One of the most common comments when it comes to bubbly is about the prices of various bottles. If you have ever asked yourself ‘Why is champagne expensive’, you are not the only one! The biggest mistake out there is that people tend to refer to all sparkling wines as champagne and this simply is not true. Champagne comes from northern France and this region is called Champagne – hence the name. Those who produce champagnes go through an even more gruelling process than other sparkling wine producers. There are a few reasons for this including the climate of this region and the production process itself.

Local Climate

The region is known for its harsh climate which makes the process of making wine even more difficult. The tougher the conditions, the higher the price per bottle. The average temperature in this region is only 52 degrees Fahrenheit which makes it barely acceptable for winemaking.

The grapes grown in this area are extremely vulnerable to severe conditions. There are continental and oceanic influences which is not ideal for growing grapes. The oceanic climate makes for little seasonal variation in terms of temperatures. The continental influence can often bring devastating winter frosts.

Champagne Making Process

The method used for making champagne is called the méthode traditionelle or the méthode champenoise. It is a time-consuming and rigorous process during which the wine undergoes several stages. These include primary fermentation followed by secondary fermentation. The latter takes place in the bottle. Post-secondary fermentation is when the dead yeasts (lees) need to be removed via a process called riddling or remuage.

The bottle is placed upside down and they are gradually turned to shake the lees to the bottom part of the neck. The necks of the bottles are then cooled to freeze the lees collection and the temporary cap is then removed. Due to the pressure, the frozen block of lees is shot out of the bottle.

The space leftover (where the lees were) is filled with liqueur d’expedition. This determines the sweetness of the wine. Remember, this process might sound quick but it takes at least 15 months for champagnes to age. Vintage champagnes take 36 months to age. You can start to see what makes champagne expensive!

What About Cheaper Bottles?

Prosecco, which is a more affordable bottle of bubbly, is produced using the cahrmat or tank method. The wine is made in pressurized stainless steel tanks. The sugars are converted into carbon dioxide and alcohol. The yeasts are then filtered out and the wine can then be bottled. This is a cheaper method and less time-consuming too. It is also worth noting that longer fermentation produces finer bubbles as well as stronger aromas.

Now you might be wondering when it’s worth enjoying champagne and when to opt for sparkling wine. Since champagne is expensive in comparison, it should be enjoyed on special occasions, with quality meals or when you feel like spoiling yourself. It should be enjoyed chilled and without anything added. This way you will get the full flavour and experience. If you are planning on making cocktails, you should opt for sparkling wine instead. It will have the same effect and your cocktails will not end up costing a small fortune.