Champagne

 

Synonymous with celebration and luxury, Champagne is France’s most successful wine, selling millions of bottles worldwide each year. Despite attempts to replicate its distinctive flavours and textures, Champagne remains unique, its style linked to the Champagne region’s cool climate and chalk soils, production methods and grape varieties.

 

While a great deal of Champagne is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, bottles labelled ‘Blanc de Blancs’ are made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, while the ‘Blanc de Noirs’ style is based on the two black Pinot grapes, responsible too for the colour of pink Champagne.

 

Most Champagne produced and sold is ‘Non-Vintage’ (NV), a blend of wines from several years allowing the Champagne House consistency and depth of flavour. In exceptional conditions, single-vintage Champagne may be produced, the greatest of which, from Champagne’s prized grand cru vineyards, are as age-worthy and complex as fine white Burgundy.

 

We appreciate that the range of champagne on offer at Hic! may not impress the casual observer as representing the broadest selection available on the web, and perhaps omitting some of the more recognisable 'Brands'; however, in our opinion, it does have great depth in quality to promote it over the online rivals!

 

We have made a conscious effort to offer Champagne from quality conscious growers, co-operatives’ and other Champagne producing houses, which reflect variances in both style and price.