What types of grapes are used to make champagne?
The grapes used to make champagne are some of the most highly sought after and prized in the world, as the flavor and quality are second to none. The majority of champagne produced is made from a blend of three types of grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the primary grape used to make champagne and accounts for about 40-45% of the blend. This white grape originates from the Burgundy region of France, but has become a global favorite. The flavor of a Chardonnay-based champagne is fresh and vibrant, with lemon, apple, and grassy aromas as well as a creamy texture.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is the second most widely used grape variety when making champagne and accounts for 25-40% of the blend. This red grape hails from the Burgundy region as well, and brings a deep and strong flavor. Pinot Noir-based champagne is rich and full-bodied, with notes of dark fruits, spices, and earthy aromas. It also provides a delicious balance to the acidity of the Chardonnay.
Pinot Meunier
Pinot Meunier is the third variety of grape that goes into making a champagne blend and it usually accounts for 15-30% of the blend. Meunier is a black grape variety from the Champagne region and is prized for its sweetness and light, floral bouquet. A Pinot Meunier-based blend typically has an aroma of yellow plums and apples, along with a creamy texture and soft finish.
Champagne is a sparkling wine made from a blend of these three types of grapes, and it is one of the most renowned and sought-after beverages in the world. The delicate balance and subtle layers of flavors created by the blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier are what make champagne truly special. Each of these grapes plays its part to create a unique and unforgettable beverage. Official source
What is the corking process for champagne?]
Champagne has been an enduring symbol of celebration and joy since its first commercial production in France in the 17th century. But to ensure that precious bottle of bubbly maintains its delightful sparkle and serves up the expected experience in a glass, it’s all down to the corking process. Here’s how it’s done.
First, the Champagne is bottled, where the pressure inside the bottle is maximised by forcing additional wine, alcohol and sugar into it. This creates the carbon dioxide bubbles that make it so unique and special. Then, the bottles need to be sealed before the pressure inside the bottle is maintained and the flavor of the Champagne remain optimal.
The Corking Process
For this, the champagne bottles are moved onto a work station, with each bottle placed upright into a corking machine. The corks are cut according to the sizes predetermined by law to completely fill the bottle. Then, the corks are put into a corker, where a puncheon is used to identify and hold the bottle. A cup is then attached to the puncheon and the cork is placed inside.
Through the puncheon, compressed air is then injected, which pushes the cork down into the neck of the bottle against the high pressure of the carbon dioxide. It creates a kind of vacuum effect that brings the cork tightly into the bottle. After the corking process is completed, the finished bottles are then passed onto the disgorging process.
For this, the necks of the bottles are dunked in a refrigerated saltwater bath, where wine makers reduce the pressure and tempature inside the bottle. This causes the capsules and yeast particles to settle at the bottom of the bottle. Each bottle is then manually turned upside-down and the ice plug of sediment is ejected. The bottle is then topped off with more wine and sugar and resealed with a new cork.
The corking process is an essential part of champagne production – and it is also a highly-skilled art. The right pressure and temperature needs to be used in order to ensure the champagne is properly sealed and maintains its delicate flavor. With the right precision, the corking can help ensure the unique flavor of a champagne stays the same and is enjoyed by future generations.
Whether you’re hosting a party or popping a bottle on a special occasion, the corking process for champagne is an integral part of the production process to ensure every bottle is as amazing as the next. So the next time you’re getting ready to crack open a bottle of bubbly, give a quick thought of appreciation to the corking process, which helps make that magical moment even more special.
Visit howtomakewinefromgrapes.com to learn more about how to make champage. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.