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Episode Overview

In Episode 95 of the Wine Educate Podcast, Joanne Close continues the sparkling wine series with a focused overview of Champagne, designed especially for WSET Level 2 students. This episode covers where Champagne is located, why its climate is so challenging, the grapes that define the region, and how blending and aging shape the final wines.

Next week's episode will build on this foundation by breaking down how to read a Champagne label and understand the key legal terms you'll see on the bottle.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

Where Champagne Is Located Champagne is the coldest wine-producing region in France, situated between 48° and 49.5° north latitude. Its marginal climate sits near the northern limit of where grapes can reliably ripen, making acidity, low alcohol, and freshness central to the style of its wines. The region lies about an hour and a half east of Paris, making it a popular day trip for visitors.

Champagne and the Traditional Method Champagne is produced using the traditional method, with a second fermentation taking place in bottle. Only wines made in this region under strict regulations can legally use the name Champagne. The region is fiercely protected by its governing body, which safeguards both quality standards and the Champagne name worldwide.

The Grapes of Champagne Nearly all Champagne is made from three grapes: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. Pinot Noir is the most widely planted, followed closely by Meunier and Chardonnay. A handful of historic grapes such as Pinot Blanc, Arbane, and Petit Meslier are still permitted, though they make up less than one percent of total plantings and are used only rarely.

Lees Aging and Style Champagne must age on its lees for a minimum of 12 months, though many producers choose much longer aging. Extended lees contact adds classic aromas and flavors such as brioche, biscuit, toast, and pastry, contributing to complexity and texture.

Soils and Chalk Cellars Chalk plays an important role in Champagne, producing wines with naturally high acidity and a lean profile. Ancient chalk quarries, known as crayères, are now used as cellars thanks to their cool, stable temperatures and high humidity. Limestone, clay, and sand also contribute to the diversity of wine styles across the region.

Blending and Non-Vintage Champagne Blending is essential in Champagne, both across vineyard sites and across vintages. Most Champagne is non-vintage, meaning wines from multiple years are blended to maintain a consistent house style. Vintage Champagne is produced only in exceptional years and in much smaller quantities.

Climate Change in Champagne Over the past 30 years, average temperatures in Champagne have increased by about two degrees Fahrenheit. This has led to riper grapes, less reliance on chaptalization, adjustments to malolactic conversion, and lower dosage levels. Still Pinot Noir wines from Champagne are also gaining attention as ripeness improves.

Who Drinks the Most Champagne France remains Champagne's largest consumer, with nearly half of all production staying within the country. Of the Champagne that is exported, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan are the leading markets.

Coming Up Next

Next week's episode is entirely dedicated to decoding Champagne labels. Joanne will walk through the legal terms, classifications, and details you need to understand what's actually inside the bottle. You may want to have a bottle of Champagne handy and possibly a magnifying glass.

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