At most celebratory events the drink of choice is “champagne”. However, what most people consider champagne may not really be that at all. Sparkling wine and champagne are pretty much the same but there is a subtle difference. You see, in order for the sparkling bubbly to really bear the name “champagne” it must come from the Champagne region of France and undergo a particular method of processing called Methode Champenoise.

All over the world different versions of sparkling wines are produced. Some are of extremely good quality and some are cheap imitations made from inferior grapes. These are the ones that usually give drinkers headaches, causing them to think they really don’t like champagne. True champagne and good quality sparkling wines don’t usually have this type of an affect. The two primary grapes used to make sparkling wines in France and in most of the New World are chardonnay and pinot noir. Again, the traditional process called Methode Champenoise makes true French Champagne. This process requires that grapes be harvested at low sugar content levels. This is done for two reasons: (1) to obtain a lower alcohol level during fermentation of the base wine because a second fermentation process (which creates a natural carbonation) will also occur creating more alcohol and (2) to obtain a higher acidity level & lower pH causing the wine to have greater longevity as well as a crispness.

Foam on Champagne is called "Mousse"

Now I know that some of you are saying well there are some sparkling wines made in the United States that have the name “champagne” on the label. That is correct but there is a good explanation for this and quite an interesting story. In 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed to end World War 1. Included in the treaty were limits on the use of the word “champagne”. However, during this time the U.S. was in the middle of the prohibition so they didn’t ratify or sign the treaty. This caused a gap and many producers decided to call their sparkling wine “champagne” even though the French frowned it upon.

In 2006, though, the U.S. and the European Union signed a wine trade agreement. During this time the issue about champagne resurfaced. The U.S. finally agreed to not allow any new producers of sparkling wine called their product “champagne”. Producers were also not allowed to use other names like Burgundy, Chablis, Port and Chianti. However, if you had used these names prior to the 2006 agreement, you could continue using them on your label. That is why today we still see this on some wine labels.

We have also seen French winemakers seek out opportunities and expansion in the New World. A very well known champagne producer, Moët & Chandon of Champagne, France stumbled upon and purchased an Abbey where a French monk had made a discovery of a sparkling wine. The monk researched the process of how this wine was made and ultimately made some significant contributions which are still used today. This monk was none other than Dom Pérignon for whom one of the best brands of champagne is named. Moët & Chandon expanded to the U.S. in 1973 and eventually created Domaine Chandon in Yountville, California. Domaine Chandon is the producer of great sparkling wines.

Sparkling wines can also be found in other countries. Below are a list of countries and the names their sparkling wines are known as:

• Italy – Spumante
• Spain – Cava
• South Africa – Cap Classique
• Germany – Sekt

Some popular brands of champagnes and sparkling wines include:

Champagnes

• Dom Pérignon
• Louis Roederer Cristal
• Moët & Chandon – White Star
• Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label
• Pol Roger White Foil
• Bollinger’s Special Cuvée

Sparkling Wines

• Montana Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut Cuvée
• Roederer Estate Quartet Brut
• Castillo Perelada Brut Reserva
• Presecco Veneto Extra Dry
• Domaine Chandon Brut Classic
• Domaine Chandon Reserve Pinot Noir

No matter what the name sparkling wines are fun and exciting to drink. They continue to make any occasion festive and joyous. So for your next party or special event go out and pick up a bottle of champagne, sparkling wine or just plain old bubbly.

Map of the Champagne-Ardenne Region of France