Reims, the center of the Champagne region in France. A visit to to the Charles De Cazanove Champagne House in Reims to learn about the local drink.
Charles De Cazanove Champagne House Reims |
The Charles de Cazanove Champagne House was founded in 1811 in Avize 40km south west of Reims.
Champagne Charles De Cazanove (champagnedecazanove.com)
An opportunity to understand the process of producing champagne.
Once the grapes have been harvested they are pressed and the grape juice stored in tanks or barrels for first fermentation.
Charles De Cazanove Reims primary fermentation tanks |
Charles De Cazanove Reims primary fermentation barrels |
The wines are then blended and bottled.
They are aged with the second fermentation taking place in a bottle which produces the bubbles. Whilst being aged the bottles need to be turned regularly in a process known as riddling. This is done by hand or machine.
Charles De Cazanove Riddling Mechanisms |
After ageing and second fermentation the champagne is discouraged from the bottle and rebottled and corked. The traditional hand bottling has been replaced by mechanical bottling.
Charles De Cazanove Finished Bottle |
Charles De Cazanove Champagne ready for consumption |
An the opportunity to learn about the different blends of grape that style the champagne and the amount residual sugar that give the differing taste of champagne.