Champagne: world icon of elegance
Champagne is the most renowned and appreciated sparkling wine in the world.
The French region of Champagne is divided into five production areas: Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, Vallée de la Marne, Côte de Sézanne and Aube. Each area is dedicated to the cultivation of the different grapes used for production.
Pinot Noir is mainly cultivated in the Montagne de Reims area and south of the Côte de Bar. Chardonnay is cultivated in the Côte des Blancs and the Côte de Sézanne and Pinot Meunier in the area of the Montagne de Reims and the Vallée de la Marne.
The success and quality of this famous French icon depends both on the extraordinary terroir of the region and the production method. In addition, the centuries-old tradition and the quality of the grape varieties used for production must be taken into account.
What are the different types of Champagne?
The Champagne region is very complex from a geographical point of view. For this reason, defining the best Champagne is not an easy job. Also choosing a suitable one for an occasion is quite difficult.
First of all, it is important to know the different types. The taste varies depending on the type of grape used, the terroir, and the winemaking process.
They are divided in Blanc de Noirs and Blanc de Blancs. The grapes used for the production are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
Blanc de Noir are made from Pinot Noir or Petit Meunier grapes and are produced in the Reims mountain area in the heart of the region.
Pinot Noir-based Blanc de Noirs have a noble and powerful structure.
Petit Meunier-based Blanc de Noirs are produced in Tours-sur-Marne in the Marne Valley and are characterized by soft and seductive notes.
Instead, we recommend the Blanc de Blancs made by Chardonnay grapes, if you prefer delicate notes and an elegant structure.
Chardonnay grapes give aromas of bright fruitiness, lime-blossom, citrus and white flower. Pinot Meunier gives floral and fruity notes and a fresh strawberry aroma. Pinot Noir grapes give a complex flavour and body, with hints of peonies, violets, and cherry fruit.
Champagne should smell like freshly baked bread with a hint of croissant and wet limestone.
A high-quality Champagne has a velvety texture that can be described as peach, almond, citrus, cream and even toast.
The different levels of sweet are:
Brut Nature with 0-3g/l;
Extra Brut 0-6g/l;
Brut0-12g/l;
Extra Dry 12-17g/l;
Dry 17-32g/l;
Demi-Sec 32-50g/l;
Doux 50+g/l.
Whichever one you prefer, you will find many options on Vino.com.
How long does Champagne last?
An open Champagne lasts up to 3-5 days, depending on how you store it.
An uncorked Champagne can last up to 10 years, but it depends on different factors. A vintage one can last to 10 years, whereas a non-vintage one for 3 to 5 years. It mostly depends on how you store the bottle, if it is in optimal conditions it lasts longer.
The best way to store Champagne is in a cool, dark place away from heat, light and vibrations. The bottles should lay horizontally, because if the bottle is stored upright, the cork could dry out and let air into the bottle, causing oxidation. Recommended temperature is 10°C-13°C.
Why is Dom Pérignon Champagne so renowned?
Champagne Dom Pérignon is perhaps the most famous Champagne in the world. It is appreciated by all enthusiasts and it is a true symbol of elegance and originality.
The origin of the name is linked to the Benedictine abbot Dom Pierre Pérignon, who became cellarer of the abbey of Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers in 1668. The abbot had the brilliant intuition to make Champagne wine for the first time, he understood the importance of caring for the vineyards and production. 'Dom' was in fact the title reserved for Benedictine monks and ecclesiastics in general.
In 1936, in memory of Pierre Pérignon, the Maison Moët & Chandon decided to commemorate the prestige of this great experimenter by using reserve wines to create the first official Champagne Dom Pérignon.
The uniqueness of Dom Pérignon lies in the use of the best Pinot Noir (in a small percentage) and Chardonnay grapes and in the exclusion of Pinot Meunier. All Dom Pérignon Champagnes are vintage wines, i.e. made from grapes from the same vintage. The Champenoise Method is used to produce the Champagne and it involves a second fermentation in bottle.
The production of Dom Pérignon is of the highest quality. The main factors influencing its quality are the location of the vineyards and the care taken in cultivating the grapes. No less important is the production process and the long ageing on lees.
A fun fact is that in 1981, Dom Pérignon was chosen for the wedding of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles. The magnums of Dom Pérignon Vintage 1961, served on that July 29, carried a special insignia created just for the ceremony.
Buying Champagne online
Champagne is a prestigious, exclusive and elegant product. Today, thanks to e-commerce, you can enjoy the privilege of tasting a good bottle of Champagne at affordable prices.
Among our Champagnes you will find the most famous brands such as: Moët & Chandon Champagne, Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot and Laurent-Perrier Champagne. The elegant Mumm, Billecart-Salmon, Bollinger Champagne, Charles Heidsieck and Taittinger.
In addition, you will find Champagne Philipponnat, Bruno Paillard, Louis Roederer, Perrier-Jouët's 'Belle Époque' and the legendary 'Dom Pérignon'.
Discover the pleasure of buying a fine bottle of Champagne on Vino.com. For each label you will find which are the best pairings, so you can easily choose the perfect Champagne for every occasion.
Champagne AOC Brut Premier Cru Le Moymer Godart et Fils
The Champagne Brut Le Moymer of the Godart et Fils winery takes its name from the ancient name of Mont Aimé, today a wine site of great importance in the production of Chardonnay grapes. The company was founded in 1948 by the three brothers Paul, André and Jean. Paul, the elder brother, worked for Moët et Chandon for 23 years before founding his company, now run by his son Francois in collaboration with oenologist Laurie Marteau. The company is RM (Récoltant manipulant) and Vigneron Indépendant,...
View product pageChampagne Brut AOC Blanc de Noirs Aladiah Godart et Fils
Champagne Brut Aladiah is a Pinot Noir Blanc de Noir from the Godart et Fils winery, founded in 1948 by the three brothers Paul, André and Jean. Paul, the elder brother, worked for Moët et Chandon for 23 years before founding his company, now run by his son Francois in collaboration with oenologist Laurie Marteau. The company is RM (Récoltant manipulant) and Vigneron Indépendant, that is, it is the winegrower who produces and markets Champagne with his own label, starting from grapes coming excl...
View product pageChampagne Brut Zero AOC Cuvée Pierre Godart et Fils
Champagne Cuvée Pierre is a zero-dosage sparkling wine produced by the Godart et Fils winery, founded in 1948 by the three brothers Paul, André and Jean. Paul, the elder brother, worked for Moët et Chandon for 23 years before founding his company, now run by his son Francois in collaboration with oenologist Laurie Marteau. The company is RM (Récoltant manipulant) and Vigneron Indépendant, acronyms that we also find on the label, that is, the winemaker who produces and markets Champagne with his ...
View product pageChampagne Brut AOC Les Barbettes Grande Réserve Grand Cru Jean Milan
Champagne Grande Réserve is a Blanc de Blancs produced by the Milan family business, which has been producing wine in the region for more than 150 years. The winery is located in Oger, between Avize and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs and is a Négociant Manipulant winery.
Produced exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, this Champagne ages 72 months on the lees.
In the glass the wine has a golden yellow colour, with a fine and persistent perlage. The nose reveals aromas of yell...
View product pageChampagne AOC Cuvée Spéciale Marquis de Pomereuil
The Champagne Brut Cuvée Spéciale by Marquis de Pomereuil was born in the unique terroir of Les Riceys, located in the Côte des Bar, in the south of Champagne. La Côte des Bar is considered the kingdom of Pinot Noir and has a particularly favorable climatic situation. The Champagne Marquis de Pomereuil was born from a cooperative founded in 1922, when 14 winemakers from Les Riceys joined together to produce wine. Today the cooperative manages 95 hectares of vineyards in an area known for its pre...
View product pageChampagne AOC Brut Coeur des Bar Blanc de Noirs Devaux
The Coeur des Bar champagne of the Maison Devaux was born from the Pinot Noir of the Côte des Bar. The Maison was owned by the Devaux family from 1846 to 1987, and was then acquired by Groupe Vinicole Champagne Devaux. The group has established a partnership with more than 100 winemakers and has developed a sustainable approach to viticulture in recent years.
The Coeur des Bar comes from a selection of plots in the vineyards of the Côte des Bar. The vinification of the Pinot Noir grapes of this B...
View product pageChampagne AOC Brut Ludes Premier Cru Cuvée Origine Doré
Champagne Cuvée Origine is produced by Maison Doré, whose history begins in 1928. The maison is located in the village of Lude, a Premier Cru of the Reims mountain and manages 4 hectares of vineyards.
The champagne is made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, which, once vinified, are sparkling with the champenoise method. The wine then ages on the lees for 48 months.
Golden yellow in colour, the wine is presented in the glass with a fine and persistent perlage. It opens to the no...
View product pageChampagne AOC Brut Réserve André Fays
The Champagne Brut Réserve is produced by the Maison André Fays, located in the village of Celles-sur-Ource, in the Côte des Bar. The vineyards extend for 5 hectares in the Ource valley, on clayey and calcareous soils.
The champagne is produced with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes in equal measure, which, once vinified, are sparkling with the champenoise method. The wine then ages on the lees for 48 months.
Straw yellow in colour, the wine is presented in the glass with a fine and persistent perl...
View product pageChampagne AOC Extra Brut Énticelles Pinot Blanc André Fays
The Champagne Extra Brut Énticelles is produced by the Maison André Fays, located in the village of Celles-sur-Ource, in the Côte des Bar. The vineyards extend for 5 hectares in the Ource valley, on clayey and calcareous soils.
The champagne is produced exclusively with Pinot Bianco grapes which, once vinified, are sparkling with the champenoise method. The wine then ages on the lees for 48 months.
Straw yellow in colour, the wine is presented in the glass with a fine and persistent perlage. It op...
View product pageChampagne AOC Brut Héritage Brice
Champagne Héritage is produced by Maison Brice, which has been producing champagne for 12 generations in the Bouzy area, one of the most important Grand Crus of the Reims mountain. Today the maison is managed by Remi and Jean-René Brice.
The champagne is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, which, once vinified, are sparkling with the champenoise method. The wine then ages on the lees for 36 months.
Straw yellow in colour, the wine is presented in the glass with a fine and persistent perla...
View product pageChampagne AOC Extra Brut Grand Cru Bouzy Blanc de Noirs Brice
Champagne Bouzy Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs is produced by Maison Brice, which for 12 generations has been producing champagne in the Bouzy area, one of the most important Grand Crus of the Reims mountain. Today the maison is managed by Remi and Jean-René Brice.
Champagne is composed exclusively of Pinot Noir, which, once vinified, are sparkling with the champenoise method. The wine then ages on the lees for 48 months.
Straw yellow in colour, the wine is presented in the glass with a fine and persist...
View product pageChampagne AOC Grand Cru Extra Brut La Grâce d'Alphaël Philippe Glavier
Champagne La Grâce d'Alphaël is a Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut produced by the Maison Philippe Gravier. Philippe, together with his wife Véronique, manages 4.5 hectares of vineyards in the village of Cramant.
Champagne is produced exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, which, once vinified, are sparkling with the champenoise method. The wine then ages on the lees for 21 months. The sip is fresh and lively, with a good persistence.
Straw yellow in colour, the wine is presented in the glass wit...
View product pageChampagne AOC Grand Cru Brut Nature La Grâce d'Alphaël Philippe Glavier
Champagne La Grâce d'Alphaël Nature is a Grand Cru from Maison Philippe Gravier. Philippe, together with his wife Véronique, manages 4.5 hectares of vineyards in the village of Cramant.
Champagne is produced exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, which, once vinified, are sparkling with the champenoise method. The wine then ages on the lees for 21 months.
Brilliant straw yellow in colour, the wine is presented in the glass with a fine and persistent perlage. It opens to the nose with a bouquet of whi...
View product pageChampagne AOC Extra Brut La Grâce d'Hakamiah Philippe Glavier
Champagne La Grâce d'Hakamiah is a Grand Cru produced by the Maison Philippe Gravier. Philippe, together with his wife Véronique, manages 4.5 hectares of vineyards in the village of Cramant.
Champagne is produced exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, which, once vinified, are sparkling with the champenoise method. The wine then ages on the lees for 57 months. The sip is structured, creamy and with a long persistence.
Straw yellow in color with golden reflections, the wine is presented in the glass w...
View product pageChampagne AOC Bouzy Grand Cru Brut Tradition Original 60/40 Delavenne
The Champagne Brut Tradition Grand Cru Original 60/40 is produced by Maison Delavenne, Récoltant Manipulant in Bouzy, one of the 17 Grand Crus of Champagne, in the Côte Noire.
Champagne is made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes in a 60/40 ratio. After the vinification in steel with indigenous yeasts and without malolactic fermentation, the sparkling process takes place according to the Champenoise method. The aging on the lees is at least 3 years.
It is characterized by a golden yellow color a...
View product pageChampagne AOC Bouzy Grand Cru Réserve Brut Dom Basle Delavenne
The Champagne Grand Cru Brut Réserve Dom Basle is produced by Maison Delavenne, Récoltant Manipulant in Bouzy, one of the 17 Grand Crus of Champagne, in the Côte Noire. The name of the Champagne is a tribute to one of the characters of Champagne and the Reims Mountain, Dom Basle.
Champagne is made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. After the vinification in steel with indigenous yeasts and without malolactic fermentation, the sparkling process takes place according to the Champenoise method. ...
View product pageChampagne AOC Brut Chouilly Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Coste Beert Pierre Legras
Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Coste Beert is produced by Maison Pierre Legras, whose foundation dates back to 1600. Pierre Legras is a contemporary of Henry XIV and Dom Pérignon. For 11 generations, the maison has been producing high quality Champagne in Chouilly, one of the 17 Grand Crus of Champagne, in the Côte des Blancs.
Champagne is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. After the vinification, the sparkling process takes place according to the Champenoise method, with an aging on the lees for ...
View product pageChampagne AOC Grand Cru Brut Nuance Secondé-Simon
Champagne Grand Cru Brut Nuance is produced by Maison Secondé-Simon. The maison is located in Ambonnay, in the Montagne de Reims and manages 6 hectares of vineyards.
Champagne is made exclusively from Pinot Noir. A reserve wine made from barriques arranged according to the Solera method is added. After being vinified, the wine is made into sparkling wine according to the Champenoise method, with aging on the lees for 3 years.
Straw yellow in color and with a fine and persistent perlage. The nose r...
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