A bottle of luxurious champagne can make any occasion that much more memorable and extraordinary. Whether you are celebrating an important milestone in your life or simply treating yourself to a delicious drink, knowing how to choose the perfect bottle will make all the difference. Here’s everything you need to know:
Sweetness levels matter
Different types of champagne have different sweetness levels, which also defines their style and taste. They can range anywhere from the bone-dry Brut Nature with zero added sugar, to the sweet Doux, which has over 50 grams of sugar per litre.
Most people tend to enjoy a well-balanced level of sweetness, such as the Brut champagne, with up to 12 grams of sugar per litre. However, it’s a highly personal choice, so go for something that makes your taste buds dance with joy!
Grape varieties and characteristics
Next, the variety of grapes a bottle is made from will introduce different characteristics to your champagne. The three most distinct varieties include Chardonnay, which brings citrus notes and elegance, Pinot Noir, providing unique body and character, and Pinot Meunier, which introduces some fruit flavours and overall roundness.
The grapes and their blends will vary from bottle to bottle. If you are not sure about your preferences, go for something that has a well-balanced blend. For instance, a bottle of champagne Taittinger Brut Réserve has a signature light, elegant style, with delicate fruit notes, and a fresh finish. This champagne blends 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
Champagne styles
In addition to the grape varieties, it is important to get familiar with the different styles of champagne. Here are the key terms you should know:
Vintage vs non-vintage
Vintage champagnes are made from a single year’s harvest, aiming to reflect the unique character of that specific year of harvest. Non-vintage champagne, on the other hand, blend wines from different years, which is great for maintaining a consistent style and taste.
Blanc de Blancs
The term Blanc de Blancs means that a champagne is made only from Chardonnay grapes. Expect pure, bright, and crisp flavours from this style, which work perfectly as apéritifs.
Blanc de Noirs
Blanc de Noirs represents the opposite – champagne made from black grapes only, such as Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. These bottles tend to provide a fuller body and deeper, richer flavours.
Quality indicators
The way a champagne is produced will make a huge impact on its quality. The leading producers will ensure that the harvest timing for grapes is spot-on, meaning they reached the perfect level of ripeness while maintaining their natural acidity. The right balance is essential to make a champagne that’s both fresh and complex in flavours.
Additionally, the ageing process for champagnes is equally important. The minimum required time of ageing is 15 months, however, most premium champagnes are aged for longer than that. In fact, many producers age their wines for 3–5 years or more.
To maintain the quality of your champagne, always make sure to keep it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Your bottle should be served at temperatures between 8-10°C to fully enjoy its unique character and aromas.
Final thoughts
Champagne can range from everyday sparklers to rare, prestige bottles. But, at the end of the day, your choice will depend on your own personal preferences and budget.
