Today, strict regulations are enforced to ensure that the appellation "Champagne" applies only to the wines produced according to the long-established traditions in the Champagne region of France. The Appellation of Controlled Origin (AOC) oversees the stringent regulations and traditions developed over centuries of experience. These rules cover all stages of the wine's development, from vineyard cultivation to final bottling, and are enforced under France law. The appellation system is key to differentiating Champagne from sparkling wines. The unique terroir of the Champagne region and the strict regulations in place ensure only wines following the exacting standards defined over centuries are given the name "Champagne."

In 1927, the vineyards of Champagne were legally defined, according to the wine producing history of the villages. Since 1927, only three grape varieties have been allowed in the production of Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. In addition, quality regulations have been enacted to limit the yields in the vineyards and in the press houses. Standards have been outlined for the pruning, the height, the spacing and the density of the vines, to ensure harvesting by hand. More recently, measures have been taken to lengthen the minimum aging time to fifteen months for Non-vintage Champagnes and to three years for Vintage Champagne.

Protecting the Champagne Name

Any variance in the rules that govern the cultivation and process that delivers this extraordinary wine is not tolerated in Champagne. The word "Champagne" is so full of meaning, so desirable that it has always been a highly sought-after name. One of the Office of Champagne's missions is to recognize and protect the exclusive nature of the appellation and its namesake. In that regard, it must be stressed that attempts to replicate or mimic the process in other places around the world may produce fine wines, yet they do not produce Champagne.

The unique geographical attributes of the Champagne region and the strict regulations in place ensure only wines following the exacting standards defined over centuries are given the name "Champagne." The appellation system is key to differentiating Champagne from sparkling wines.