Champagne boasts unique elegance and overwhelming popularity.
There is probably no wine lover who has never heard of Champagne.
And many people must have actually drunk it.
However, not many people know much about the characteristics, lineup, and manufacturing methods of Champagne.
Also, beginners may not understand anything other than the name Champagne.
In this article, we will explain in detail the characteristics and lineup of Champagne.
What exactly is champagne? Difference from sparkling wine
| Production area | France, Champagne region |
| type | sparkling wine |
| price | 3,000 yen~1,000,000 yen or more |
| Main grape varieties | Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay |
When many people think of Champagne, they think of it as being expensive.
However, there are actually reasonably priced champagnes available, and you can enjoy them starting from around 3,000 yen.
On the other hand, there are also high-quality champagnes that live up to the image.
One of the most famous is the Champagne called "Armande Black".
It is an extremely high-quality wine that can cost anywhere from 500,000 yen to 1,000,000 yen per bottle, depending on where it is served.
There is a nightclub called ``Champagne Tower,'' and it can cost more than 1 million yen in total.
If it were to be done in Armando black, it would probably cost close to 5 million yen.
By the way, "champagne" and "sparkling wine" are sometimes confused, but this is incorrect.
There is a wine called ``Champagne'' in the ``sparkling wine'' genre.
And when you compare Champagne with other sparkling wines, you can clearly see the differences in manufacturing methods.
Basically, the process of making sparkling wine is simple.
- A method called ``Sharma'' that uses a special tank to ferment for a relatively short period of time.
- Injecting carbon dioxide into wine to make it sparkle
Most inexpensive sparkling wines are usually made with the latter.
The process for making cola and cider is not much different.
However, Champagne is a wine that can only be made using a special method called the ``Champagne method.''
As I will explain later, the Champagne method is a time-consuming process.
However, this Champagne method is the source of Champagne's charm.
taste of champagne
Speaking of Champagne, the appeal is of course the refreshing feeling that only sparkling wine can provide.
The bubbles that rise are fine-grained and give you the ultimate smoothness.
The scent exudes elegance and elegance, and will put you in a very rich mood.
It also has a clear citrus flavor and strong fruitiness.
It has a distinctly dry taste that will wake you up, and the overall flavor is firm.
No matter which way you look at it, there is no doubt that Champagne is of the highest quality.
However, the taste of Champagne varies depending on the brand.
At the extreme, "sweet" Champagne is also on the market.
It might be a good idea to try out different champagnes and find your favorite.
Champagne production area
Champagne is produced in the Champagne region of the same name.
Champagne is France's northernmost wine producing region.
It is also famous for its ``Cathedral''.
Considering the temperature, the Champagne region is an environment that is barely suitable for growing grapes.
However, this environment is essential for making Champagne.
By exposing the grapes to adverse conditions, they develop a bright acidity.
The soil in the Champagne region is special, containing a lot of cool limestone.
These special environments create the unique charm of Champagne.
By the way, only products made in the Champagne region are given the name ``Champagne.''
At the same time, there are strict standards in place for a wine to be called Champagne.
If the rules such as manufacturing method and grape variety are not followed, it will not be considered Champagne.
A special method for making champagne
Champagne is made using a special process that is different from other wines.
First, the only method allowed for harvesting grapes for Champagne is ``hand-picking''.
This policy is followed to ensure that the grapes are not harmed and harvested in perfect condition.
The harvested grapes are pressed and fermented in tanks and oak barrels.
Then try drinking the fermented grape juice to check it out.
From there, the taste is adjusted through a precise blend.
Once the best blend is determined, it is bottled.
In the case of Champagne, a process called "secondary fermentation in the bottle" is added next.
First of all, ``syrup'' was added to the wine to encourage fermentation.
The wine is then aged in the bottle for over 15 months.
By the way, "15 months" is not a guideline set by the manufacturer.
There is a law that states that Champagne must undergo secondary fermentation in the bottle for at least 15 months.
Furthermore, if it is to be called "vintage," it must be aged for over three years through secondary fermentation in the bottle.
In other words, it will be at least three years before the fruit juice bottled today will be in the spotlight on the market.
Even if you put it in a bottle and let it ferment, you won't be able to produce champagne if you leave it as is.
During the secondary fermentation in the bottle,
- lay down
- Keep rotating the bottle a little
- Adjust temperature to support successful fermentation
As you can see, we put a lot of effort into each step.
This process transforms the wine into a unique, silky, elegant sparkling wine.
To finish, add syrup and liqueur again.
By the way, this liqueur is said to be kept out of the public domain.
Not only does it take time to manufacture, but it also costs money.
In the first place, in order to issue secondary bottles, a place dedicated to Champagne is required for at least 15 months.
There is also the labor cost of paying the people who grow the champagne for 15 months.
Of course, the grapes used are also of the highest quality.
Grape cultivation also costs a lot of money.
The cost of making Mari Champagne is extremely high.
This luxurious manufacturing method is behind the high price of Champagne.
Difference between Champagne and Champagne
There is no difference in meaning between champagne and champagne.
Both refer to the same wine.
In Japan, it is sometimes pronounced as "champagne," but it has the same meaning.
Among the various champagnes, which one do you recommend?
Champagne has a long history and has many variations.
Some are extremely luxurious, like the Armando Black that I introduced at the beginning, while others are easy to try even for ordinary people.
However, there are many different brands of Champagne on the market today.
Many people may say, "I don't know which one to choose."
Below, we will introduce champagnes that will never fail.
Belle Epoque/Perrier-Jouët Luminous [2008]
| price | 24,950 yen |
| capacity | Buteuil (750ml) |
| Producer | Perrier-Jouët |
| variety | 100% Chardonnay |
Belle Époque is a wine that embodies strong fruit flavors and delicate flavors.
It has a gentle taste and is easy for beginners to enjoy.
The gorgeous scent reminiscent of Lindenbaum will make you feel special.
Champagne Baron de Rothschild/ Blanc de Blancs
| price | 8,200 yen |
| capacity | Buteuil (750ml) |
| Producer | Rothschild |
| variety | 100% Chardonnay |
This is a proud champagne that carries the name of the prestigious winery, the Rothschild family.
The fine sparkling continues to pop in your mouth, giving you a wonderful refreshing feeling.
A well-balanced blend of bright fruit and richness, it has a rich finish that is easy to drink.
The golden color is beautiful and the finish is pleasing to the eye.
Dishes that go well with Champagne
Champagne is said to go well with most dishes.
Normally, it would be paired with traditional red wine, but it can also be paired with beef.
Anyway, with Champagne, you don't have to choose a dish, and you always have the opportunity to invite it to the table.
From this background, there is even talk about the aesthetics of ``running the meal from beginning to end with champagne.''
However, there are many people who doubt that there is no way they will fit together.
If you are worried, there is no problem if you pair it with something that goes well with white wine.
For example,
- cheese
- olive
- Raw ham
- french fries
- pickles
- sandwich
- Salmon
etc. are recommended.
Any of the above will definitely be a great match.
If it's something elaborate, it might be a good idea to pair it with something like ``salmon meuniere'' or ``white gratin.''
summary
Everyone knows the name Champagne.
Champagne has a background of producing quality that exceeds imagination and sophisticated manufacturing methods to achieve it.
Champagne, which has characteristics that cannot be imitated by any other wine, continues to be admired by many wine lovers.
It doesn't have to be expensive, so try drinking champagne at least once.
