HOW TO READ A LABEL?

Learn to tell the difference between a brut Champagne, a vintage, a rosé, a blanc de blancs, a prestige cuvée,...

Behind all these different names hides a different wine with different characteristics and tastes. Each wine depends on choices made during the three stages of production.
 

The blend

It is at this stage of the production process that the taste and character of Champagne wines are determined. In Champagne the blending process takes place on three levels: the blending of still wines from different growing areas, of the three grape varieties and of different years.

Dosage

At the end of the aging period, the winemaker removes the yeast deposit from the bottle and adds a solution of wine and sugar. The addition of sugar, according to the different wines, allows the Champenois to create a scale of ‘sweetness’ from extra-dry to sweet.

The label

The label carries the following information:
 

• - The Champagne Appellation
• - The brand or name of the producer
• - The level of dosage: e.g. brut, demi-sec, …
• - Specific descriptors; Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, Vintage, Rosé, prestige cuvées.

The back label

This gives other useful and interesting information, such as which grapes have been blended, the aging period, a description of the aromas and food matching suggestions.

Blending - Maturation on lees - Dosage - Labelling