Glossary

Champagne

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Sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France.

Regions Winemaking

Full Definition

Champagne is sparkling wine exclusively from the Champagne region of northeastern France, made by the traditional method (methode champenoise). Primary grapes are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The cool climate, chalky soils, and strict regulations create distinctive wines that define the sparkling wine category worldwide.

Related Terms

traditional method grower champagne negociant

See Also

blanc de blancs brut dosage

Chalky Back to Glossary Chaptalization

Reference

More terms starting with C

Canopy Management

Techniques to control vine leaf and shoot growth.

Capsule

The foil or plastic covering over a wine bottle's cork.

Carbonic Maceration

Whole-grape fermentation in CO2, producing fruity wines.

Cava

Spanish sparkling wine made by traditional method.

Cellaring

Storing wine under proper conditions for aging.

Chai

French term for an above-ground wine storage building.