How is Champagne Made?
By law, only sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France can be called “Champagne.” The French stuff, as well as many other sparkling wines around the world, is produced using a process called Methode Champenoise. Three grapes, in various blends, are used to produce Champagne: pinot noir, pinot meunier, Chardonnay. The harvest occurs in late September or early October in the Champagne region of France. Pressing: Three grape pressings are allowed and the juice from each pressing is categorized: the first pressing is the highest quality, and the second and third are made into inexpensive Champagne or sold to other firms. Fermentation: After adding yeasts, the first fermentation takes about three weeks, when the sugar is converted into alcohol. Carbon dioxide, a by-product of fermentation, is dissipated into the air. Blending: At this point, the winemaker must decide which grapes will go into a particular Champagne. Champagnes are usually a blend of all three grapes varieties, e
