Every year, on the third Friday of October, around the world we come together to celebrate World Champagne Day.
Champagne, often revered as a symbol of celebration and luxury, is produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France. The unique terroir, characterised by its chalky soil and cooler climate, lays the foundation for the exceptional quality of its grapes—primarily Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier.
The production process begins with the careful harvesting of grapes, always by hand, to ensure optimal care and selection. Following its first fermentation, the base wines undergo a meticulous blending process, where winemakers artfully combine various vintages and grape varieties to achieve the desired flavour profile. Each champagne house has their own distinctive style.
The hallmark of true Champagne lies in its secondary fermentation, which happens in the bottle. This process, known as the "méthode champenoise," produces the effervescent bubbles that Champagne is celebrated for. After aging on the lees, (yeast particles) a process that enhances the wine’s complexity and adds to its fabulous flavour, the bottles are riddled (turned slowly to an upright position) to remove sediment, and dosage is applied to achieve the final taste and desired flavour profile.
With its extensive history and meticulous craftsmanship, it’s important to remember that not every bottle of bubbles is crafted equally, some of the best producers in the Champagne region, such as Veuve Clicquot, Dom Pérignon, and Pol Roger, epitomise tradition and innovation. Each brand tells a unique story, reflecting the terroir and history of the Champagne region and their place within it.
It’s also a region that has been pioneered, developed and improved by countless women over the years, who have individually and collectively created and established some of the most revered Champagne houses known worldwide.
We pride ourselves on our Champagne selection and would be more than delighted to talk you through the bottles we have in our collection, each with its own individual history and of course those fabulous bubbles. So the next time you pop that cork, remember to raise your glass not just to celebrating, but to the tradition and dedication behind each bottle. Cheers!
