Champagne wine region
Production
'Méthode Champenoise' is the traditional method by which this sparkling wine is produced. Following primary fermentation and bottling, a second fermentation takes place in the bottle by the addition of a liqueur de tirage.
Non-vintage wines make up the vast majority of production in the region and are a blend of the latest vintage plus several older reserve wines. Non-vintage wines require a minimum of 18 months ageing before release.
In years where there is an outstanding harvest, producers may ‘declare’ the vintage and make wines using only grapes from that particular year. A minimum of 36 months maturation is required for these wines.
See all our latest Champagne content below:
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Why is Tattinger’s Comtes de Champagne Rosé 2012 so good?
The perfect pink for a special occasion...
By Tom Hewson Last updated
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Champagne 1995 vs 1996: How do these vintages hold up 30 years on?
Lessons learned...
By Tom Hewson Last updated
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Younger generations: Herbert & Co and Gramona
A trip to Champagne and Catalonia...
By Author collaboration Last updated
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Wines of the Year 2025: The Rhône, Champagne & regional France
The best wines from across France...
By Natalie Earl Published
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Tom Hewson’s top Champagnes of 2025
A few Champagne favourites from 2025...
By Tom Hewson Published
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Festive Champagne pairings for global cuisines
Bubbles and food around the world...
By Tom Hewson Published
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Blanc de noirs Champagne: Panel tasting results
Glorious, darker-edged Champagne...
By Tom Hewson Last updated
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New Champagne releases to buy this festive season as prices ease
Now could be the time to stock up...
By Tom Hewson Published
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Festive Champagne cocktails to make at home
Easy sparkling cocktail recipes...
By Julie Sheppard Last updated
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Champagne Barons de Rothschild: 20 years of patience and a brand new winery
From Bordeaux to Champagne...
By Tom Hewson Published
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How to store Champagne at home
Top tips on how to get the basics right...
By Clive Pursehouse Last updated
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Henri Giraud: 400 years in Champagne
Celebrating a Champagne milestone...
By Tom Hewson Published
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Wine investment: Signs of revival in the Champagne market?
Scotch and old claret also hit the auction scene...
By Chris Mercer Published
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Where has all the vintage Champagne gone?
Champagne's original premium cuvée...
By Tom Hewson Last updated
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Our expert reveals her 12 favourites from 130 fine wines hitting Bordeaux’s marketplace – including one 100-pointer
The fine wines to buy this autumn...
By Georgie Hindle Last updated
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Champagne Day: 96+ point wines to try
12 top-scoring Champagnes to seek out from DWWA...
By Olivia Mason Last updated
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Champagne Dhondt-Grellet: The young grower at the top of his game
Champagne lovers take note...
By Tom Hewson Published
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Krug and composer Max Richter pay musical tribute to Champagne’s superb 2008 vintage
'Every Note Counts' project inspired by three cuvées...
By Chris Mercer Published
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Wine investment: Why the Super Tuscans are bucking the trend in a weak market
In a challenging fine wine market in 2025, Super Tuscan wines have continued to show relative strength, according to several trade sources.
By Chris Mercer Last updated
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Fake Champagne: Winemaker appeals conviction in fraud case
French court ruling challenged in high-profile case...
By Chris Mercer Published
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Does affordable Champagne still exist? Here are 15 of the best
Wallet-friendly bubbles...
By Tom Hewson Last updated
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Champagne Laurent-Perrier: Rosé perfectionists
How to stand out from the rosé Champagne crowd...
By Tom Hewson Last updated
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Petite Montagne, grand ambition: Ten top wines from an exciting corner of Champagne
Sandy soils make for graceful Meunier...
By Tom Hewson Published
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Champagne and Prosecco: What’s the difference?
Not all sparkling wines are created equal…
By Elie Lloyd Ellis Last updated
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Champagne: Three convicted in human trafficking trial
Comité Champagne joined the prosecution as a civil plaintiff...
By Chris Mercer Published
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Champagne releases for spring & summer 2025
The best of what's been released so far this year...
By Tom Hewson Last updated
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Veuve Clicquot dazzles with launch of La Grande Dame 2018
In for a treat...
By Natalie Earl Last updated
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First taste: Louis Roederer 2018 and new releases
The newest additions to the Brut Nature range...
By Anne Krebiehl MW Published
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First taste: Dom Pérignon’s new P2 2008 released with artistic flair
A star-studded release...
By Tom Hewson Last updated
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Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame masterclass: DFWE New York 2025
The art of ageing...
By Natalie Earl Published
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Decanter Cellar: 20 must-try Chardonnay
Twenty exciting Chardonnays tasted recently by Decanter...
By Rupert Millar Last updated
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US restaurants with the best Champagne lists
Don't miss these top spots for bubbles...
By Jillian Dara Published