Champagne: Brut, Blanc de Blancs & Vintage for Every Celebration

How Is Champagne Made?

Champagne is made by the traditional method, the same painstaking process behind the world's finest sparkling wine. It begins with a still base wine, blended from different grapes, villages and often several years.

A little yeast and sugar are added, and the wine goes through a second fermentation inside the bottle. This is what creates those famously fine, persistent bubbles.

The bottles then rest on their lees for years, slowly developing Champagne's signature aromas of brioche, toast and almond.

Finally the wine is riddled, the sediment is disgorged, and a small dose of wine sets the sweetness, from bone dry to gently rich.

Popular Champagne Styles

Brut is the classic, a crisp, dry style that makes up most of our range, all citrus, green apple and biscuity depth. Most is non-vintage, blended for a consistent house style.

Blanc de Blancs is made purely from Chardonnay, pure and refined, while Blanc de Noirs comes from the black grapes for a richer, fuller style.

Delicate rosé Champagne adds a red berry blush, and rare prestige cuvées are the pinnacle, the flagship bottling of each house.

Our collection is rich in grower Champagne too, from small family estates like Pierre Gimonnet and Frédéric Savart, who grow their own grapes for wines of real character and place.

How to Serve Champagne

Serve Champagne well chilled, around 6 to 8 degrees, in a white wine glass or tulip rather than a shallow coupe, to capture all its aromas.

Open it gently, easing the cork out with a soft sigh rather than a bang, to keep those precious bubbles in the glass.

Food Pairing Ideas

Champagne is a wonderful aperitif, and a classic with oysters, smoked salmon and salty, fried treats. Crisp Blanc de Blancs loves fresh seafood and sushi.

Richer, vintage styles are a dream with roast chicken, creamy cheeses and even fish and chips.

Vintage vs Non-Vintage Champagne

Most Champagne is non-vintage, or NV, a blend of several years that captures a house's signature style. It is consistent, classic and made to enjoy now.

Vintage Champagne is made only in the finest years, from a single harvest, and labelled with the year. Richer, deeper and age worthy, it is saved for something special.

For an everyday celebration, reach for NV; for a milestone, a vintage bottle is worth the occasion.

Champagne Gifts and Larger Formats

A bottle of Champagne is one of the great gifts, and our collection has something for every celebration.

For an intimate toast, a half bottle is perfect. A magnum, holding two bottles in one, brings real drama to a party, while a grand vintage or prestige cuvée makes an unforgettable present.

Champagne Questions, Answered

What is the difference between Champagne and sparkling wine?

Champagne only comes from the Champagne region of France. Sparkling wine is made all over the world, from Italian Prosecco to Australian fizz. So all Champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is Champagne.

Is Champagne sweet or dry?

Most Champagne is dry. Look for Brut on the label, the crisp, dry style that dominates our range. Sweeter styles such as Demi-Sec do exist, but they are far less common.

What is the difference between Brut and Extra Dry Champagne?

Brut is the crisp, dry style most people know. Confusingly, Extra Dry is actually a touch sweeter than Brut, sitting just above it on the sweetness scale.

What is Blanc de Blancs?

Blanc de Blancs means "white from whites", a Champagne made entirely from Chardonnay. It is prized for its elegance, freshness and fine, mineral character.

What is grower Champagne?

Grower Champagne is made by the same estate that farms the grapes, rather than a large house buying them in. These small producers offer real individuality and a sense of place.

How long does Champagne last?

Non-vintage Champagne is lovely enjoyed within a few years, while it is fresh and lively. Fine vintage Champagne can age beautifully for a decade or more.

How many glasses are in a bottle of Champagne?

A standard bottle holds 750ml, enough for around six flutes. A magnum, at double the size, pours a dozen or more.

Why Buy Champagne at YourWines?

Every Champagne in our collection is handpicked by our team, from beloved names to cult grower estates, all chosen for quality and character. Whatever you are toasting, there is a bottle here to make it special.

Discover crisp French fizz in our French sparkling range, or explore all our imported sparkling wine. For an everyday alternative, our Prosecco collection is full of easy going charm. Santé!