Editing Sparkling wine (section)

===Champagne===
{{Main|Champagne (wine)}}
[[File:A village with vineyards in Champagne, France 1987.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.6|Champagne can only come from the Champagne region of France.]]
Champagne is produced at the far extreme of viticultural circumstances, where the [[grape struggles to ripen]] in a long drawn out growing season. Cool climate weather limits the varieties of grape, and the types of wine that can be made, but it is in this region that sparkling wine has found its standard bearer. The [[limestone]]–[[chalk]] soil produces grapes that have a certain balance of acidity, [[extract (wine)|extract]] and richness that is difficult to replicate in other parts of the world. The Champenois vigorously defend use of the term "Champagne" to relate the specific wine produced in the Champagne wine region. This includes objection to the term "Champagne style" to refer to sparkling wines produced outside the Champagne region. Since 1985, use of the term ''methode champenoise'' has been banned in all wines produced or sold in the European Union.<ref name="Stevenson pp 169-178"/>

Blending is the hallmark of Champagne wine, with most Champagnes being the assembled product of several vineyards and vintages. In Champagne there are over 19,000 vineyard owners, only 5,000 of which are owned by Champagne producers. The rest sell their grapes to the various Champagne houses, ''[[négociants]]'' and co-operatives. The grapes, most commonly Chardonnay, Pinot noir and Pinot meunier, are used to make several base wines that are assembled together to make Champagne. Each grape adds its own unique imprint to the result. Chardonnay is prized for its finesse and [[aging ability (wine)|aging ability]]. Pinot noir adds [[body (wine)|body]] and fruit while Pinot meunier contributes substantially to the [[aroma (wine)|aroma]], adding fruit and floral notes. The majority of Champagnes produced are non-vintage (or rather, multi-vintage) blends. Vintage Champagne, often a house's most prestigious and expensive wine, is also produced, but only in years when the producers feel that the grapes have the complexity and richness to warrant it.<ref name="Stevenson pp 169-178"/>