Champagne

This article is about the sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France. For other uses, see Champagne (disambiguation).

A glass of Champagne exhibiting the characteristic bubbles associated with the wine

Champagne (/ʃæmˈpeɪn/; French: [ʃɑ̃paɲ] ⓘ) is a sparkling wine originated and produced in the Champagne wine region of France under the rules of the appellation,[1] which demand specific vineyard practices, sourcing of grapes exclusively from designated places within it, specific grape-pressing methods and secondary fermentation of the wine in the bottle to cause carbonation.[2]

Vineyards in the Champagne region of France

The grapes Pinot noir, Pinot meunier, and Chardonnay are used to produce almost all Champagne, but small amounts of Pinot blanc, Pinot gris (called Fromenteau in Champagne), Arbane, and Petit Meslier are vinified as well.

Champagne became associated with royalty in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The leading manufacturers made efforts to associate their Champagnes with nobility and royalty through advertising and packaging, which led to its popularity among the emerging middle class.[1]

  1. ^ a b J. Robinson, ed. (2006). The Oxford Companion to Wine (Third ed.). Oxford University Press. pp. 150–153. ISBN 0-19-860990-6.
  2. ^ "Not all wines with bubbles are Champagne". Kentucky Courier-Journal. 13 December 2011.