Champagne is a great drink for special occasions like weddings and New Year’s. It is also a good choice for when you just want to have a fun drink after work. It has bubbles, and it tastes light and refreshing.
But when it comes to what type of champagne you should buy, there are a lot of choices out there. Let Thirst show you how to make your next special event with the best champagne types for every occasion!
What is Champagne?
The term champagne is only allowed to be used for sparkling wines made in the Champagne region of France in most countries. Other than location restrictions, there are also certain requirements for producing champagne.
The European Union enforces the Protected Designation of Origin status for products made in Europe. As a result, sparkling wines from other countries are sold under different names like prosecco or Spumante (Italy), Cava (Spain), and Sekt (Germany and Austria).
Champagne is known for its balanced taste and texture. Although sparkling wines can have comparable qualities for a lower cost, purchasing champagne from a trusted champagne producer ensures its quality.
Types of Champagne Based on Sweetness Level
Now that you get a clear picture of what champagne is let’s take a look at the different types of champagne available.
1. Brut Nature
A Brut Nature, also known as Brut Zero, is a type of champagne that contains very little sugar, typically between 0 and 3 g/l. These champagnes are often referred to as “no-frills” because they allow the grape variety and its terroir to shine through. This results in a very refreshing and lively taste on the palate.
2. Extra Brut
Extra Brut is a type of champagne that contains very little sugar, typically between 0 and 6 g/l. This style of champagne is dryer than Brut Nature but still has a hint of sweetness on the palate. Extra Brut champagnes are usually made with lower-yield grapes and aged for a longer period of time, resulting in a deeper flavor profile.
3. Brut
Brut Champagne is a dry and sparkling wine. It gets its name from the French word “brut,” which means dry. Dry to a hint of sweetness, with around 0-12g/L sugar content. Brut champagne is the most popular type of champagne as it has a light and refreshing flavor that is great for any occasion!
4. Extra Dry
Extra Dry Champagne is a sparkling wine with a slightly sweeter taste than brut. It contains 12-17g/L of sugar, making it sweeter but still dry and crisp on the palate. Extra Dry champagne is perfect for special occasions or just to enjoy on its own.
5. Dry
Dry champagne is the dryest type of champagne. It contains Contains 17-32g/sugar and has a light, crisp taste that goes well with appetizers and desserts.
6. Demi-Sec
Demi-sec Champagne is a sweet sparkling wine that contains around 32-50g/L sugar or more sugar. It has a slight sweetness that is balanced with the acidity of the wine, and it makes for an excellent dessert drink.
7. Doux
Doux Champagne is the sweetest type of champagne. It contains a minimum of 50 g/l sugar and has a very rich taste that pairs well with desserts like fruitcakes.
Champagne by Styles
1. Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Blanc de Blancs is a term used for wines that are made only with white grapes. In the case of authentic French champagne produced in the Champagne region, the term means that the wine is made entirely with chardonnay grapes.
Blanc de Blancs wines made in this way can age very well over time.
2. Blanc de Noirs Champagne
Blanc de noirs mean white from black. This is a type of champagne that is light in color, made from the juice of dark-colored grapes like pinot noir and pinot meunier.
These days, the designation is found more commonly on the labels of American sparkling wines than on those of French champagnes.
3. Rosé Champagne
Rosé Champagnes are produced using a mix of three grape varieties, including a grape called “rose.” These champagnes can appear pink, red, white, or purple and typically have a less sugary taste in comparison to other champagnes. Additionally, rosé champagnes are commonly more affordable. While they were initially only produced in autumn, they are presently obtainable throughout the year.
4. Organic Champagne
Organic champagne is a kind of champagne. It is made without using chemicals like pesticides or herbicides. Grapes for organic champagne are grown with natural methods instead of chemicals to help them grow and control pests and diseases.
5. Vegan Champagne
Although champagne is mostly vegan-friendly, some bottles may not be appropriate for vegans. This is because some fining agents, like isinglass (collagen from fish bladders) or casein (the protein in milk and cheese), may be used the same way as in wines, ciders, and beers. This process makes the champagne look brighter and less cloudy.
Champagne According to Year
1. Vintage
Vintage Champagne is a sparkling wine made from grapes harvested in a year. It is made to reflect the characteristics of that particular year’s harvest and can range in sweetness, color, body, and flavor. Vintage champagnes are typically aged for at least three years before release and are bottled with the vintage year on the label.
2. Non-Vintage
Non-Vintage Champagne is the most popular type of Champagne. It is made from a mix of different wines and aged for at least 15 months. This helps make it taste the same each year. Non-Vintage Champagne is usually less expensive than Vintage Champagne.
At Thirst, we are passionate about helping you make your next event extra special. From brut to doux and vintage to non-vintage, there is a champagne type for everyone! We hope this article has helped you discover the perfect bubbly that will bring joy to all of your guests.
Remember: when it comes time to celebrate, don’t forget the power of champagne! Let us help you find the right one for any occasion – whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large celebration. Cheers!
FAQs
How many types of Champagne are there?
Champagne is made with three types of grapes. These are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Sometimes all three kinds are used, sometimes two, and sometimes just one. The Jacquart Champagne house usually uses mostly Chardonnay.
What is the most common type of Champagne?
The most popular type of Champagne is Brut, which accounts for 78.5% of exports. Brut, which means dry, is a French sparkling wine with 12 grams of sugar or less per liter.
How do you pick a good Champagne?
Champagne tastes different depending on the grapes and how long it is aged. But all Champagnes usually have flavors like peach, cherry, citrus, almond, cream and toast.
