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Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier)
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Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier) is a sparkling wine style known for brioche, green apple, citrus. Its best-known homes are Champagne, England.
Origin and history
The Champagne region east of Paris; the traditional method of a second fermentation in the bottle was refined there in the 1700s and 1800s.
Where it grows
Montagne de Reims (Pinot Noir), Côte des Blancs (Chardonnay), Vallée de la Marne (Meunier) and the Côte des Bar.
Structure
Light to medium body, high acidity and fine, persistent bubbles.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: green apple, lemon and white flowers. Time on the lees adds brioche, toast and almond; old Champagne shows honey, nuts and mushroom.
Ageing
Non-vintage must spend at least 15 months in the cellar and vintage at least 3 years; the best vintages age 20 years or more.
Also known as
Blanc de Blancs (Chardonnay only), Blanc de Noirs (black grapes only).
Good to know
Sweetness levels run from Brut Nature (driest) through Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry and Sec to Doux.
Wine regions for Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier)
Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier) wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial
Champagne · Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier)
Bright and easy: green apple, citrus and a little brioche.
Food: Canapés, fried snacks
Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut
Champagne · Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier)
Full and toasty: baked apple, walnut and brioche from Pinot Noir and oak.
Food: Roast chicken, aged cheese
Krug Grande Cuvée
Champagne · Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier)
A blend of many years: hazelnut, honey, citrus and fine, lasting bubbles.
Food: Lobster, Parmesan
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut
Champagne · Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier)
Pinot-led and full: apple, brioche, vanilla and a creamy mousse.
Food: Oysters, fried chicken, canapés
Similar styles
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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