, 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 red grapes.

Vintage Champagne

Vintage champagnes are produced from grapes harvested in a single exceptional year. Rich and full of flavour, they reflect the unique character of their vintage and offer an incomparable taste experience. These exceptional cuvées are often released in limited editions and command higher prices.

Special and Prestige Cuvées

Some champagne houses offer special or prestige cuvées, made from carefully 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 Sweet and Sour

After the second fermentation in the bottle, the winemaker carries out the ‘dosage’, i.e. the addition of an expedition liqueur composed of wine and sugar. This crucial step determines the sweetness of the final champagne.

- Extra-Brut: From 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.

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

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

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

Wine and food pairing: Champagne at the table

Although often associated with aperitifs and celebrations, champagne can also be a wonderful accompaniment to your meals. Here are a few suggestions for successful pairings:

- Brut and extra-brut champagnes go wonderfully well with starters, seafood and fish, whether grilled or served in a light sauce.

- Blanc de blancs, with their freshness and finesse, are the perfect accompaniment to poultry or delicate dishes.

- Blanc 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.

- Semi-dry and sweet champagnes are ideal for rounding off a meal in style, paired with gourmet desserts or blue-veined cheeses.

Choosing the ideal Champagne for your event

Whether you’re organising a wedding, an anniversary 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

Choose brut, blanc de blancs or rosé champagnes to bring freshness and lightness to this convivial occasion. Their finesse and elegance will create a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

For the meal

If you’d like to serve champagne throughout the meal, opt for blanc de noirs or vintage champagnes, which offer enough character to complement the various dishes.

For dessert

Semi-dry or sweet champagnes are the ideal accompaniment to your gourmet desserts. Their sweetness will bring out the flavours of pastries and fruit.

For special occasions

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

Calculate the Amount of Champagne Required

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

- For the vin d’honneur, allow around 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, connoisseurs or party-goers) and the duration of your event.

Choosing the Right Supplier: The Importance of Buying Directly from Producers

When it comes to buying champagne, it’s best to buy from trusted winegrowers and merchants. This approach will not only enable you to benefit from lower prices, but also guarantee the freshness and quality of your bottles. Many winemakers 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 incomparable elegance and finesse.

Moët & Chandon

The iconic Moët & Chandon house is renowned for its brut champagnes, notably the must-have “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 of the house.

Taittinger

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

Bollinger

Bollinger is distinguished by its powerful, complex champagnes, such as “Special Cuvée” and “Grande Année”, which appeal to connoisseurs of character.

Discover Small Producers

As well as the major houses, the Champagne vineyards are home to many small, talented producers who craft exceptional cuvées. By turning to these passionate winegrowers, you’ll have the opportunity to discover unique champagnes that authentically reflect their terroir. These Champagne artisans make it a point of honour to respect tradition and bring out the very best in every plot of their vineyards. Their cuvées, often produced in limited quantities, offer an incomparable taste experience, imbued with character and authenticity.

Storing and serving Champagne

To fully enjoy the flavours and aromas of Champagne, it is essential to store and serve it in the best possible 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 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 champagne flutes or glasses to enjoy the dance of the bubbles and the aromatic fragrances.

- Avoid filling 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 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 find the champagne that will meet your expectations and amaze your guests. After all, champagne is much more than just a drink: it’s a celebration of life, an ode to joy and sharing.