Corking, shaking and final inspection
![Bouchons de Champagne](https://champagne.twic.pics/sites/default/files/2022-07/background_bouchons.jpg?twic=v1)
![Bouchage d'une bouteille de Champagne](https://champagne.twic.pics/sites/default/files/2022-07/vignette_bouchage.jpg?twic=v1)
The essential finishing touches for an exceptional Champagne
The long process that began with a small bud on a vine plant is now approaching the finishing line in the bottle. Immediately after dosage, the wine is corked with a cork stopper held in place by a wire cage known as a "muselet". Although providing a tight seal, this stopper does allow for some exchange with the outside air, which is why the wine continues to age over the years. The quality of the cork is paramount in this regard. It must also display the name "Champagne" and, where relevant, the vintage too.
Once corked, the bottle is shaken vigorously to mix the wine perfectly in with the liqueur. This is known as "poignettage". Finally, each bottle will be carefully inspected to check its limpidity before cellaring for another few months – this is known as "mirage".
![Pressurage du raisin en Champagne](https://champagne.twic.pics/sites/default/files/2022-07/background_pressurage.jpg?twic=v1)
Arrival at the pressing centre
![Débourbage en Champagne](https://champagne.twic.pics/sites/default/files/2022-07/background_debourbage.jpg?twic=v1)
Settling
![Fermentation du vin de Champagne](https://champagne.twic.pics/sites/default/files/2022-07/background_fermentation_0.jpg?twic=v1)
Fermentation
![Assemblage de vins clairs en Champagne](https://champagne.twic.pics/sites/default/files/2022-07/background_assemblage_0.jpg?twic=v1)
Blending
![Tirage du vin de Champagne](https://champagne.twic.pics/sites/default/files/2022-07/background_tirage.jpg?twic=v1)
Bottling and second fermentation
![Maturation sur lies dans une cave de Champagne](https://champagne.twic.pics/sites/default/files/2022-07/background_maturation.jpg?twic=v1)
Maturation on lees
![Remuage dans une cave de Champagne](https://champagne.twic.pics/sites/default/files/2022-07/background_remuage.jpg?twic=v1)
Riddling
![Dégorgement du vin de Champagne](https://champagne.twic.pics/sites/default/files/2022-07/background_degorgement.jpg?twic=v1)
Disgorgement
![Dosage du vin de Champagne](https://champagne.twic.pics/sites/default/files/2022-07/background_dosage.jpg?twic=v1)
Dosage
![Bouchons de Champagne](https://champagne.twic.pics/sites/default/files/2022-07/background_bouchons.jpg?twic=v1)
Corking, shaking and final inspection
![Bouteille MyChampagne](https://champagne.twic.pics/sites/default/files/2022-07/background_mychampagne.jpg?twic=v1)
Labelling
![Raisin](https://champagne.twic.pics/sites/default/files/2022-07/geant_raisin_0.jpg?twic=v1)