Lesson 37: Champagne Champagne must come from the Champagne region of France. Sparkling wine made anywhere else in the world must have a different name. Though champagne is light colored, it is usually made from a blend of two red grapes and one white. Blanc de blancs is champagne made entirely from Chardonnay. It is lighter, crisper, and better on its own as an aperitif. Blanc de noirs is champagne made from only red grapes with their skins removed, mostly Pinot Noir. It is softer and fuller-bodied. If you like dry champagne, look for Brut on the label. Extra dry means medium dry, sec means slightly sweet, and demi-sec means quite sweet. Drink demi-secs after a meal, with dessert. Nonvintage champagne has no year on the label. Wines from multiple harvests go into the blend, and bottles typically sell for $35 and under. Drink such champagne within five years of purchase. Vintage champagne is made only in exceptional years. It is aged longer and is much more expensive. Prestige cuvées like Dom Pérignon and Cristal are even pricier. Vintages to look for from Champagne: 1988, 1989, 19990, 1995 and 1996. One nonvintage champagne to try: Bellefon Brut NV. One vintage champagne to try: Charles Heidsieck Brut 1995