How to speak
Méthode Cap Classique

As with most of the finer things in life, top quality bubblies have, over the ages, developed an entire 'language' of their own. Appreciating a stellar sparkling wine becomes so much more enjoyable and enriching once you've encountered some of these tantalizing terms and have a working knowledge of what 'riddling', 'lees' or 'disgorgement' refer to. Next time you raise your glass of Brut for another heavenly sip, bear in mind just what a complex and multi-faceted tipple you are about to enjoy!

Glossary

NON VINTAGE - Non vintage (NV) is a blended Champagne created from grapes harvested in a single year blended with the still reserved wine from previous years. In this way, The Champagne house can achieve a constant house style.

VINTAGE - Champagne derived from a single year's crop. Producers will reserve the finest fruit for this style of Champagne. Not every year is declared as a vintage year, as vintage Champagne is only made if conditions are good enough.

MULTI - VINTAGE - In order to maintain a style that combines both complexity and freshness, the Multi - Vintage style combines the outstanding character of several vintages.

PRESTIGE CUVÉE - A cuvée de prestige is Champagne that is considered to be the top of a producer's range. Prestige cuvée represent the pinnacle of a Champagne house's achievements.

BLANC DE BLANCS - "White of whites" The term used to describe Champagnes made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. Blanc de Blancs Champagnes are usually light and delicate.

BLANC DE NOIRS - The term "white of blacks" is used to describe Champagnes made exclusively from black grapes. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier or a blend of the two are the only red grapes permitted in Champagne.

ROSÉ - Rosé Champagne can be produced by either maceration of black grapes during pressing,

so that the colour leeches out from the skins or by adding a small amount of red wine to give the wine a rosé tint.

BRUT NATURAL - A very dry style of Champagne in which the sugar content is less than 3 grams per litre. This is a very rare style of Champagne that is not widely available.

BRUT - The majority of Champagne falls into this category. Brut is a term to describe dry Champagne. Contains less than 12 grams of sugar per litre.

EXTRA DRY - A slightly confusing French term to signify that the Champagne is slightly sweeter in style, more middle-of-the-road style, not as Dry as brut.

SEC - A term to signify that the Champagne is medium sweet.

DEMI-SEC - A term to signify that the Champagne is a sweeter style with 30-50 grams of residual sugar.

CRAMANT - Cramant is a commune located in the Côtes des Blancs sub region of Champagne and the wines are classified as 100% Grand cru.