Champagne

The most fiercely protected wine name of all, ‘Champagne’ can be made only from vines grown on the chalky hillsides around Reims and Epernay in north-eastern France.

All of its wines are made in the traditional method, which means the wines undergo a secondary fermentation in bottle. This method of production results in finer, more persistent bubbles and a rich complex flavour.

A blend of grape varieties is usually required: white Chardonnay to add fruit and elegance, and two reds – Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – to provide body and backbone.