We’re going to start a new feature here on the Alexan Events Blog – “Everything You Need To Know About…”. There are so many details that are at just about every wedding but could be incorporated in a variety of ways. We’ll start with one of my favorites: Champagne! Oooo the bubbles! Yet there are a number of different kinds – tastes, colors, years. So we’ll go over some important terms, give you the lo-down and have you well on your way to having the perfect champagne for your toast!
First of all, the number one rule of Champagne: it’s not Champagne unless the grapes are grown in the Champagne region of France. Â If it’s not from Champagne, it’s considered “sparkling wine.” Most champagnes come from Chardonnay (white) or Pinot Noir (red) grapes.
The label will tell you three important things: sweetness, grape type, and age. Age is going to dictate price. Grape type is going to dictate color and some flavor aspects. Sweetness is a result of sugar content and fermentation period.
Other important terms:
Brut - the more brut a champagne is, the drier it is. So if you like dry and crisp, go with very brut. Bruts go well at a cocktail hour or with dinner.
Demi-Sec – a sweeter champagne. Definitely good to drink with dessert…aka, perfect with a wedding toast!
Doux - the sweetest of champagnes, contains over 5% sugar!
Blanc de blancs - the perfect and most pure Champagne from Chardonnay. It’s a good aperitif and very light.
Blanc de noirs - this Champagne is made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes is a more full-bodied.
Rosee - a combination of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, rarely sweet and flavored more with strawberry and cherry hints
Cuvee - this type of Champagne tends to be more secret and more pricey. It is the freshest and best juice pressed from the grapes and the pride of many Champagne producers – if they can produce they’re champagne from just the Cuvee of grapes, they’re going to be very proud (ah, we don’t need any more reasons for the French to be proud!).
Vintage and Non-Vintage - this refers to the grouping of grapes in a batch. If the grapes all come from the same year’s harvest, and especially if they harvest is exceptional, the Champagne will be a vintage. If the grapes are from harvests over different years, the Champagne is considered non-vintage. Vintages tend to be more expensive.
So when you’re trying to decide what kind of Champagne to get for your next party or event, refer to our helpful terms so you’re certain to get the most appropriate and most delicious Champagne out there!
Terms and content taken from both AskMen.com and Epicurious.com
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