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FranceCurated by Michele Edington, Certified Sommelier
Reims and Epernay are the region's two capitals; Reims sits atop centuries-old Gallo-Roman chalk pits (crayeres) used as Champagne cellars, several open for tours. Harvest is entirely hand-picked in September. A common day trip from Paris rather than a river-cruise dock -- there is no navigable cruise route through Champagne itself.
Grapes
white: Chardonnay, Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris
red: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Wines & pairings
Non-vintage Brut Champagne
Starters
- Gougeres (warm cheese choux pastry) — A Champagne-region classic — the wine's acidity and bubbles cut the pastry's richness while the toasty, biscuity notes echo the baked cheese.
- Oysters — Brut's high acid and mineral snap are a textbook match for briny raw shellfish.
Entrées
- Fried chicken or fish and chips — The bubbles and acidity cut through fried batter and oil better than almost any still wine.
Desserts
- Not typically a dessert wine — Brut is bone-dry; save the sweet course for a demi-sec Champagne or Sauternes instead.
Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay)
Starters
- Raw seafood — oysters, sushi, or a fish carpaccio — 100% Chardonnay gives a purer, more citrus-driven acidity than a blended Brut, echoing the brine and delicacy of raw fish.
Entrées
- Sole or turbot in a light butter sauce — The wine's elegance and lemony cut match delicate white fish without overwhelming it.
Rose Champagne
Starters
- Charcuterie and terrine board — The Pinot Noir backbone gives rose Champagne enough red-fruit structure to stand up to cured meats.
Entrées
- Duck breast or salmon — Richer proteins need the extra weight and red-berry character rose Champagne has over a standard Brut.
Desserts
- Red berry tart — The wine's own red-fruit notes echo the tart's berries.
Featured along
- Seine — Reims
Common questions
- What wine is Champagne known for?
- Champagne, in France, is known for Non-vintage Brut Champagne, Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay), Rose Champagne, made from grapes such as Chardonnay, Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc.
- What grapes are grown in Champagne?
- Chardonnay, Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier.
- What food pairs with Champagne wines?
- Classic local pairings include Charcuterie and terrine board, Raw seafood — oysters, sushi, or a fish carpaccio, Not typically a dessert wine, Fried chicken or fish and chips, Gougeres (warm cheese choux pastry).