Appearance / Eye
The first stage of tasting: observe the Champagne’s colour, intensity, brightness and clarity. Its appearance can already provide useful indications about the grape variety, age and winemaking style.
Nose
The second stage: smell the Champagne first without swirling, then again after gently swirling it in the glass. The nose reveals primary aromas (fruit, flowers), secondary aromas (fermentation) and tertiary aromas (ageing and development).
Palate / Mouth
The third stage: taste the Champagne. Assess the attack, freshness, the balance between acidity, dosage and alcohol, the texture of the mousse, the length on the palate and the finish.
Food Pairing
Suggestions for dishes that complement the Champagne. A successful pairing is based on a balance between the flavours, intensity and aromas of both the food and the cuvée.
Serving Temperature
The ideal temperature for revealing the Champagne’s aromas while preserving its effervescence. Served too cold, Champagne may become closed; served too warm, it can lose freshness and its bubbles may dissipate more quickly.
Ageing Potential
The Champagne’s potential to develop in the cellar. Non-vintage cuvées are generally enjoyed in their youth, while vintage Champagnes and certain prestige cuvées can continue to develop for many years.
Champagne House
The Champagne house responsible for the cuvée. It may produce its Champagnes using grapes from its own vineyards and/or from partner growers. Its house style reflects expertise passed down through generations.
Region
A wine-growing area with its own climatic, geological and cultural characteristics. The region plays a major role in shaping the style of the wines produced there.
Terroirs
The geographical, geological and climatic characteristics specific to each vineyard site. In Champagne, soils, particularly chalk-rich soils, play an important role in shaping the identity and style of the cuvées.
Champagne Style
The style of the cuvée according to its composition and production method: Blanc de Blancs, made from white grape varieties; Blanc de Noirs, made from black grapes vinified as white wine; or Rosé, produced either by blending or maceration.
Dosage
Dosage determines the level of residual sugar and contributes to the final style of the Champagne, from Brut Nature or Zero Dosage through to sweeter styles.
Colour
The appearance of the Champagne: white, golden or rosé. It provides an initial indication of the production method, grape varieties used and the development of the cuvée.
Grape Varieties
The three main grape varieties used in Champagne are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Chardonnay brings freshness and minerality, Pinot Noir structure and fruit, and Pinot Meunier roundness and aromatic character. Their proportions help define the style of the cuvée.
Vintage
In Champagne, a vintage cuvée is made exclusively from grapes harvested in a single exceptional year. These Champagnes generally have greater ageing potential and a more distinctive character.
Alcohol by Volume
The percentage of alcohol by volume. Champagne is generally around 12% ABV, balanced by its natural acidity and dosage.
Bottle Size
The volume of the bottle. In Champagne, larger formats such as Magnums and Jeroboams generally allow slower development and are particularly popular for special occasions.
Lively / Generous
The balance between freshness and richness: tension and vibrancy on the lively side, ripe fruit and pastry notes on the generous side.
Light / Powerful
The mousse and body of the Champagne: airy and delicate on the light side, broad and vinous on the powerful side.
Fresh / Complex
The stage of aromatic development: youthful and vibrant on the fresh side, with more evolved notes of brioche, honey and hazelnut on the complex side.
Maturation
The maturation of the base wines before blending and the ageing on lees following the second fermentation in bottle. Longer maturation can encourage greater aromatic complexity.
Environmental Certification / Label
A reference to an environmental approach or certification adopted by the producer, such as organic farming, biodynamic viticulture, Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE), Viticulture Durable en Champagne or another recognised commitment.
Sulphites (YES / NO)
Sulphur dioxide helps protect Champagne from oxidation and certain microbiological spoilage. The statement “contains sulphites” is mandatory above the regulatory threshold.
