master-cooks | What Is Champagne Actually Made Of?

Champagne is a sparkling wine that originates from the Champagne region of France. It is renowned for its distinctive effervescence and is often associated with celebration and luxury. The primary ingredients in champagne are grapes, specifically the Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay varieties. These grapes are harvested and pressed to extract their juice, which is then fermented. The initial fermentation process produces a base wine, which is typically dry and not very flavorful on its own. The magic of champagne comes with the secondary fermentation, which occurs inside the bottle. This involves adding a mixture of sugar and yeast, known as the liqueur de tirage, to the base wine. The bottle is then sealed, and the yeast consumes the sugar, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide is trapped in the bottle, creating the characteristic bubbles of champagne. After fermentation, the wine undergoes a process called riddling to remove sediment, followed by disgorgement, which expels the sediment from the bottle. Finally, a dosage of sugar and wine is added to adjust sweetness levels before corking. This intricate process results in the elegant and celebratory drink known as champagne.

A fizzy drink made from black grapes of the Champagne region

White Champagne is produced using black grapes, mainly chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier, sourced from the Champagne region. A specialized press is employed to extract the juice while preventing contact with the colored skins, ensuring the wine remains white. After the initial fermentation, which takes place in tanks, yeast and sugar are added before the wine is bottled for a second fermentation. This aging process lasts a minimum of one and a half years.

Once this period is complete, any sediment in the bottle is removed, and a mixture known as liqueur d'expédition or dosage is added to fill the bottle. This dosage typically includes wine, cane or beet sugar, brandy, ascorbic acid, citric acid, copper sulfate, and a small quantity of sulfur dioxide for preservation. The sugar content in the dosage varies based on the wine's style, ranging from extra brut, which is very dry, to demi-sec or rich, which is sweet.

This meticulous production process often results in Champagne being quite expensive, but you don’t have to break the bank for your next celebration. For example, Costco's Kirkland Signature Champagne is crafted to meet the wine's standards, has received outstanding reviews, and is priced at just $19.99 per bottle.

What Is Champagne Actually Made Of?

A fizzy drink made from black grapes of the Champagne region

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