[PDF] Champagne and Sparkling Wine Sauvignon Blanc - Anciens Et Réunions

Where does sparkling wine come from?

Sparkling wine is made throughout the winemaking world, but only can be called “Champagne” if it comes from the Champagne region of France and is made using what is referred to as the "traditional method." Other regions have their own specialties—Crémant in other parts of France, Cava in Spain and Prosecco in Italy, to name a few.

What is French sparkling wine called?

Outside of the Champagne region, French sparkling wine is known as Crémant. Sparkling winemaking in Champagne dates to the 1700s, and today, vineyards span 84,000 acres throughout the hillsides and plains of its five main growing regions: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, Côte des Blancs, Côte de Sézanne, and The Aube.

What is a Spanish sparkling wine?

Cava: A Spanish sparkling wine made from Macabeu grapes, this variety is said to have very similar flavor to Champagnes. French sparkling wine: Sparkling wines can come from France (outside of the Champagne region) and are made in a variety of sweet, dry and rosé varieties.

Is Champagne a vintage or non-vintage wine?

A Champagne may be classified as vintage or non-vintage—respectively—when wines are made with grapes of one year’s harvest or a mix of grapes from different years. When determining whether a wine is truly Champagne or sparkling, one only needs to identify the region where it was produced.