Champagne is a sparkling wine that hails from the Champagne region in France. It is renowned for its effervescence, elegance, and association with celebrations. Made primarily from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, Champagne undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle, which imparts the characteristic bubbles.
The traditional method of production, known as méthode champenoise or méthode traditionnelle, involves a labor-intensive process of riddling and disgorging to remove sediment and achieve clarity. There are various styles of Champagne, ranging from the dry and crisp Brut to the sweeter Demi-Sec.
Champagne is often associated with toasts and special occasions, but it can also be enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with a variety of foods. The region’s strict regulations govern the use of the term “Champagne,” and only wines produced in this designated area can bear the name.