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 tantalize your taste buds and those of your guests. Dive into this ocean of sparkling flavors 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 root of its greatness. This unique technique involves a second fermentation in the bottle, giving rise to the fine bubbles that characterize 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 aromatic and gustatory stamp to the sparkling nectar.
- Pinot noir, a black grape variety with white juice, gives the 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 authorized 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 multitude of styles, each reflecting the choices of the winemaker and the specificities of the blend. Here are some of the main categories to know:
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 satisfy a wide range of tastes.
Champagne Blanc de Blancs
Made exclusively fromChardonnay grapes, Blanc de Blancs is distinguished by its light color and delicate aromas of white flowers and citrus fruit. Its elegance and liveliness make it an excellent companion for special occasions.
Champagne Blanc de Noirs
Contrary to its name, blanc de noirs is a white champagne made from black grapes (pinot noir and pinot meunier). It is characterized by powerful, vinous aromas, offering a taste experience close to that of a still wine. Its assertive character makes it an excellent partner for gastronomic dishes.
Champagne Rosé
With its delicate rose-tinted color, champagne rosé seduces with its fruity freshness and notes of cherry and wild strawberry. It can be obtained either by adding a small quantity of red wine, or by macerating the skins of black grapes.
Vintage Champagne
Vintage champagnes come from a single exceptional year. Rich and flavorful, they reflect the unique character of their vintage and offer an incomparable taste experience. These exceptional cuvées are often offered in limited editions and at higher prices.
Cuvées Spéciales and Prestiges
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 demanding connoisseurs and the most prestigious occasions.
Dosage: The Key to Sweet and Sour
After the second fermentation in the bottle, the winemaker proceeds with 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 liter, for lovers of dry, chiselled champagnes.
-Brut: Less than 12 grams of sugar per liter, the perfect balance between freshness and roundness.
- Extra-Dry: 12 to 17 grams of sugar per liter, slightly sweeter than brut.
- Dry: From 17 to 32 grams of sugar per liter, a sweeter but still balanced style.
- Demi-Sec: From 32 to 50 grams of sugar per liter, ideal for desserts.
- Doux: More than 50 grams of sugar per liter, 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 great companion to accompany 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 in a light sauce.
- Blanc de blancs, with their freshness and finesse, are the perfect accompaniment to poultry or delicate dishes.
- Blanc de noirs, more powerful and vinous, are a harmonious match for 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 to round off a meal in style, pairing them with gourmet desserts or blue-veined cheeses.
Choosing the ideal Champagne for your event
Whether you're organizing a wedding, an anniversary or any other celebration, choosing the perfect champagne is crucial to sublimating the occasion. Here are a few tips to guide you in your selection:
For the Vin d'Honneur
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 accompany the entire meal with champagne, opt for blanc de noirs or vintage vintages, which offer enough character to match the various dishes.
For Dessert
Semi-dry or sweet champagnes are the ideal partners to accompany your gourmet desserts. Their sweetness will enhance the flavors of pastries and fruit.
For special occasions
For special events, such as weddings or milestone anniversaries, don't hesitate to turn to our special or prestige cuvées. These exceptional champagnes will offer your guests an unforgettable taste experience.
Calculate the Quantity of Champagne Required
To avoid shortages or surpluses at your event, it's essential to calculate 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 three people.
- For dessert, allow one bottle for four people.
- If you wish to accompany the entire meal with champagne, calculate one bottle for two people.
Don't hesitate to adjust these quantities according to 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 Circuit
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 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 references.
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 lovers of character.
Discover Petits Producteurs
In addition to the big houses, the Champagne vineyards abound in small, talented producers who craft exceptional cuvées. By turning to these passionate winegrowers, you'll have the opportunity to discover unique champagnes, authentic reflections of their terroir. These Champagne artisans make it a point of honor to respect tradition and sublimate each parcel of their vineyards. Their cuvées, often produced in limited quantities, offer an incomparable taste experience, imbued with character and authenticity.
Preserving and serving Champagne
To fully enjoy the flavors and aromas of champagne, it's essential to store and serve it in the best possible conditions. Here are a few tips to follow:
Conservation
- 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 given by the producer.
Service
- 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 fruit of ancestral know-how and a unique terroir. By mastering the subtleties of different styles, dosages and blends, you'll be able to choose the perfect champagne to sublimate every occasion. Don't be afraid to explore the cuvées offered by small producers, as this is often where the most authentic and surprising nuggets are hidden. Whether you're an enlightened 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.