Champagne Wine Making

Champagne wine, as we know it today, was created by a monk called Dom Perignon during the 17th century. He managed to understand the typical fermentation, mix the grape varieties, invent the cork and add sugar which dissolve the carbonic gas in the wine.

Summer and fall are quite sunny. The grapes in Champagne benefit from a lot of light. The soil made of chalk reflects the sunlight into the the grapes.

The chalky soil is ideal for Champagne wine. It absorbs water during winter and gives it back to the vine's roots during summer. The other way around, it absorbs heat during summer to give it back during winter.

The soil of Champagne is very famous for the cellars winemakers have built. They are about 200 kilometers of cellars dig in the chalk soil. They use these cellars to store the bottles at the perfect temperature and humidity level.

Winemakers use 3 types of grape to produce Champagne. Chardonnay is a white grape. Chardonnay is the typical grape used in great Burgundy white wines. Pinot Noir is a red grape traditionally used in Burgundy to make their famous red wines. Pinot Meunier is a red grape mostly used in Champagne. Pinot Meunier gives a less delicate wine and is mostly used to make second grade Champagne.

- Chardonnay provides freshness and elegance

- Pinot Meunier brings fruitiness and aromas

- Pinot Noir gives body and structure

The three main areas in Champagne are:

- Montagne de Reims: south of Reims city, where the best Pinot Noir grow

- Cote des Blancs: south of Epernay city, where the best Chardonnay grow

- Vallée de la Marne: west of Epernay city, where the best Pinot Meunier grow

It is one of the main reason why winemakers blend grapes from these 3 different terroirs to come up with the best grape juices.

More:

Champagne wine making process

Other types of Champagne: Blanc de blancs, Blanc de noir and rosé Champagne

Some winemakers keep the tradition of making traditional wines in Champagne.

Champagne wine making information:
 

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