Are you in doubt about which Champagne style you enjoy the most?

You're not alone. Most people just buy Champagne based on the names of the champagne houses that they recognize. But there are many different types of champagnes, so it's important to find out which styles are your favorite.

The main things that will affect how the champagne tastes are the residual sugar level and the types of grapes that the winemaker used to make the champagne. It is also important to know how long the wine has aged on its "lees" - as this will affect how "yeasty" or "bready" the champagne tastes.

When we see the word "Brut" on a Champagne label, it tells us that the Champagne is not sweet. But did you know that the manufacturer can use the word "Brut" for anything between 0 and 12 grams per liter of sugar? This is a huge difference. Most consumers prefer champagnes between 6-8 g/l - but trends in the industry lean towards lower residual sugar levels.

The best way to find out which style you like is to try many different styles in a blind tasting. This will improve your ability to judge based on taste rather than expectations.

On March 9, 2024, at The Vault, we will taste 12 different styles of champagne and learn about the differences. It's a really fun experience to have on a Saturday afternoon. If you are interested in joining, please send an email to sommelier@thewinevault.dk.

If you missed our March 9 session but would like to schedule a session for your private group, please let us know.