Champagne wines

Champagne, one of the world's most elegant wines

Champagne, one of the oldest and most renowned wines in the world, has always been synonymous with luxury, elegance and prestige. Its production, rooted in the French region of the same name, follows the strict Champenoise Method and mainly uses three grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
Anecdotes, legends, recognition of the most propitious 'cru', qualitative investments and ingenious intuitions have contributed to its global fame. As the Breton poet Max Jacob said, 'Champagne, if one has time to listen to it, makes the same noise, in its foam and bubbles, as the sea on the sand'.

How is Champagne produced?

How do you turn a simple bunch of grapes into an elegant bottle of Champagne?
The first step is the cultivation of the grapes. The Chardonnay , Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier vines thrive in the unique climate and chalky soil of the Champagne region. These special conditions give the grapes unique characteristics, which are reflected in the flavour and aroma of the wine.
After the harvest, the grapes are pressed to extract the juice, which is then fermented. This first fermentation transforms the natural sugars of the grapes into alcohol, producing a base wine that still lacks the characteristic bubbles.
The real secret of Champagne lies in the second fermentation, known as the Champenoise or Classic Method. The base wine is mixed with sugar and yeast and bottled. The yeasts consume the sugar and produce alcohol and carbon dioxide. Since the bottle is closed, the carbon dioxide cannot escape, creating the bubbles typical of Champagne.

After the second fermentation, the Champagne bottles are left to rest for a period that can vary from 15 months to several years. During this time, known as 'maturation on the lees', the wine acquires complexity and depth of flavour.
The process continues with the'remuage', during which the bottles are rotated and tilted to allow the yeasts to settle in the neck of the bottle. Then, during 'degorgement', the yeasts are removed and the wine is corked again with 'twine', the typical mushroom-shaped cork.
Finally, the dosage, or 'liqueur d'expédition', a mix of sugar and wine, is added to determine the final sweetness of the Champagne, which can vary from brut nature to doux.
Each step, executed with care and precision, contributes to the creation of a drink that enchants the senses and celebrates moments of joy and celebration.
But Champagne production does not stop there. Each producer has his own unique style, his own secret techniques, his own tricks of the trade!
Champagne production is an art that requires dedication, patience and mastery. Every step of the process, from growing the grapes to fermentation in the bottle, contributes to the creation of a unique wine associated with luxury and elegance throughout the world.

Characteristics of Champagne wine

The distinctive characteristics of Champagne, such as its lively and persistent bubbles, aromatic complexity and refined taste, are the result of centuries of tradition and innovation. Champagne artisans have perfected the Champenoise Method over time, refining their techniques to achieve a superior product.
Each Champagne house has its own unique style and identity. The master winemakers know how to get the most out of the selected grapes and how to guide the fermentation process to create extraordinary wines. The different grape varieties, together with their combination and dosage, give each bottle of Champagne its own special character.

Celebrate special moments with a glass of Champagne

Champagne is much more than just a sparkling wine. It is a symbol of elegance and joie de vivre. Its effervescent bubbles accompany special moments such as weddings, birthdays and anniversaries, bringing a festive sparkle to every sip.
So, let us raise our glasses and toast to this wonderful wine creation. May Champagne continue to delight us with its refinement and enchant palates the world over, always representing the highest example of oenological art and savoir-faire.