Champagne is a type of sparkling wine, which has derived from the Champagne region in France. Only sparkling wine made in this region is legally allowed to be called Champagne due to the fact that France holds strict rules on the way that it is made. To make true Champagne, a special process known as 'méthod champenoise' is used which is the traditional French method for creating bubbles in the wine. Even if this process is used in other parts of the world, their produce should still be referred to as sparkling wine rather than champagne.
There are several different types of champagne and they can be categorised in many different ways however there are six basic types.
Brut is the driest of all the champagnes and is theoretically never sweetened. Top brands such as Moet et Chandon and Bollinger all have their own varieties of Brut champagne and this is probably the champagne you are used to drinking as it is the most popular type. This is also the most widely used champagne gift and is often given to celebrate important occasions such as a wedding or special birthday. Extra Dry champagne is the next one up on the scale of sweetness. This type of champagne is slightly sweeter than Brut and therefore not as dry.
Sec champagne is classified as slightly sweet champagne and is made using grapes from different vines. Demi-Sec is slightly sweeter than Sec and the sweetest champagne available is known as Doux champagne. This type is not as popular and therefore may be harder to find.
In more recent years, the popularity of rosé champagne has significantly increased due to its sweet and fruity taste. Rosé champagne is made using grapes from pinot noir or chardonnay grapes. Some champagne producers will simply add a touch of pinot noir to the champagne in order to give it the taste and body required.
All of these types can also be classified under two headings, Vintage and Non-vintage. Vintage champagne is produced using a grapes harvested from one single year when the producer feels the grapes are particularly good. The Vintage champagne must be created using at least 80% of the years harvested grapes and must be aged for three years before being released. This can make the champagne very expensive if it was produced many years ago. Non-vintage champagne is far more widely available as it is created using grapes harvested from a number of different years.
Champagne is often used to celebrate or mark a special occasion. It also makes a brilliant gift for someone who is celebrating something. Champagne gifts come in a number of different varieties from boxed champagne to champagne hampers. Personalised champagne is also a great way to add that special touch through a personalised message bottle label.