Champagne

What is Champagne?

Champagne is probably the most famous sparkling wine producing region in the world. Champagne is in northern France. The main grapes used to make champagne are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Two of these grapes are red grapes: the Pinot Noir and the Pinot Meunier.

How is Champagne made?

Champagne is made by the normal fermentation of grape juice to make a still wine. That wine is then put in a bottle and a second fermentation is taken place in the bottle itself. So the second fermentation is what causes the carbon dioxide bubbles within the bottle, which is what makes the champagne have it's fizz.

What's the difference between Champagne and sparkling wine?

The difference between Champagne and sparkling wine is that Champagne has to come from that actual region in northern France. Champagne has to be made by the method where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle itself.

What is Cava?

Cava is Spanish sparkling wine. Most Cava, but not all, is grown and made in the Catalonia region in Northeastern Spain.

What is Prosecco?

Prosecco is the name of both a grape that is grown in North-eastern Italy and a sparkling wine that is made from that grape. Prosecco comes in a variety of styles, from dry to light to slightly off-dry, sweeter versions.

What sort of glass should Champagne be served in?

Champagne used to be served in a slightly flatter, saucer-shaped glass, but now is more traditionally served in the taller flute. This glass can retain the bubbles within the Champagne much better.