The go-to drink for all special occasions, champagne’s history dates back to 1729. This was the year when Nicholas Ruinart established the first Champagne house in Reims, France. Since then, it has remained the drink whose opening symbolizes merriment, joy and happiness.
If you are new to buying champagne, let’s get you acquainted with major champagne types:
1. Non Vintage (NV): Out of all the champagne produced each year, 85% is non vintage i.e. it is produced with wine from different years. It takes approximately fifteen months or more for aging.
2. Vintage: This type is produced in lesser quantities and mostly costs higher than the non vintage types. To make vintage champagne, wine from the same year is used. Minimum cellar aging time of this type of champagne is 36 months.
3. Blanc De Blanc: This type of champagne is made with 100% Chardonnay grapes/ wine. It can be a vintage as well as a non vintage.
4. Blanc De Noir: This champagne is made from black grape varieties Pinot Noir or Menuier or from a blend of both these grapes. This too can either be non vintage or vintage.
5. Rose`: This is a very interesting champagne type. It is pink in colour and made from blending red and white wine together. This again can be NV or vintage.
If you are new to the champagne world and want to pick up a sure shot excellent number, try a Veuve Clicquot, a Moet And Chandon or a Laurent Perrier Champagne. Depending on your taste, no matter what type of champagne you pick from these houses, these bubbly wines are sure to leave you feeling euphoric once you drink them.
