Office of Champagne, USA The Grapes

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The Sparkling Wine War; Pitting Trademark Rights Against Geographic Indications. Business Law Today. By Carol Robertson:

"But European producers have long recognized the importance of "terroir"—that wine made from grapes grown in a particular location will have a unique taste. The word "terroir" has no English translation. It means place, certainly, but also it implies soil characteristics, climate, and altitude, for example."

What Is An Appellation	The Champagne Appellation
The Vines	The Grapes
Cultivation Regulations	France's Appellation System

The Grapes

Grape Varieties
The process of Champagne making begins with the grapes. To be in accordance of the Champagne cultivation regulations, only three grape varieties are allowed in the production of Champagne.

Pinot Noir: A black grape variety with white juice grown mainly on the slopes of the Mountain of Reims and Cote des Bar. It gives Champagnes their aromas of red fruits, as well as their strength and body.

Pinot Meunier: Another black grape variety with white juice. It is grown mainly in the Valley of Marne and is characterized by its suppleness and spiciness. It gives Champagne its roundness and fragrance.

Chardonnay: A white grape variety mostly planted in the Cote des Blancs. It provides the wines with their finesse as well as their floral, and sometimes mineral overtones.