what is champagne?

Answer 1

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Champagne is a wine-producing region in the far north of France, near Paris, where the signature sparkling white wine is produced. Though the term champagne is sometimes used as a generic description of sparkling white wines in the style of the wines of Champagne, this is an incorrect usage, and the term sparkling white should be used instead. To produce the bubbles in Champagne, a technique referred to as the methode traditionnelle or traditional method is used. In this method, the base wine which will become Champagne is bottled with a small amount of yeast and sugar to trigger a second stage of fermentation in the wine. This fermentation gives off some gas within the bottle, which acts as carbonation.

Since this process leaves a bit of sediment in the bottle, and Champagne is traditionally a clear wine, the sediment is shaken into the neck of the bottle, frozen, and removed in a lump. This extra bit is then replaced with a bit of wine, and often some sugar – collectively known as the dosage. Champagne is made drier by not adding sugar during this process, in which case it is labeled extra Brut.

Champagne is produced as a blend between the Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes. The amount of each of these grapes differs from shipper to shipper, and some Champagne – such as blanc de blancs or blanc de noir – uses only Chardonnay grapes or only Pinot Noir grapes. There are three primary levels of quality within any given Champagne shipper. Non-vintage Champagne uses grapes blended from a number of years, vintage Champagne uses all grapes from one specific year, and prestige cuvée Champagne uses all grapes from one specific year, from the first pressing, and has aged for a longer period of time. Not every year produces either vintage or prestige varieties, though recently about one-in-three years have done so.

Champagne is designed be drunk upon purchase, and in nearly all cases is not meant to be collectible. A non-vintage Champagne will begin losing quality within only three or four years, while prestige Champagnes may last up to fifteen years without degrading. Champagne is normally drunk from either a flute or tulip glass, both of which are skinny and tall. This shape allows the scents of the Champagne to reach their full potential, and helps the bubbles last for longer than in flatter, larger-bowled glasses.

The bubbles in Champagne offer a wonderful opportunity to evaluate the wine by sight. A good Champagne should have the tiniest bubbles possible, and they should last for longer than seems possible. Sparkling wines from other parts of the world – especially those which artificially add carbonation or use tank methods to create bubbling – have much larger bubbles, and the wine will go flat much more quickly than true Champagne.

Champagne can range in texture and style greatly, depending on the mix of grapes used, the dosage of the Champagne, and the shipper who produced it. There are extremely light Champagnes, such as those produced by Lanson, and Champagnes which are as full as one could wish for, most notably those of Krug and Bollinger. There are over a hundred different producers of Champagne in France, and each produces its own unique style of wine, ensuring that for nearly any occasion or dish, there is an ideal match.

Answer 2

Champagne is a sparkling wine produced by inducing the in-bottle secondary fermentation of wine to affect carbonation. It is named after the Champagne region of France. While the term "champagne" is often used by makers of sparkling wine in other parts of the world (and is commonly used by the general public as a generic term for sparkling wine), many wine enthusiasts maintain it should only be used to refer only to the wines made in the Champagne region. When used to refer specifically to wines produced in Champagne, the word may (or may not) be capitalized; when used as a generic term for sparkling wine (or in reference to the color champagne) it is always spelled in lower case.

Answer 3

Champagne is a sparkling wine produced by inducing the secondary fermentation of wine. It is a sparkling wine named after the Champagne region of France. ...

I'd better get 10 points for this!

Answer 4

Originally from that region in France. Monks making wine messed up and Champagne was the result

Answer 5

Learn the difference between the main types of sparkling wine

Sparkling wine means for most of us champagne. Learn to tell the difference between sparkling wines and to appreciate each one.

Champagne

Although he became an eponym (brand name became a common noun), champagne is a sparkling wine made ​​only in the Champagne region of France using the grape varieties of the region: chardonnay (white) and pinot noir (black). It is a rich and complex drink with an intense effervescence, prepared by traditional Champenoise method (the second fermentation occurs in the bottle, so a good champagne must have at least 3 years).

The most famous champagnes are Moet and Dom Perignon, last one being considered the caviar of beverages. Drinked on special occasions, parties and always at New Year’s Eve.
Prosecco
Prosecco is a sparkling white wine, dry or extra dry, made in Veneto, Italy, about 50 km from Venice. It is made from Glera grapes (also called Prosecco). Unlike Champagne, however, (which is the main competitor), the prosecco has different preparation method – the second fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks (Charmat method), which is more affordable. It is appreciated for its fruity flavors.
Prosecco has increased in popularity in recent years. In Italy, wine is consumed with every opportunity and outside Italy, is consumed as an aperitif.
Cava
Cava is a sparkling wine from Spain, produced mostly in Catalonia. It can be white and rose. It is made from several grape varieties: macabeu, xarel-lo and Parellada. In the past, the cava was called “Spanish champagne” but now it can’t because of European Legislation.
Cava sparkling wine has a great significance for Spanish and Catalan, is associated with special events such as baptisms, weddings, banquets, dinners and parties.

If you do not like so much sparkling wines, try a lighter version of them – Frizzante.

Frizzante wines from Italy, the regions of Emilia-Romagna and Piemonte. In Spain, it is called Vino de Aguja, Petilla in France and in Germany Perlwein. Frizzante wines are effervescent low enough to give a touch of freshness to the drink. Lambrusco frizzante wine is the most popular and comes from Emilia-Romagna, Gavi is the most expensive Italian export wine, while the Moscato d’Asti Piemonte comes with a frizzante wine ideal for desserts.
Frizzante wines, unlike the sparkling wines can be consumed at any time of year even without a special occasion.

Answer 6

champagne is sparkling wine made in the champagne region of france according to the traditional champagne method.

Answer 7

you're obviously too young to know.

just imagine carbonated wine, thats champagne

Answer 8

An alcoholic beverage. Sort of like a sparkling wine. Quite tasty, as well :)