Like wine, champagne is made from grapes; growers in the Champagne region (known as the Champenois) specifically use the Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes.





Influence of the elements




The region, in the north-east of France, actually does not enjoy the sort of sunny weather one associates with a wine growing region.


Of the 321 villages in Champagne only 17 are granted the Grand Cru title, which indicates that the grapes grown there are of the finest quality. 

“Champagne is very much the northern limit for growing grapes,” Paillard said. “Sometimes we have snow and we must be careful that winter temperatures do not kill the vineyard. The soil of our region is also very poor, like chalk. So the great paradox is that this combination of poor climate and poor soil gives you great Champagne. This is one reason why the sparkling wines of other countries cannot quite duplicate our Champagne even if they follow the same technical procedures. The climate makes a huge difference, and you can pronounce a vintage only one year out of every three or four.” 

 

When champagne is not Champagne 

While names like Dom Perignon and Pol Roger can pretty much be taken at face value, not every bubbly drink in a Champagne glass is, in fact, genuine Champagne(...)



By MARTIN VENGADESAN




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