26/12/2017
Know the different types of champagne
A few weeks ago we published an article about wine tasting. On this occasion we have chosen another of those great delights that gives a special touch and charm to Christmas... Champagne! An option for those special moments, especially with the imminent New Year’s Eve party just around the corner.
Champagne is, without doubt, the most distinguished of sparkling wines and if you choose an acclaimed Moët Chandon Champagne, a prestigious Dom Perignon or any of the most delicious and varied brands of champagne, your New Year’s Eve dinner and the subsequent New Year’s Eve lucky grapes will be incredible.
There are very few varieties of white wines that are made directly from black grapes and champagne is one of them.
We can define champagne as a quality sparkling wine which is made with vines from the Champagne, region of France.
Classification of champagne vines
The vines can be classified as white or red, among which the Chardonnay would constitute the white vine, whilst Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier would correspond to the red vines.
In this case, a Chardonnay provides a full-bodied, dry champagne, always fruity, light and fresh.
Pinot Noir produces red wines with a very delicate aroma and acidity. In the case of champagnes, they are also characterized by their fruity flavours that remain on the palate for quite a while. They say it is a characteristical farm flavour.
Pinot Munier produces wines with an aromatic floral scent.
Types of Champagne
The following types of champagne are produced:
a) Cremants: The grape is harvested by hand and without ever exceeding the quantity set by the AOC. To mature, they need between nine to twelve months.
b) Blanc de Blancs: Made from white grapes, for this reason it is made with white Chardonnay vines only.
c) Blanc de Noirs: In this case, it is about Champagnes made with red vines. There are a great number of these types of champagnes that are made with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier vines.
d) Millesimes: This is about those champagnes that come from a good year and have subsequently been aged by being left to rest in their casks for a minimum period of three years.
e) Vintages: These come from the same year and harvest and are not mixed. Many of these champagnes are “millesimados”.
f) Crucs (Raw Champagnes): These are champagnes that come from very high quality plots or vineyards due to their position, excellent vines and grapes.
Let’s taste a champagne
We are going to make the most of this publication to carry out a Champagne tasting. To do this, we have opted for a magnificent Pommery Brut Royal. It is an excellent example from the French region of Reims and produced from Chardonnay vines.
At the visual stage we can see a golden yellow color with very light green tones.
At the aroma stage, we notice a real intense bouquet with very rich floral blends and a backbone of perhaps ripe apple.
As for the taste, it is a flavourful, creamy champagne. It has a smooth, refined and lasting effervesce.
We get a slight taste of candied fruit with hints of spice and a slightly bitter touch.
It has a long, prolonged aftertaste.
Differences between champagne and cava
One question that you may have asked yourself on more than one occasion is whether champagne and cava are the same, or what the differences are between the two wines?
We will try to answer your questions in this publication: In both cases, the production process is practically identical. However, the main difference between champagne and cava lies in its place of origin and denomination. In fact, the name champagne cannot be given to any product that is not produced in the French Region of Champagne.
This region is well-known for producing the world’s best champagne, however that isn’t really true as it is the only area that produces this delicious sparkling wine. Nevertheless, there are localities that skip the rules and produce their own “champagne”.
On the other hand, cava concentrates the majority of its production throughout the Penedés area. Cava is also very typical of other Mediterranean regions especially those located in Valencia and Alicante.
Other significant differences are those relating to the type of grape. In the case of cava, the Pinot and Chardonnay vines are not used for the production of champagne, resorting to Macebeo, Parellada and Xarelo.
At the Hotel Montiboli, we like to inform consumers of the date of disgorging for both champagnes and wines which are offered and served to clients. In fact, our wine waiter always appreciates the gesture from many wineries of displaying this information on the actual bottle. This way, our clients at the Hotel Montiboli can be certain that these wines have not been kept in stores, shops, warehouses or other types of establishments over a long period of time.
What champagne will you be able to taste on New Year’s Eve at the Hotel Montiboli?
On December 31st, at the Hotel Montíboli, you will be able to accompany your special New Year’s Eve Dinner with a spectacular Möet & Chandon Brut Imperial. An authentic A.O.C from the same region of champagne, taken from the most exclusive Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay vines.
It is a champagne that is ideal for consuming not only as a dessert wine but also during a meal and even as an aperitif.
We would like to remind you that you can enjoy our grand New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at the Hotel Servigroup Montíboli in Villajoyosa, where you will experience a truly unforgettable start to 2018.
We’ll be waiting for you!
