All about Champagne

Appearance

  • Color: Pale gold to deep yellow hue, with some variations leaning slightly towards a pinkish tone in rosé versions.
  • Opacity: Clear with fine, persistent bubbles that enhance its sparkling appearance.

Aroma

  • Primary Aromas: Citrus fruits like lemon and grapefruit, along with green apple and pear, are common primary aromas.
  • Secondary Aromas: Toasted brioche, almond, and hazelnut notes often develop due to the wine’s aging on lees (dead yeast cells)..
  • Tertiary Aromas: With further aging, Champagne can develop more complex aromas such as honey, dried fruits (like apricot and fig), and subtle hints of vanilla and mushroom.

Flavor Profile

  • Fruit Flavors: Citrus (lemon, grapefruit), green apple, pear, and stone fruits such as peach.
  • Other Flavors: Toast, brioche, almond, and hazelnut from extended lees aging; with additional aging, flavors can include honey, caramel, and sometimes hints of mushroom or truffle.
  • Oak Influence:Minimal for most Champagnes; however, some prestige cuvées and specific styles may show light oak influences, adding notes of vanilla and spice.

Structure

  • Body: Light to medium-bodied, offering a delicate and elegant mouthfeel.
  • Tannins: Minimal, due to the nature of sparkling wine production.
  • Acidity: High acidity, which is essential for its freshness and aging potential.
  • Alcohol: Ranges from 12% to 12.5%

Pairings for Champagne

Oysters and Shellfish
Oysters and Shellfish

Oysters and Shellfish

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vegan aged blue cheese
vegan aged blue cheese

Blue cheese

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Fried Foods and Light Poultry
Fried Foods and Light Poultry

Fried Foods and Light Poultry

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