World Champagne Day: useful tips on how to choose good champagne

World champagne day

Champagne is, at first glance, a frivolous and light drink. Nevertheless, it was he who became a symbol of any successful beginning.

On the fourth Friday of October, the planet celebrates Global Champagne Day. For this holiday, Radio Maximum has prepared useful tips on how to choose good champagne.

Although the year of birth of sparkling wine is considered to be 1668, the technology of its production was invented only in 1718. Another 10 years later, the first factory that produced and sold champagne was founded. By the beginning of the 20th century, champagne had gained popularity all over the planet.

Champagne is made according to classical technology, but with certain regional differences. Also confusing is the variety of terms on the label.

How to choose a good champagne?

1. Indicators of sugar in the composition

The concentration of residual sugar is always indicated on the label. The classification is different from the wine classification, because at the last stage of champagne production, circulation (expedition) liquor is poured into the bottle. It contains a mixture of sugar and yeast aimed at triggering re-fermentation. The class depends on the sugar concentration:

• Brut Nature – 0–3 g/l;
• Extra Brut – 3–6 g/l;
• Brut – 7–12 g/l;
• Extra Dry – 13–17 g/l;
• Dry – 18–32 g/l;
• Demi Sec – 33–50 g/l;
• Doux – from 50 g/l.

2. Classification by styles

Champagne is made from three main grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier. Also used are Arban, Pinot Blanc, Petite Mellieux, Pinot Gris. Not only the color at the output depends on their combination, but also the dominant taste-aromatic composition. Stand out:

1. Blan de Blanc. Contains 100% Chardonnay grapes. The fruity taste is complemented by a slight acidity that resembles an apple or lemon.
2. Blanc de Noir. Since a combination of red varieties Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier is used, a raspberry-cherry plume develops.
3. Rose. The first products of this type were presented by the Veuve Clicquot brand. Blanc de Blanc champagne is usually mixed with a small amount of red grapes. The base wine has a balanced fruit profile complemented by strawberry and raspberry nuances.

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3. Effect of aging time

Aging champagne on lees develops its signature bread-caramel and nutty accents. If the product is aged for less than 15 months, it is called non-vintage. This group has been singled out so that producers produce a quality product year after year, regardless of the quality of the harvest.

Vintage Champagne aged for at least three years. Special events are often dedicated to mono-vintage products, which are considered collectible. Vintage champagne has a recognizable creamy yeasty finish.

Champagne

Useful tips to pay attention to:

1. The inscription on the bottle.Should be “wine”, not “wine drink”. For example, Fragolino, Fratelli, Asti are low-alcohol wine drinks. It's like the BeerMix of the wine world, adding sweeteners, flavorings, sugar, and fruit juices. Also avoid the label “sparkling wines”, which are artificially enriched with CO2. Instead, the inscription “champagne”, “Cava” or “Franciacorta” are signs of quality. These words are not used on bottles of ordinary sparkling wine.

2. Country of manufacture. Sparkling wines and wine drinks can be produced in any country. For example, Fragolino is even in India. However, if a bottle of Prosecco, Cava or champagne says “made in Ukraine” – it is counterfeit. After all, they are produced only in certain countries: Prosecco – in Italy, Cava – in Spain, and champagne – in France.

3. Grape varieties. Each wine-producing country has its own regulated varieties for sparkling wines. They are often combined. But, for example, Prosecco is made only from Glera grapes.

4. Price. Prosecco and Cava can cost from UAH 250, Cremant – from UAH 400, Franciacorta – from UAH 500, and champagne – at least UAH 1,000.

5 . Cork. Sparklers are only corked, not covered with a lid. Because it cannot contain the pressure inside the bottle. On the other hand, the packaging design has nothing to do with the quality of the drink.

Champagne