Collection: Champagne | France

Champagne — France

Champagne is the world's most celebrated sparkling wine, produced exclusively in the Champagne region of northeastern France under strict appellation rules that govern everything from permitted grape varieties to minimum ageing requirements. No other sparkling wine in the world can legally be called Champagne — the name is both a place and a standard, and it is that standard that has made Champagne the benchmark for fine sparkling wine across the globe.

Our collection spans the full range of Champagne styles and houses, from iconic non-vintage expressions to prestigious vintage releases and rare prestige cuvées, across a range of formats from piccolo to magnum.

The Champagne Region

Champagne is located approximately 150 kilometres northeast of Paris, at the northern limit of viable viticulture in France. The region's cool climate, chalky limestone soils and precise growing conditions produce grapes of naturally high acidity and restrained sugar levels — the ideal foundation for sparkling wine of exceptional freshness, complexity and longevity. The chalk beneath the region's vineyards drains freely, retains moisture during dry periods and reflects heat back onto the vine canopy, contributing to the mineral character that defines great Champagne.

The three principal grape varieties are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Pinot Noir provides structure, red fruit character and ageing potential. Chardonnay contributes finesse, mineral precision and elegance. Pinot Meunier adds roundness and approachability. Most Champagne is a blend of all three, though Blanc de Blancs (Chardonnay only) and Blanc de Noirs (Pinot Noir and/or Meunier only) are also produced.

Champagne Styles

Non-Vintage Brut — The most widely produced style, blended across multiple harvests using reserve wines to achieve consistency and house style. The benchmark expression for most houses and the best introduction to a producer's character.

Vintage — Produced only in exceptional years from a single harvest. Greater depth, individuality and ageing potential than non-vintage, with the structure to develop over a decade or more.

Prestige Cuvée — The pinnacle of each house's range, produced from the finest vineyard parcels in exceptional years. Dom Pérignon, La Grande Dame, Bollinger R.D. and Cristal are among the most celebrated examples.

Rosé — Produced either by blending a small amount of still red wine into the base blend, or by brief skin contact. Ranges from delicate and precise to full-bodied and structured depending on the house.

Blanc de Blancs — Produced exclusively from Chardonnay. Typically the most elegant and mineral style, with excellent ageing potential.

Demi-Sec — A sweeter style with higher residual sugar, suited to dessert pairing.

The Houses

Our Champagne collection includes wines from the region's most respected producers — Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Bollinger, Dom Pérignon, Louis Roederer, Billecart-Salmon, Piper Heidsieck, Pommery and G.H. Mumm, among others.

Food Pairing

Champagne is one of the most food-friendly wines in the world. Non-vintage Brut pairs naturally with oysters, seafood, soft cheeses and canapés. Vintage and prestige cuvées can accompany more substantial dishes including lobster, fine poultry and aged cheeses. Rosé pairs well with salmon, duck and berry-based desserts. Demi-Sec is a natural partner for fruit tarts and light pastries.

Serving

Serve Champagne at 8–10°C in a tulip glass or white wine glass. A wider glass allows the full aromatic complexity to express, particularly for vintage and prestige cuvée releases. Non-vintage Brut is best enjoyed within three to five years of release; vintage and prestige cuvées reward patience and can develop for a decade or more.