| Champagne is without question the finest sparkling | | | | Champagne winemakers are able to create a |
| wine made in the world. Champagne is the name | | | | consistent ''house'' style and, indeed, each |
| of the wine region located about 90 miles | | | | Champagne producer has its own distinct style. |
| northeast of Paris. | | | | Finally, there are several important terms you will |
| Champagne can contain up to three different | | | | encounter on a Champagne label that tell you |
| grapes: Chardonnay, and the red grapes Pinot Noir | | | | much about the contents. From dry to sweet, |
| and Pinot Meunier. Vintage Champagnes are only | | | | Champagnes are labeled Brut Absolut, Brut, |
| produced in the very best years; they are always | | | | Extra-Dry, Sec, Demi-Sec and Doux. Blanc de |
| more expensive than non-vintage Champagnes, | | | | Blanc Champagne bottlings are made entirely |
| but they are not always better tasting. Most | | | | from Chardonnay grapes and tend to be lighter |
| Champagnes are the supreme expression of the | | | | and more delicate in style. Blanc de Noirs |
| Champagne blender's art, assembled from | | | | Champagnes are made from red grapes and tend |
| numerous vintages, multiple grape types and | | | | to be fuller bodied and richer tasting; Rose |
| various selected vineyards within the Champagne | | | | Champagnes are dark pink in color and frequently |
| district, then carefully hand made and fermented | | | | intensely flavored. |
| in the bottle. By making these blends, the | | | | |