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Brut: dry, less than 1.5% sugar
Extra Sec: extra dry, 1.2 to 2% sugar
Sec: medium sweet, 1.7 to 3.5% sugar
Demi-Sec: sweet, 3.3 to 5% sugar (dessert champagne)
Doux: very sweet, over 5% sugar (dessert champagne)
The Grapes
The process of Champagne making begins with the grapes. To be
in
accordance with
the Champagne
cultiva-
tion regulations, only three grape varieties are allowed in the
production of Champagne.
Pinot Noir. A black grape variety with white juice grown mainly
on the slopes of the Mountain of Reims and Cote des Bar. It
gives Champagnes their aromas of red fruits, as well as their
strength and body.
Pinot Meunier. Another black grape variety with white juice. It
is grown mainly in the Valley of Marne and is characterized by
its suppleness and spiciness. It gives Champagnes their round-
ness and fragrance.
Chardonnay. A white grape variety mostly planted in the Cote
des Blancs. It provides the wines with their finesse as well as
their floral aromas, and sometimes mineral overtones.
AVariety of Styles
One of the beauties of Champagne is the remarkable diversity of
styles that come from such a small corner of the world.
Blanc de blancs is a Champagne produced from 100% Chardon-
nay grapes. Blanc de blancs have become very popular as an
apéritif due to its light, dry taste. They are also ideal for light
first courses including seafood and soups.
Blanc de noirs is a Champagne made from 100% pinot noir and/
or pinot meunier grapes. Typically, these wines are full-bodied
and deeper yellow-gold in color. It is ideal for full-flavored
foods, including meats and cheeses.
Pink or rosé Champagne accounts for less than 5% of Cham-
pagne produced. Rosé Champagne is made through one of two
methods. The first method involves adding a small amount of
red still wine from Champagne to the original blend. The second
method involves exposing the must to the skins of the red grapes
when pressing.
Non-Vintage or “NV” Champagne makes up 85 to 90% of all
Champagne produced. Each is composed of several different
years and different crus as well as different vin-
tages, rather than from