France’s most northern wine growing region, the famous sparkling wines of Champagne can be made from both red and white grapes-alone or in combination.  Most are a blend of the three dominant grapes: chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier.  However, a bottle of Champagne labeled “Blanc de Noir” is produced entirely from red grapes (usually pinot noir alone), a bottle labled “Blanc de Blancs” is made from 100% chardonnay.  Champagne’s image in the world is extremely important and the rules to make Champagne are strict-only fruit that has been hand harvested is allowed and yields are kept low.  Recently there has been a movement towards more environmentally sound practices; a welcome trend for the previously garbage strewn vineyards in Champagne.

Producers

• Collin, Ulysse
• Falmet, Joël
• Jacquesson
• Legras & Haas
• Lilbert-Fils
• Marie Weiss
• Pierre Paillard
• Ployez-Jacquemart
• Velut, Jean