An Introduction to the French Wine

Champagne has literally "evolved" to greatnessGenuine French Champagne. The name
over the centuries. It is a deservingly distinguished"Champagne" is highly protected by law to help
product of the French that has made its way intokeep the quality and taste distinguished.
the homes and hearts of people in almost everyPinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay are the
civilized part of the world.three different grapes employed in the production
Champagne has been used traditionally for gloriousof Champagne. Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are
occasions such as celebrating a milestone, victoryclassified as "black grapes", while the more well
of some sort, and to toast the bride and groomknown Chardonnay is classified as "white grape".
on their marriage. It is often served with meal orThe wine is produced by inducing the in-bottle
desert. The special wine has been an integral partsecondary fermentation of the wine to effect
of sports celebrations since Moet et Chandon, thecarbonation. In secondary fermentation, the wine
famed French winery, started offering theiris bottled with a combination of yeast and fresh
Champagne to the winners of Formula 1 Grandsugar known as "liqueur de triage". As carbon
Prix events. The whispering noise made whiledioxide is released as a byproduct of
opening a Champagne bottle is sometimes calledfermentation, the wine is made "bubbly".
"le soupir amoureux" or "loving whisper". A singleThe type of Champagne and its flavor is indicated
edged sword, called a "sabre" has been used inon the label of the bottle. Some Champagne are a
many occasions to open Champagne bottles withblend of different grapes-producing an exquisite
great ceremony. This is a technique commonlytaste. "Blanc de noirs" is a French term meaning
known as "sabrage". However the term is also"white of blacks". It is a white Champagne wine
used for simply breaking the head of the bottle.produced exclusively from black grapes.
Produced exclusively in the historic province in theChampagne is considered a "sparkling" wine that is
northeast of France, the wine takes its namehailed during glorious occasions or celebrations of
from the region it is produced-located about oneachievements. Although considered a type of
hundred miles east of Paris. The exclusive qualitysparkling wine, Champagne is distinct from all
of this wine has driven legislations to protect itsother sparkling wine due to its exceptional quality
identity and distinguish it from possible imitations.and appraisal. Some manufactures produce a
The wine "Champagne" named after the Frenchlesser quality of the wine by using cheaper quality
region in northeast France meaning "opengrapes. Tasting the original Champagne once will
country". The word "Champagne", beginning with aimpress itself on your mind and you will be able to
capital "C" will be imprinted on the label of alldistinguish it from lesser quality.