Champagne has long been linked to parties, high society, and special occasions. This sparkling wine has a special place in the world of drinks, whether it’s for a wedding toast, a big birthday, or just a quiet night with someone special. But not every bottle of champagne is the same. Knowing the different kinds can help you choose the best bottle, especially if you’re buying champagne as a gift.
This article will talk about the main types of champagne, some of the most famous styles (like brut champagne), and how to choose a bottle of champagne to give as a gift.
What Makes Champagne Unique?
Before we get into the different kinds, it’s important to note that “Champagne” only refers to traditional sparkling wine made in the Champagne area of France. Some other sparkling wines, like Prosecco or Cava, may be bubbly, but they don’t have the same name or style.
Champagne is made using the “méthode traditionnelle,” which means “traditional method.” This method includes letting the wine ferment again inside the bottle, which gives it its signature bubbles and complex flavors.
Different Types of Champagne
When you’re picking out champagne, the sticker tells you a lot about the style, sweetness, and types of grapes used to make it. You should know these main types:
- Non-Vintage Champagne
Typically, a blend of grapes from various years produces this type of champagne. It stays in style and is usually less expensive, so it’s a good choice for everyday gifts or casual parties.
- Vintage Champagne
Vintage champagnes are only made when the growing season is excellent. They are made from grapes that were picked in a single year. They’ve been aged longer and have more complicated flavors, making them a good choice for big events or people with more refined tastes.
- Rose Champagne
If you rub red grape skins on this style or mix in red wine, you get a blush color. Rosé champagnes taste fruity and classy, and they go well with many types of food. They are perfect for romantic events or springtime get-togethers.
- Blanc de Blancs
This champagne is usually lighter and crisper, with lemon and floral notes, because it is made from only Chardonnay grapes. It works well for people who like images that are light and fresh.
- Black de Noirs
Blanc de Noirs is made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, which have dark skins. It has a fuller, stronger taste. This kind goes well with heavy foods and is great for winter events or holiday meals.
What is Brut Champagne?
Labels for different types of champagne will often say things like “Brut,” “Demi-Sec,” or “Extra Dry.” These terms describe how sweet the champagne is, which is based on how much leftover sugar is left in it.
Most people drink Brut Champagne, which means the champagne is dry and has less than 12 grams of sugar per liter. It has the right amount of crisp acidity and subtle fruitiness, which makes it very flexible and good for food. Brut is a great choice for any occasion, whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else.
Some other common sweetness levels are:
- Extra Brut: Very dry
- Extra Dry: A little sweeter than Brut
- Sec, Demi-Sec, and Doux: Progressively sweeter styles.
If you’re not sure what to drink, Brut Champagne is usually a safe and classy choice.
When and Why Giving Champagne as a Gift Works
Champagne is a popular gift because it shows happiness, joy, and wealth without being too personal or difficult to pick out. Giving someone champagne as a gift shows that you care and are happy for them, whether you’re praising them or saying thank you.
Popular Occasions to Give Champagne:
- Weddings: A beautiful wedding gift is a bottle of old or rosé champagne.
- Housewarming: A well-chosen Brut or non-vintage champagne is a nice way to say hello.
- Graduations: Champagne is a fun and celebratory drink that goes well with important life events like graduations.
- Anniversaries: Giving a unique type like Blanc de Blancs as a gift makes the event more elegant.
- Corporate Gifting: Champagne is classy and can be used in business settings.
For a more personal touch, you can pair it with gourmet snacks, candies, or even champagne bottles that have been engraved.
Champagne and Food Pairings
Some wines don’t go as well with food as champagne does. Champagne can cut through strong flavors and make even the lightest foods taste better because it is acidic and bubbly.
- Brut Champagne pairs well with sushi, fish, and creamy cheeses.
- Rosé Champagne goes well with grilled veggies, duck, and berry desserts.
- Blanc de Blancs goes well with oysters, other shellfish, and light snacks.
- Blanc de Noirs goes well with sausages, roast meats, and hearty meals.
If you know about the different types of champagne, you can choose a bottle that goes well with both the occasion and the food.
Tips for Buying and Storing Champagne
- Buy from trusted retailers with proper storage practices to preserve freshness.
- The best way to store bottles is on their sides, out of the way of light and heat, and at cellar temperature, which is about 50°F (10°C).
- To bring out the bubbles and scent, serve cold at 45–48°F (7–9°C) in tulip or fluted glasses.
Last Thoughts
There is a type of champagne for every taste and event, from the classic brut champagne to the fragrant rosé and the rare vintage blends. You can make smart choices about what kind of champagne to buy for yourself or as a gift if you know about the different kinds.
Champagne is still one of the most famous drinks to drink and share because of its long history, many uses, and appeal to everyone. You’ll have a deeper understanding of what a bottle means the next time you reach for one.
