Champagne is a mix of grapes and a mix of years – within the case of non-vintage champagne. It’s the talent of the wine-maker within the artwork of mixing which ensures yr on yr consistency of this most fantastic product, regardless of the vagaries of the climate – and thus harvest and yield. It’s the distinctive means to mix (grapes and years) that permits creation of a home type yr after yr, when the uncooked product could be so very totally different.
Solely three principal styles of grape are grown within the Champagne area of France (which is the managed manufacturing space) and thus solely a mix of those grapes could also be used within the manufacturing of wines from the Champagne area. Champagne could be made in any mixture of the three major grape varieties, with Blanc de Noirs being black grapes solely and Blanc de Blancs utilizing solely the chardonnay.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is infamous for being probably the most tough grape to develop and really delicate to rot and illness. This grape offers spine and construction to a champagne.
Pinot Meunier
Meunier is French for “Miller” and the grape derives its identify from the distinctive downy leaves, which make it appear to be the vines have been sprinkled with flour. A very fashionable grape and simpler to develop than Pinot Noir, however not as long-lasting.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is arguably the best white wine grape on this planet and the dearest of the three. It imparts finesse and class to the wine. Champagne is at present probably the most northern area the place chardonnay could be efficiently grown.
