Champagne is a sparkling wine which is only produced in the Champagne region of France, from which it takes its name. Within the European Union, the name champagne is recognised as being a product with “Protected Designation of Origin” and no other product in the EU can be called champagne. Of course, international agreements such as the Treaties of Madrid and Versailles notwithstanding, this EU protection does not bind any non-EU winemakers from using the champagne name. However, most countries respect the champagne designation as meaning a wine from the champagne region of France.

The documentation of the addition of sugar to a finished wine to generate a second fermentation was presented to the Royal Society of London by the English scientist Christopher Merret in 1662, a method which is now known as methode champenoise. The secondary fermentation within the bottle results in the fizzy, sparkling nature of the wine, although for a long time the same result was accomplished by simply corking the bottle before the primary fermentation had finished.

At the time the sugar is added to the bottle to generate the second fermentation, yeast is added too. When the second fermentation is finished, which is a minimum of 18 months to generate the fullest flavour, the bottle is moved to make the fermentation by-products settle in the neck of the bottle. The by-products, known as lees, are then frozen in the neck of the bottle, the cap is removed and the pressure inside the bottle forces out the ice-trapped lees, after which the bottle is re-capped.

Champagne can be produced from three different grapes, either individually or as a blend. The three grape varieties are the white grape, chardonnay and the two red grapes, pinot noir and pinot meunier. Despite the latter two being red grapes, they can produce a white champagne due to the gentle pressing of the grapes and the lack of skin contact during the fermentation process. The most common champagnes use a blend of chardonnay and pinot noir. Champagne made using only pinot noir, pinot meunier or a blend of the two is called Blanc de noir (white from black). On the other hand, champagne made only from chardonnay is called Blanc de blanc (white from white).

Our recommended Champagne, from Tesco Wine, is the Champagne De Vallois, a perfect wine without a hugely expensive price tag!

Piper Heidsieck Champagne Brut Rose Sauvage. 

This Rosé Sauvage is full-bodied, well rounded and lively with aromas of red berry fruits leading to a generous and exuberant finale.

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Bollinger La Grand Annee 1999 75cl

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 Bollinger’s Prestige Cuvee is well rounded and rich.  It is perfect with various dishes which you may serve and is sure to please at any special event!

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Jacquart Champagne Brut 75cl

A  lovely aroma of fresh fruits such as peaches and apricots.  The 3 main grapes have high levels of acidity, which is  perfect for making sparkling wine..enjoy!

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G H Martel Rose Brut 75cl

This is a medium dry wine.   Fresh and fruity tasting of  apricot and liquorice . 

G. H. Martel is a family owned company. It is one of the top ten largest Champagne houses producing 8 million bottles per year.

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G H Martel Prestige Brut 75cl 

 This  champagne is fresh and lively and is non vintage.  Suitable for vegetarians with a natural cork.

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Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne  

 International wine challegne silver winners for 2009.   The grapes used for this champagne are chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir.

Perfect for any special event!!

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Tesco Champagne Demi-sec 75cl 

This is a medium champagne.  Full of richness this champagne has a hint  honey and  fresh, elegant flavours.

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Pol Aime Champagne 75cl

 This is a clean and refreshing champagne with an aroma of  fresh fruits and a slight yeast taste to it.

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Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne 75cl

Soft aromas  of apples and pears with a crisp acidity and a smooth finish. This champagne is blended from grapes from the four areas of Champagne; Montagne de Reims between Reims and Epernay, Vallée de la Marne meandering.   A lovely way to celebrate any occassion!

Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne 75cl

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