Perhaps from the title you’re expecting an analysis of the nuances of Mongo’s character in the movie Blazing Saddles. Nope, this is an overview explanation of another much loved though often not understood Brut ….. Champagne.
By trade treaty, a sparkling wine can only be called champagne if it is made in the Champagne region of France by using a specific process called ‘methode champenoise ‘. Otherwise, it is a sparkling wine and called by some other name (eg. Spain = Cava; Italy = Prosecco, Asti Spumante). However, the U.S. is not bound by this treaty so some producers, like Korbel, place the word champagne on the label. To the rest of the world Korbel is not champagne, it is a sparkling wine.
French champagne wine regulations permit the use of only three grapes, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. It may come as a surprise that the last two grapes are red and make up about three quarters of the planted acreage in Champagne. The champagne makers selection of grapes has a big impact on the characteristics and taste of the champagne. A ‘Blanc de Blanc’ or white from white champagne is made from chardonnay only and will be a crisp, leaner style. A ‘Blanc de Noir’ or white from black champagne is made from only red grapes and will have a fuller, rounder style. And a ‘Rose’ is usually made by blending the red Pinot grape juice in with the cuvee and produces a red fruited (strawberry, cherry) pinkish colored champagne.
If there is a year (Vintage) on the bottle then all of the grapes came from that year’s harvest. Otherwise the champagne may be a blend of several different years’ grape harvests. Vintage champagnes often benefit from some bottle age and when stored correctly are capable of lasting twenty to thirty years. Non-vintage champagnes are best consumed within a few years of their release.
The amount of sugar added to the cuvee and the corresponding sweetness level is indicated by the following : Brut – dry ; Extra dry – Semidry ; Sec – Semisweet ; Demi-sec – Sweet. Common misconceptions about these categories inspired the title of this article, as customers often choose Brut because they believe it to be sweeter than Extra dry. I firmly believe that if we choose more Extra dry and Rose champagne we would be enjoying our bubbly more and more frequently.
Bottle King has selected a wonderful Extra dry champagne for the holidays, the Mumm Carte Classique NV. This Extra dry style strikes an elegant balance between round fruitiness and vibrant liveliness. It will delight on its own or can be enjoyed with a wide variety of foods, including both appetizers and main courses. And you don’t have to wait until that New Year’s Eve toast to pop the cork, in fact, why not try one this weekend.
Francis Mastrangelo
Bottle King Wine Consultant
Filed under: Champagne
Great information. Thanks
It’s true; I had always misunderstood this! Thanks