Dear champagne lovers, Consumers often tend to forget that champagne is first and foremost a wine. To say that a champagne is vinous may therefore seem paradoxical, and yet the term vinous champagne is used to characterize certain champagnes. I am regularly asked what is considered a vinous champagne, what are the differences with other champagne wines and when is the best time to serve it. The vinous champagne has its own characteristics, I will reveal them to you. Follow me! What is a vinous champagne? The vinous champagne is a wine produced from perfectly ripened grapes, vinified and dosed to the strict minimum. This champagne has the characteristics of…

What does “bottled at the property” mean? This article looks at the definition “bottled at the property” or “estate bottled” and explains what it means. Wine labels contain a wealth of information, in a limited space and it is important for you to understand what it all means as a consumer. It’s interesting and useful to find out exactly what the terms mean and it can really help you make an informed decision when choosing wine, which will lead you to a greater appreciation.  Wine labels are strictly regulated and definitions on the labels must meet specific legal criteria. “Bottled at the property” or “Estate bottled” means that 100% of…

Frost damage is a major source of anxiety for wine producers in European vineyards every spring. While grapevines can withstand cold temperatures down to -15 °C while they lie dormant in winter, early spring is the period when vines are at their most vulnerable. During this natural period of growth, tender, new buds, susceptible to frost damage are most likely to wither and brown. Discover the significance of land and environment on the production of Grande Charte Champagne.This article considers the different types of frost conditions, their effects and the measures wine producers can put in place to mitigate their impact on grapevines.  What are the different types of frost?…

Dear Champagne lovers and enthusiasts, One of the first things you need to learn about champagne is that it is quite a fragile wine. Storing good champagne inadequately will significantly impair its quality. Good champagne storage is important and involves respecting certain conditions. Have you just bought or are planning on buying a large quantity of champagne, and are wondering how to store it? Or are you maybe not sure how to store champagne once you’ve opened the bottle? Read on to discover how important it is to store good champagne properly. So, how do you store your champagne so that it can be enjoyed to its fullest potential? As…

The secrets of champagne making Dear enthusiasts, It’s no news that champagne is the most popular drink in the world for celebrating special occasions. All champagnes are made using the ‘méthode champenoise’ which involves following a certain number of steps to produce a truly exceptional end product!  Vineyard cultivation and the elaboration of champagne wines adhere to strict rules, probably the most stringent regulations of all. Every step requires a rigorous know-how approach which is the hallmark of champagne excellence. Would you like to discover the secrets of champagne making? Read on and I’ll reveal some interesting little secrets. What is the méthode champenoise? Champagne is not for everyone! Champagne…