Champagne & Sparkling Wine

Champagne is the most popular sparkling wine. The Champagne Appellation has some of the strictest, most exacting standards for growing, producing and labeling of any area in all the wine world. Champagne and sparkling wines are made up of three varietals. Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir. Chardonnay contributes finesse and elegance, pinot noir, body and texture; and pinot meunier, fruitiness and earthiness. Virtually in every region a sparkling wine is produced.

The dryness of sparkling wine is measured on the level of sugar in the wine. Extra Brut=very very dry: 0 to 0.6% sugar. Brut=very dry: less than 1.5% sugar. Extra Dry=Off-dry: 1.2 to 2% sugar. Sec=lightly sweet: 1.7 TO 3.5% sugar. Demi-Sec= Sweet: 3.3 to 5% sugar. Doux=quite sweet: more than 5% sugar.