Champagne
Shop All Champagne
The real thing. True Champagne comes only from its namesake region in northeastern France, where strict appellation laws govern everything from grape varieties to production methods. Our collection features prestigious houses like Pol Roger and Lanson, alongside acclaimed grower producers such as Vilmart and Larmandier-Bernier.
What Makes Champagne Special
Champagne earns its name through place and process. The grapes, primarily Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, must be grown in the Champagne region. The wine must undergo secondary fermentation in the bottle (méthode traditionnelle), creating those signature fine bubbles. This labour-intensive process, combined with mandatory ageing, is why Champagne commands its reputation.
Houses vs Growers
Houses (Grandes Marques): Large, established producers like Pol Roger and Lanson. They source grapes from across the region and blend for consistency, offering a recognisable house style year after year.
Grower Champagnes (Récoltant-Manipulant): Small estates like Vilmart and Larmandier-Bernier that grow their own grapes and make their own wine. These offer a more terroir-driven, artisanal expression and are often exceptional value.
Sweetness Levels
Champagne labels indicate sweetness through dosage (added sugar after disgorgement):
Brut Nature / Zero: No added sugar. Bone dry.
Extra Brut: Very dry, less than 6g/L sugar.
Brut: Dry, less than 12g/L sugar. The most common style.
Extra Dry: Off-dry, 12-17g/L sugar. Slightly sweeter than Brut.
Sec: Medium-dry, 17-32g/L sugar.
Demi-Sec: Sweet, 32-50g/L sugar. Pairs beautifully with desserts.
Vintage vs Non-Vintage
Non-Vintage (NV): Blended from multiple years to achieve a consistent house style. Ready to drink on release and represents the producer's signature.
Vintage: Made from a single exceptional year. More complex, age-worthy, and reflects the character of that harvest. Look for a year on the label.
Choosing by Occasion
Everyday celebration: Non-Vintage Brut from Lanson or Pol Roger.
Special dinner: Blanc de Blancs for elegance with seafood, or Vintage for complexity.
Romantic evening: Rosé Champagne.
Collector or gift: Prestige cuvées like Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill.
With dessert: Demi-Sec styles like Pol Roger Rich.
How to Serve Champagne
Serve chilled, between 7-9°C. Use a tulip-shaped glass rather than a coupe to preserve the bubbles and concentrate the aromas. Open gently with a soft sigh, not a loud pop.
FAQ
1. What is Champagne, exactly? Champagne is a sparkling wine made exclusively in the Champagne region of northeastern France. It must be produced using specific grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier) and the méthode traditionnelle, where secondary fermentation happens in the bottle. This process creates its signature fine bubbles.
2. Is Champagne a wine or alcohol? Champagne is a wine, specifically a sparkling wine. Like all wines, it contains alcohol, typically between 12-13% ABV. What sets it apart is the carbonation created during its unique production process and the strict regulations governing where and how it can be made.
3. What are the top 5 Champagnes? The answer depends on style and occasion, but consistently celebrated names include Pol Roger, Krug, Louis Roederer, Dom Pérignon, and Bollinger. Our collection features houses like Pol Roger and Lanson alongside acclaimed growers including Vilmart, Larmandier-Bernier, Marguet, Jean-Marc Sélèque, Bérèche et Fils, and Pascal Agrapart.