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Penn Herb Wellness Guide

Champagne

Also indexed as:Brut, Demi-sec
Champagne: Main Image

Related Topics

  1. Pair It with the Perfect Cheese
  2. Find Great Recipes
  3. Wines
True Champagne comes only from the northern French region of the same name. Produced from only three varietals, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, this wine becomes sparkling by the process of creating a second fermentation in the bottle.

Flavor Descriptors

Flavors reflect the varietals used (whether predominantly Chardonnay or Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) although it is rare to have any overt red fruit flavors. Chardonnay-dominant examples are typically elegant and racy, with apple, pear, and citrus fruit and chalky minerally aromatics. Pinot Noir-dominated examples are typically richer and fuller-bodied with mild red fruit aromatics. Both styles can also offer yeasty toasty or creamy notes depending on the winery. Pinot Meunier rarely is a major component, but its flavors resemble those of Pinot Noir.

Food Pairings

Brut

Mild cheeses, caviar, chicken liver crostini, mini-quiches, oysters, sushi.

Extra Dry and Demi-sec

Fruit salad especially strawberries, apple/pear tarts, lemon meringue.

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The information presented here is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of USregistered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.