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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The daring dynamos of Champagne's Montagne de ReimsAn insider's guide to the new names in the Montagne de Reims...
By Tom Hewson Published
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The best sub-£50 Champagnes from the Montagne de ReimsThere's gold in them thar hills...
By Tom Hewson Published
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Planning an overnight trip in Champagne? Here’s how to do it in styleGet to the heart of Champagne with these expert-recommended itineraries...
By Tom Hewson Published
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Salon’s Cristian Rimoldi: ‘Champagne is one of the easiest wines to pair with food’A chat with Champagne Salon and Delamotte's Cristian Rimoldi...
By Chris Mercer Published
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Champagne Report: The two faces of the Montagne de ReimsThis Champagne sub-region has many aspects...
By Tom Hewson Published
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So you think you know Champagne Bollinger? Here are five facts that might surprise youShivani Tomar shares what she learned on a very special trip to Champagne Bollinger for the launch of its new La Grande Année.
By Shivani Tomar Published
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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 GramonaA trip to Champagne and Catalonia...
By Author collaboration Last updated
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Wines of the Year 2025: The Rhône, Champagne & regional FranceThe best wines from across France...
By Natalie Earl Published
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Tom Hewson’s top Champagnes of 2025A few Champagne favourites from 2025...
By Tom Hewson Published
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Festive Champagne pairings for global cuisinesBubbles and food around the world...
By Tom Hewson Published
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Blanc de noirs Champagne: Panel tasting resultsGlorious, darker-edged Champagne...
By Tom Hewson Last updated
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New Champagne releases to buy this festive season as prices easeNow could be the time to stock up...
By Tom Hewson Published
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Festive Champagne cocktails to make at homeEasy sparkling cocktail recipes...
By Julie Sheppard Last updated
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Champagne Barons de Rothschild: 20 years of patience and a brand new wineryFrom Bordeaux to Champagne...
By Tom Hewson Published
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How to store Champagne at homeTop tips on how to get the basics right...
By Clive Pursehouse Last updated
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Henri Giraud: 400 years in ChampagneCelebrating 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-pointerThe fine wines to buy this autumn...
By Georgie Hindle Last updated
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Champagne Day: 96+ point wines to try12 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 gameChampagne 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 marketIn 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 caseFrench 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 bestWallet-friendly bubbles...
By Tom Hewson Last updated
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Champagne Laurent-Perrier: Rosé perfectionistsHow 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 ChampagneSandy 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 trialComité Champagne joined the prosecution as a civil plaintiff...
By Chris Mercer Published
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Champagne releases for spring & summer 2025The best of what's been released so far this year...
By Tom Hewson Last updated