Differences between the types of champagne
Champagne types differ depending on the following five aspects:
- grape variety
- dosage
- production
- climate and terroir
- traditions and craftsmanship
grape variety
The choice of grape varieties has a significant influence on the character of the champagne. Chardonnay grapes bring freshness, finesse and floral aromas to the Blanc de Blancs, while the red grapes Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier give the Blanc de Noirs its fruitiness and full-bodiedness. Rosé champagne consists of a mixture of the three grape varieties, which varies from producer to producer. The characteristic pink color and its fruity note are created, as with rosé wine, by the grape skins being in short contact with the must.
Take a look at our champagne discoveries here to put what you have learned so far into practice.
dosage
The sugar content in champagne is regulated by the addition of dosage. The dosage consists of a mixture of sugar and wine and is added after the second fermentation. Depending on the amount and sweetness of the dosage, different types of champagne are produced:
Brut Nature
Brut Nature is very dry and contains no additional sugar. It is therefore also called "Zero Dosage" because the amount of sugar is 0 grams per liter. The natural fruitiness of the grapes is in the foreground, while the acidity and mineral notes are clearly evident. Brut Nature champagnes are very tangy and have a lively, refreshing characteristic.
Extra Brut
Extra Brut is a dry type of champagne, just like Brut Nature. It contains very little added sugar, with the limit being a maximum of 6 grams per liter. This means that the champagne has very little sweetness and a pronounced acidity structure. Extra Brut champagnes are characterized by their freshness, minerality and clear aromas. They are ideal for those who prefer a dry, crisp champagne.
Demi-Sec
In contrast to Extra Brut and Brut Nature, Demi-Sec has a higher sugar content, which is a maximum of 50 grams per liter. It is semi-dry to slightly sweet and contains a moderate amount of dosage. This gives the champagne a pleasant sweetness and a softer texture. Demi-Sec champagnes are a good accompaniment to desserts or as an aperitif for those who prefer a milder and slightly sweeter taste.
Doux
Doux is the sweetest type of champagne. It contains the highest sugar content and is the sweetest of the different types of champagne. The amount of sugar here is 50 grams per liter or more. Doux champagnes are rich, full-bodied and offer intense sweetness. Due to their rich and sweet nature, they are often served as dessert wines. Due to the high sugar content of Doux champagne, this style is less common and is usually specially requested or produced by select producers.
Production methods, climate and terroir as well as tradition and craftsmanship
As already explained in more detail in the last blog post , champagne has its own production methods, is grown under special climatic and territorial conditions and has a lot of tradition and craftsmanship.
These aspects can vary even further depending on the type of champagne, as the length of time the champagne is stored on the yeast and the shaking of the bottles can also influence the taste and texture.
In addition, differences in soil composition, sunlight and climatic conditions can lead to nuances in the aromas and flavor profiles of the champagne varieties.
Finally, of course, each champagne producer has their own traditions, techniques and craftsmanship that influence the style and quality of their champagnes. From the grape harvest to disgorging (removing the lees), the production of champagne requires precision, experience and dedication, resulting in a variety of flavors and characteristics that characterize the different styles of champagne.
Conclusion
These different factors together contribute to the creation of the different types of champagne and make them individual works of art for enjoyment. Each variety offers unique taste experiences and allows every connoisseur to find their personal favorite.
Discover your personal favorite among our champagnes here .
