A Guide to the Different Types of Champagne
Sipping a glass of sparkling wine is one of life’s simple pleasures and is a great way to mark special occasions. In this post, we’ll go over the different types of Champagne to give you an idea of which options are worth trying. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including the differences between the styles of Champagne, the tasting notes of each, and what type of occasion each type is best suited for. So whether you’re looking for a bottle to bring to a dinner party or something special to toast on a special occasion, we’ve got you covered!
Sparkling Wine vs. Champagne
While sparkling wines and Champagnes are very similar, two main characteristics set them apart. First, Champagne must come from the region of France that the beverage is named after. Second, in addition to various grapes, Champagne also includes yeast and sugar, which makes it bubbly and effervescent.
Types of Champagne
Wine experts have divided champagnes into four categories: non-vintage, vintage, rosé, and prestige. Each type differs based on flavor profile, production process, and more. Let’s take a closer look at each type.
Non-Vintage Champagne
As the name implies, non-vintage (or NV for short) Champagnes are made from grapes grown over multiple years. This type tends to be more balanced, with a blend of younger wines blended with older wines from different vintages providing a consistent flavor profile year after year. The result is an elegant yet crystal-clear flavor that lingers in your mouth long after your first sip. Stemless champagne flutes enhance this tasting experience by allowing you to enjoy every drop of non-vintage Champagne without being distracted by the stemware.
Winemakers create non-vintage wines by blending subtle differences in different vintages until they achieve their desired flavor profile. While the process is complex and intensely laborious, the result is worth it as non-vintage wines give diehard connoisseurs something they can count on always tasting the same regardless of the vintage year.
Some popular examples of non-vintage champagnes include Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut NV, Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Brut NV, and Gosset Grand Rosé Brut NV. All three offer unique flavor profiles but maintain a classic taste that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday celebrations!
Vintage Champagne
Unlike non-vintage wines which use grapes from multiple vintages, vintage Champagnes are produced solely with grapes from one particular harvest year — hence its other name, single harvest wine. This rarity makes vintage wines highly sought after by connoisseurs who understand their complex flavor notes, with some even likening them to fine art!
Winemakers must carefully evaluate each vintage year before deciding which grapes will make the final cut for their single-harvest product. Due to this laborious effort in production, vintage wines tend to be pricier than their non-vintage counterparts. Still, they are well worth it thanks to their exquisite taste and flavors!
Some popular examples of vintage wines include Krug Grande Cuvée 160th Edition Brut Vintage 2002 (which is especially sought after due to its rarity), Bollinger La Grande Année Brut Vintage 2008 (which has aromas of ripe apricots and white peaches), and Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut 2004 (which has a full body and exotic aromatics). No matter which one you choose, you can expect an unparalleled experience full of finesse!
Rosé Champagne
Rosé Champagne combines the lightness of white wine with the body and complexity of red wine but tends to have lower alcohol content than its siblings — making it perfect for sipping during warmer summer days! Rosés may also be blended with still or sparkling red wine, depending on the producer’s preference, so this type is more unique than others.
Rosé production requires winemakers to blend just 5-15% of red wine with any base wine they choose — usually white or non-vintage — which provides the dusky pink hue renowned by many lovers of this sweet concoction! To provide depth to its aroma and taste profile, winemakers add other ingredients, such as oak chips or liqueurs. At the same time, aging occurs before bottling, so all flavors can meld together properly over time.
Some popular examples of rosé Champagne include Perrier Jouët Blason Réserve Rosé (which has notes of raspberry and blackberry), Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Rosȇ (which offers subtle hints of citrus fruits like mandarin orange or grapefruit), or Veuve Clicquot Rich Rosȇ (which contains notes of wild strawberries as well as hints of lychee). No matter which type you choose, pour it into elegant stemless champagne flutes for optimal tasting!
Prestige Champagne
Prestige Champagne is made exclusively from grapes sourced from France’s top vineyards — all within designated climates known for producing the highest quality fruit available on the market today. As such, these products tend to be expensive, with many bottles costing hundreds if not thousands of dollars depending on the producer chosen and limited edition releases.
Prestige Champagne is a type of high-quality and rare Champagne that requires a meticulous process to create it. Winemakers must select grapes from specific vineyards and ferment them separately. Once the perfect blend is achieved, the Champagne is aged in bottles for two years before being sold.
Examples of prestige Champagne wines include Krug Clos d’Ambonnay Monopole 1996, which is extremely rare, with only 1,500 bottles available in total. Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Millesimé 2004 uses only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Roser Duval Lepage Grand Cru Brut 2002 is an exquisite blend of Pinot Meniere and Chardonnay, providing delicate floral nuances in its nose. Finally, Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill Brut Millesime 2004 is produced from 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay and has elegant sparkling bubbles that look great when poured into a stemless champagne flute. These wines provide an unparalleled experience full of finesse and complexity and are highly sought-after collector’s items.
Conclusion
Champagne is a luxurious drink that evokes a sense of occasion and celebration. So whether you’re looking for something special to toast on a special occasion or just a bottle to bring to a dinner party, this guide will help you make the perfect pick. From non-vintage to prestige Champagnes, there’s something for everyone — and each type offers a unique flavor and tasting experience. So why not take this guide with you next time you shop for some bubbly and find the perfect bottle? With the right knowledge and a few tips, you’ll be able to find the perfect Champagne for any occasion. Cheers!