Types of Champagne

Champagne comes in various styles based on factors such as grape composition, sweetness level, and aging. Here are the main types of Champagne:


By Sweetness Level (Dosage)

The sweetness in Champagne is determined by the amount of sugar added during the final step (liqueur d'expédition). The types range from very dry to sweet:

 TYPE DOSAGE SWEETNESS
Brut Nature (Brut Zéro) 0-3 gram/liter No sugar added, very dry.
Extra Brut 3-6 gram/liter Very dry, minimal sugar.
Brut 6-12 gram/liter Most common, dry and mildly sweet.
Extra Sec (Extra Dry) 12-17 gram/liter Slightly sweeter than Brut.
Sec 17-32 gram/liter Noticeably sweet.
Demi-Sec 32-50 gram/liter Quite sweet, often paired with desserts.
Doux 50+ gram/liter The sweetest type.


By Grape Composition

The grape blend used in Champagne greatly influences its flavor profile:

  1. Blanc de Blancs: Made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. These Champagnes are usually lighter, more delicate, and have crisp acidity with flavors of citrus and white flowers.
  2. Blanc de Noirs: Made from black-skinned grapes, Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier. This style tends to be richer and fuller-bodied, with flavors of red fruits and greater depth.
  3. Rosé Champagne: Made either by adding a small amount of red wine to the blend (assemblage) or by letting the juice sit briefly with the black grape skins (saignée method) to impart a pink color. Rosé Champagnes range from light and delicate to full and rich, with red fruit flavors like strawberry and raspberry.


By Aging and Blending

The length of aging and whether the wine is blended from different years also define Champagne types:

  1. Non-Vintage (NV) Champagne: The most common type, made by blending wines from multiple vintages to maintain a consistent house style. It must be aged for a minimum of 15 months, with at least 12 months on the lees.
  2. Vintage Champagne: Made from grapes harvested in a single exceptional year, and not produced every year. Vintage Champagne must be aged for at least 36 months on the lees, but most houses age them longer. These Champagnes often have more complexity and character, reflecting the unique qualities of the harvest year.
  3. Prestige Cuvée (Tête de Cuvée): The top-quality Champagne of a house, often a vintage and made from the finest grapes and highest-quality production methods. Examples include Dom Pérignon (Moët & Chandon), La Grande Dame (Veuve Clicquot), and Cristal (Louis Roederer).


By Classification

In Champagne, the term "Cru" refers to the quality classification of the vineyard where the grapes are grown. This classification is based on a system known as the Échelle des Crus (Ladder of Crus), which historically ranked villages (not individual vineyards) in the Champagne region according to the quality of their grapes. The ranking influences the price grapes command, with different classifications representing the overall quality and reputation of the village. The three main types of Cru in Champagne are Grand Cru, Premier Cru, and Autre Cru. Here’s a breakdown of each:

1. Grand Cru Champagne

  • Definition: Grand Cru refers to the highest classification in Champagne. Only 17 villages (out of over 300 in the Champagne region) are classified as Grand Cru, signifying the best vineyards in terms of grape quality.
  • Villages: Notable Grand Cru villages include:
    • In the Côte des Blancs: Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Oger (famous for Chardonnay).
    • In the Montagne de Reims: Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay, Verzy (famous for Pinot Noir).
  • Characteristics: Grand Cru Champagne tends to have more complexity, depth, and structure, as the grapes from these villages are considered the finest due to their exceptional terroir, microclimates, and soil quality.
  • Price and Prestige: Grand Cru Champagnes are often more expensive and prestigious because of the high-quality grapes used. These Champagnes are commonly produced by renowned houses or grower-producers.

2. Premier Cru Champagne

  • Definition: Premier Cru is the second-highest classification, and 44 villages in the Champagne region are classified as Premier Cru. Premier Cru Champagnes are considered to have excellent quality, though they are ranked just below Grand Cru.
  • Villages: Notable Premier Cru villages include:
    • In the Vallée de la Marne: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Pierry.
    • In the Montagne de Reims: Chigny-les-Roses, Rilly-la-Montagne.
  • Characteristics: Premier Cru Champagnes offer a great balance of quality and value. They often showcase excellent flavor, finesse, and aging potential, with grapes from high-quality terroirs.
  • Price and Prestige: Premier Cru Champagnes are often more affordable than Grand Cru, making them popular for those seeking a high-quality Champagne at a more accessible price point.

3. Autre Cru Champagne (Other Crus)

  • Definition: Autre Cru, or "Other Cru," refers to villages that are not classified as Grand Cru or Premier Cru. These villages can still produce high-quality grapes, but they are not ranked at the same level as the top two tiers.
  • Villages: The majority of Champagne’s vineyard area falls into this category, producing grapes that are often blended by larger Champagne houses.
  • Characteristics: While Autre Cru Champagnes may not have the same prestige as Grand Cru or Premier Cru, many producers craft excellent wines from these grapes, and they often provide good value for money.
  • Price and Prestige: Autre Cru Champagnes are typically the most affordable, making them accessible options while still offering the distinctive qualities of Champagne.

Differences Between the Crus

The difference between Grand Cru, Premier Cru, and Autre Cru Champagnes comes down to the quality and reputation of the vineyards in each village. Grapes from Grand Cru vineyards are considered the finest and tend to produce the most complex, age-worthy, and expensive wines. Premier Cru villages are ranked just below, offering excellent quality at a more affordable price. Autre Cru vineyards are still capable of producing high-quality Champagne, particularly when expertly blended, but they are not as highly regarded as the top-tier Crus.

Blending Crus

Many Champagne houses blend grapes from different Cru villages to create a balanced, harmonious wine that reflects the house’s style. For example, a house might blend Grand Cru Chardonnay with Premier Cru Pinot Noir to achieve a particular flavor profile. Some Champagnes, especially from grower-producers, are made from grapes from a single Cru, showcasing the unique characteristics of that specific village or vineyard.

In summary, the type of Cru in Champagne refers to the classification of the village where the grapes are grown, with Grand Cru being the highest quality, followed by Premier Cru, and then Autre Cru. Each classification offers unique qualities and price points, allowing for a diverse range of Champagnes.


Special Categories

  • Grower Champagne: Made by smaller producers who grow their own grapes and produce their Champagne, often referred to as "farmer fizz." These wines can vary greatly in style and showcase unique terroirs.
  • Cuvée de Prestige: The best wine of a particular Champagne house, usually from top vineyards and made with extra care. These Champagnes are aged longer and typically have more complexity and finesse.

These categories allow Champagne to have a diverse range of flavors, textures, and complexities, making it suitable for many different occasions and preferences.