Types of Champagne
The varieties of Champagne will be largely influenced by the terroir which is like an inter-woven web of vineyards. Each vineyard may produce different types of Champagne due to the soil, climate and topography. In the Champagne region there are approximately 15,000 workers and growers who are all employed in making the different varieties of Champagne
The OIV and defining the terroir.
Both the biological and physical environment will have an effect on the types of Champagne produced. It is also worth noting that certain practices will leave behind unmistakeable characteristics on the various brands of Champagne that have been produced.
Terroir Definition
If you are looking for an official definition of the word terroir, this was adopted at the General Assembly of OIV, which took place in Georgia in 2010.
Glasses of Champagne
The discovery of the Champagne terroir
The Champagne region has been noted for their wine growing history that goes all the way back to early Christianity, with the boundaries of the vineyards being defined by the appellation system since 1927.
Even though there are countless world-famous wines from this spectacular region, the terroir that makes up the varieties of Champagnes is little known.
The terroir of this region is quite unique, this is due to the unusual soil type, hilly landscape and rugged climate all which combine to make the unique types of Champagne that we know today.
The Champagne growing areas:
4 main regions contribute to the different brands of Champagne
- The Mountains of Reims
- The Côte of Whites
- The valley of the Marne
- The Côte des Bar.
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An Unusual Climate
The interesting things about the Champagne terroir is the unusual climate that exists. It has both a northerly latitude coupled with many continental influences all which combine to create some great types of Champagne.> Champagne’s dual climate
A Subsoil Composed of Limestone
An interesting fact about the subsoil is that it is largely made of limestone which has the effect of keeping the different varieties of Champagne watered all year round even if there is a drought
Champagne
The Steep Terrain
The undulating to moderately steep terrain in Champagne creates ideal vineyard sites, combining good drainage with optimum exposure to the sun. the steep terrain is very important as far as the different types of Champagne are concerned as it helps with drainage while also maximising the exposure of the vines to the sun.
> A landscape of rolling vineyards
Effects on types of Champagne
Three major features – climate, subsoil and relief – combine to create a mosaic of micro-terroirs. There are as many geographical permutations in Champagne as there are plots of vines.
These unusual features all combine to have unique overall growing conditions for the brands of Champagne. All in all it is all more by luck than anything, but thankfully it happened as the many types of Champagne that we all love today wouldn’t exist otherwise, drink and enjoy!
As far as the Champagne we sell at Say It With Champers, we have two varieties of Champagne, so please make you choice and order your personalised Champagne gift today.
Glasses of Champagne