2018 Champagne Siret Frère & Sœur Millésime Rosé de Saignée Extra Brut

Champagne is located in the northeastern part of France, approximately 145 kilometres east of Paris. It is situated in a cool and northern climate, which is essential for the production of high-quality sparkling wine.

The origin of Champagne

Champagne, a sparkling wine that is globally associated with celebration, luxury, and refinement, comes from a unique region in northeastern France. This wine, produced according to the Méthode Traditionnelle, is the result of centuries of tradition, craftsmanship, and an exceptional terroir.

Grape varieties in Champagne

The vineyards in the Champagne region are mainly planted with three grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Each of these grapes has unique characteristics that contribute to the complexity of Champagne:

• Chardonnay provides freshness, minerality, and elegance.
• Pinot Noir adds structure, body, and red fruit notes.
• Pinot Meunier gives roundness and extra fruity tones to the blend.

Other permitted grape varieties include Pinot Blanc, Arbane, and Petit Meslier. However, these three are quite rare and are likely to disappear over time.

Subregions and terroir of Champagne

Champagne is divided into several subregions, each with its own terroir and influence on the wine. Some well-known subregions include:

• Montagne de Reims: Known for Pinot Noir, wines from this area are often rich and structured, with red fruit notes.
• Côte des Blancs: The home of Chardonnay, which produces fresh, mineral-driven wines with citrus and chalk tones.
• Vallée de la Marne: A mix of grape varieties, where wines are often well-balanced with a combination of fruit and structure.
• Côte des Bar: A warmer area primarily known for Pinot Noir, producing bold and fruity wines.

How Champagne is made

Champagne is produced according to the Méthode Traditionnelle, a process known for its second fermentation in the bottle, which creates the characteristic bubbles in the wine. The production process starts with fermenting the different grape varieties separately, after which the wines are blended. This blending is crucial for achieving the right balance and consistency in the final Champagne.

The second fermentation occurs after a mixture of sugar and yeast is added to the bottle, which leads to the formation of carbon dioxide. The Champagne then ages on the dead yeast cells, which contributes to more complex aromas like bread, nuts, and toast.

Storing and aging Champagne

Champagne can benefit from aging, depending on the type. Non-vintage Champagnes typically age for 15 months, while vintage Champagnes are aged for at least three years. Over time, the wines develop more complex flavors and a refined texture. This process brings forward notes of brioche, honey, and dried fruit.

Proper storage is essential for preserving Champagne. It is important to store the bottles in a cool, dark place with a stable temperature and minimal vibrations.

Small growers and major Champagne houses

The Champagne region is home to both large producers and smaller, independent growers. Large houses like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot produce millions of bottles annually and dominate the international market. Smaller growers like Champagne Du Goupil, also known as Récoltants-Manipulants, often manage their own vineyards and produce wines that are more focused on the specific terroir of their land. These smaller producers are becoming increasingly popular among connoisseurs looking for unique and authentic Champagnes.

Order Champagne online

At Grandcruwijnen you can easily order champagne online. We have all major Champagne houses and small growers in our range. Did you know that when you pick up your order, you always get a nice discount? 

Tourism in the Champagne region

The Champagne region attracts many visitors each year who want to learn more about the wine culture. Vineyard tours, tastings, and visits to historic towns like Reims, with its famous Gothic cathedral, make it a popular destination for wine lovers.

Champagne is a global symbol of celebration and elegance. Thanks to the unique combination of terroir, climate, and centuries-old traditions, this sparkling wine remains one of the most valued beverages in the world.

France is globally renowned for its exceptional wines, each originating from a unique region with distinct flavors and styles.

France as one of the largest and oldest wine-producing countries in the world

France is not only one of the oldest but also one of the largest wine-producing countries in the world. The moderately warm climate, which is favorable for grape cultivation, and the diversity of wine soils provide ideal conditions for viticulture. Thanks to the abundance of oak trees for barrel production and its central location in Europe, the French wine trade flourished early on, contributing to the quality and variety of French wines.

The soil diversity in France makes it possible to produce a wide range of wines. Due to its northern location, between the 43rd and 49th parallel, grapes take longer to ripen, which promotes complex aromas and retains good acidity. The extensive experience of French winemakers has led to an optimal alignment of wine and region.

Wine regions in France: from Bordeaux to the Loire Valley

France is home to some of the world’s most famous wine regions, such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley. Each region has its unique climate, soil, and grape varieties that influence the flavor of the wine. Bordeaux is known for its powerful red wines made from grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Burgundy offers refined wines made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while the Loire Valley, stretching along France’s longest river, produces white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc.

Other wine areas such as Champagne, Alsace, Provence, Beaujolais, and Languedoc-Roussillon are globally renowned, producing a variety of wines, from sparkling to fruity and rosé wines, beloved by both local and international enthusiasts.

French viticulture: tradition, regulation, and innovation

Wine production in France dates back over 2000 years. Thanks to continuous attention to research, education, and regulation, France has developed one of the most comprehensive wine laws in the world. These laws, such as the AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) and IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée), set rules to preserve the authenticity of wines from specific regions.

These rules specify, among other things, which grape varieties may be planted, pruning methods, yields per hectare, and even wine style. Wines that meet these conditions can carry the AOP or IGP designation, which guarantees the quality and regional authenticity of French wine.

Grape varieties in French wine: from Chardonnay to Merlot

France is home to renowned grape varieties that are appreciated worldwide. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon are just a few examples of grapes that thrive on French soil.

Chardonnay is particularly popular in Burgundy, where it adapts to both cool and warm climates. Pinot Noir, another classic from Burgundy, is known for its delicate flavor and red fruit aromas. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon form the backbone of Bordeaux wines, each with their distinctive aromas and flavor profiles.

Climates of French wine regions: impact on flavor and quality

The variation in climate within France plays an important role in the diversity of French wine. The temperate climate in Bordeaux, the cool climate in Champagne, and the warm, dry climate in Provence each contribute to the unique characteristics of the wines.

In Champagne, the cool climate produces sparkling wines with refined bubbles and high acidity. Provence benefits from its warmth, which aids in the production of refreshing rosé wines. The Rhône Valley’s warm summers result in robust red wines from grapes such as Syrah and Grenache.

The scale of French wine production

France has about 785,000 hectares of vineyards, producing approximately 45 million hectoliters of wine annually. Of this vineyard area, roughly half is AOP wine, which stands for guaranteed origin and quality.

If you have a French wine from before 2011, you may see the term Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), which was the predecessor to AOP. Besides AOP, IGP is also a common label, indicating wine with a protected geographic origin, signaling the wine's region of origin.

Why choose French wine?

France has established itself as a wine country through its unique combination of diverse terroirs, grape varieties, and climates. The knowledge and experience passed down through generations of French winemakers have led to the creation of wines that are hard to match in flavor and quality.

Whether you choose a powerful Bordeaux, a refined Burgundy, or a refreshing Champagne, France offers a wide selection of high-quality wines. At Grandcruwijnen, you’ll find French wines for every taste and occasion.

Want to order French wine online?

Do you want to enjoy a quality wine from France? At Grandcruwijnen, you can easily order your favorite French wine. Our extensive selection includes everything from Bordeaux wines like Petrus, Mouton, and Lafite to top rosé houses like Miraval, Minuty, and Ott, as well as the best Hermitage wines from the Rhône. All our wines are stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse. Moreover, you receive a discount when you pick up your order. The discount is immediately visible once you select 'Pickup' on the checkout page.