Sparkling: The Story Of Champagne

Champagne (; French: [ʃɑ̃paɲ] ) is a sparkling wine originated and produced in the Champagne wine region of France under the AOC rules of the appellation, which demand specific vineyard practices, sourcing of grapes exclusively from designated places within it, specific grape-pressing methods and secondary fermentation of the wine in the bottle to cause carbonation. The grapes Pinot noir, Pinot meunier, and Chardonnay are used to produce almost all champagne, but small amounts of Pinot blanc, Pinot gris (called Fromenteau in Champagne), Arbane, Chardonnay rosé, and Petit Meslier are vinified as well. Champagne became associated with royalty and luxury in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The leading manufacturers made efforts to associate their champagnes with nobility and royalty through advertising and packaging, which led to its popularity among the emerging middle class.