What are the Different Types of Champagnes?

Knowing which champagne to pick can be a bit overwhelming. Whether you're just chillin’ with friends or just planning a big celebration, understanding the different types of champagne can help you find the perfect bottle for every occasion.

What Makes Champagne Unique? It’s important to know that true champagne comes only from the Champagne region in France, where specific grapes are grown under strict regulations. Champagne is made primarily from three types of grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. These grapes give champagne its unique taste and character. The process of creating champagne, called the méthode champenoise and it involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle to produce its signature bubbles. This method is what makes champagne distinct from other sparkling wines.

Now, let’s dive into the different types of champagne and what makes each unique.

Brut Champagne is the most popular style of champagne, and it’s usually the one you’ll find in stores or on restaurant menus. Brut champagne is known for its crisp, dry taste. "Brut" refers to the level of sweetness, or dosage, in the champagne, meaning it has little to no added sugar. Because it’s on the drier side, Brut champagne has a refreshing acidity that pairs well with a variety of foods like seafood, cheese, and even fried dishes. If you’re not sure what type of champagne to choose, Brut is a safe and versatile option.

If you love really dry wines, Extra Brut and Brut Nature are worth a try. Extra Brut champagne has even less sugar than Brut, while Brut Nature has no added sugar at all. Brut Nature champagne is as dry as it gets, so it’s perfect for anyone who wants a pure, unfiltered taste of the grapes without any sweetness. These styles are often more complex, with a bolder, richer profile that might not appeal to everyone, but they’re a hit with true champagne enthusiasts.

Blanc de Blancs translates to "white from whites," which means this champagne is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. Blanc de Blancs champagnes are light, delicate, and often have a citrusy flavor. They’re known for their finesse and elegance, with a clean, crisp finish. Blanc de Blancs is an excellent choice if you prefer a more delicate and refined champagne, and it’s especially great for brunch or with lighter dishes like seafood, sushi, or creamy pasta.

On the flip side, we have Blanc de Noirs, which means "white from blacks." This type of champagne is made exclusively from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, which are black-skinned grapes. Blanc de Noirs tends to have a richer, fuller body and often shows notes of red fruit, like strawberries and cherries, along with a hint of earthiness. This champagne is a bit more robust, making it a perfect choice for heartier meals like roasted meats, game, or mushroom-based dishes.

Rosé champagne is made either by blending a small amount of red wine with white champagne or through a method called saignée, which allows the juice to have contact with the grape skins for a short time, usually a few hours or up to one day of skin contact. This type of champagne has a beautiful pink color and tends to be fruitier, with notes of red berries, and sometimes floral hints. Rosé champagne is super versatile and works well with a wide range of foods from salads to grilled meats. Plus, its stunning color makes it a great choice for celebrations or romantic evenings.

Vintage Champagne is made from grapes harvested in a single year. Champagne houses only produce vintage champagne in exceptional years when the grape quality is outstanding. Because of this, vintage champagnes are usually richer and more complex than non-vintage champagnes, with the ability to age and develop more nuanced flavors over time. Vintage champagnes are usually more expensive, as they are designed to age well under optimal storage conditions. Vintage champagne worth trying if you’re looking for something truly special and unique, especially if you celebrating a specific year or milestone.

Prestige Cuvée is the top-tier champagne from a house and is often made from the best grapes and aged for a longer time. Famous examples include Dom Pérignon and Louis Roederer’s Cristal. These champagnes are complex, luxurious, and often have deep, layered flavors that evolve with each sip. Prestige cuvées are perfect for big celebrations or as a gift for a true champagne lover. These champagnes can be very expensive and harder to obtain.

Demi-Sec and Doux are perfect for those who prefer a touch of sweetness. Demi-Sec means "half-dry," but they can be quite sweet compared to Brut. Doux champagne is even sweeter, making it the sweetest type of champagne available. These styles are a great match for desserts or as an after-dinner drink. They’re also ideal for anyone who finds Brut champagne a bit too dry.

Choosing the Right Champagne is more about the occasion and your personal taste. If you’re new to champagne, start with a Brut to get a sense of the classic, dry style. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try a Blanc de Blancs, and if you’re celebrating a special moment, go for a Rosé or even a Prestige Cuvée. Champagne is meant to be enjoyed with friends, so explore the different types and find the one that makes your taste buds dance. Each type of champagne has its own character and charm, so don’t be afraid to try a few different styles and discover what you love.