W3 Wine School

Champagne (France)

Champagne is the most Exclusive sparkling wine in the world.

It is closely associated with victory, luxury and celebration.

Champagne is a region in Northeast France, less than 100 miles East of Paris. Between Paris and Belgium.

Champagne Flavors

Citrus, Apple, Pear, and Strawberry are typical Champagne flavors.

Lemon
Citrus
Apple
Apple
Pear
Pear
Strawberry
Strawberry

Fermentation flavors:

Butter
Butter
Bread
Yeast
Bread
Bread
Almonds
Almonds

Tertiary Flavors from Aging:

Oak
Oak
Vanilla
Vanilla
Toast
Toast
Nuts
Nuts

Champagne Profile

SUGAR:Dry 3g/l
BODY:Medium - Full
FRUIT:Medium
ACIDITY:High
ALCOHOL:12-13% ABV
Temperature Serving temperatures:
10-12°C (50-54°F)

Champagne Food Pairing

You can drink Sparkling Wines to almost everything whether it is French Champagne, Spanish Cava, or Italian Prosecco.

Sparkling wines pair well with salt, because the bubbles break up the salt in the mouth. Acidity and bubbles can also pair well with creamy and oily dishes.

Aperitif
Aperitif
Salads
Salads
Tapas
Tapas
Sandwitch
Sandwitch
Crab
Seafood
Oysters
Oysters
Salmon
Salmon
Sushi
Sushi
French Fries
Fries
Chicken
Chicken
Turkey
Turkey
Pork
Pork
Egg
Egg Dishes
Pasta
Pasta
Risotto
Risotto
Soft Cheese
Soft Cheese

Excellent pairings

Caesar Salad. Seafood Salad.
Hors-d'œuvre. Sandwich. Focaccia.
Tapas. Ham. Serrano. Prosciutto.
Seafood. Oysters. Clams.
Crab. Lobster. Caviar.
Cod. Tuna. Smoked Salmon.
Fried Chicken. Turkey. Pork.
Egg Dishes. Omelettte. Risotto.
Pasta. Ravioli. Macaroni with Cheese.
Asian Food. Springrolls.
Sushi. Sashimi.

French Spesialities

Reims Ham in Reims Mustard.
Poulet au champagne (Chicken with Champagne).

The Ideal Glass for Champagne

A Champagne Glass with a bell that points to the bottom, allows a pilar of bubbles to build up inside the glass. This is not only beautiful, but also extends the "life" of the champagne.

A wide middle section lifts the aromas out of the wine. A smaller opening concentrates the scent to the nose and directs the drink to the front of the tongue where it heightens an experience of sweetness.

Champagne Cheese Pairing

Brie

The creamy, buttery texture and mild earthy flavors of Brie complement Champagne's acidity and bubbles. Serve the cheese at room temperature with a slice of baguette and fig jam.

Camembert

This soft, bloomy-rind cheese offers a creamy, earthy flavor that complements Champagne's acidity and bubbles. Enjoy with apple slices or a touch of truffle honey.

Goat Cheese (Chèvre)

The tangy, fresh flavors of goat cheese align perfectly with Blanc de Blancs, highlighting the wine's crisp minerality. Add fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.

Chaource

This creamy, slightly tangy cheese from the Champagne region is a natural pairing. Its lactic richness enhances the wine's effervescence and minerality. Enjoy with fresh strawberries or honey.

Ossau-Iraty

This Basque sheep’s milk cheese has a nutty, slightly fruity flavor that aligns with Champagne's light and fruity character. Pair with quince paste or cherry preserves.

Aged Gouda

The caramelized, nutty flavors of aged Gouda work well with a rich sparkling wine like Blanc de Noirs. Pair it with dried apricots or figs.

Roquefort

The salty, tangy, and creamy qualities of Roquefort create a striking contrast with Rosé Champagne, balancing its fruity notes. Serve with walnuts or slices of fresh pear.

The King of Bubbles

Champagne originates from the Champagne region in northeastern France. It has been associated with nobility and royalty since the 17th century. Today it is also very poular in the middle class, associated with parties, money, and victories.

The production of Champagne involves a process known as méthode champenoise, where the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle, creating bubbles.

The primary grape varieties used in Champagne production are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

The taste profile of champagne can range from dry to sweet.

Champagne has been a generic term for sparkling wine. But by EU restrictions, it is now reserved for wines produced in the Champagne region of France, produced from specified grapes by specified pressing and fermentation methods.

Wine Region Champagne

Champagne is the region of the most famous sparkling wine in the world.

Wines

White Wine

Champagne
Blanc de Blancs
Blanc de Noir

Grapes

Sauvignon

40% Pinot Noir
30% Chardonnay
20% Pinot Meunier

Soil

Soil

Chalky soils, particularly in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims subregions, play a crucial role in providing good drainage and imparting minerality to the grapes.

Climate

Soil

Champagne has a cool and continental climate. The northern location contribute to the high acidity and crispness of Champagne.


Alcohol can be addictive. Always drink in moderation.

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