Organic Champagne is becoming more popular thanks to the boom in organic viticulture. As buyers of Champagne, it’s helpful to know what champagne houses (i.e., champagne maisons) have to offer. As consumer demand for organic farming and produce increases, more sparkling wines will come to the market. Now let’s fill our champagne flutes with the best organic Champagne!
Champagne: Organic vs. Traditional Champagne
The Champagne wine region already has an exceptional reputation for producing quality wine. Both conventional wines and organic vineyards use a similar set of grapes like Chardonnay (a popular white wine grape), Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. The difference is that organic wines use organic grapes.
Now, you’re probably wondering how you tell if champagne grapes are made organically. Thanks to growing market demand, there are a few ways to identify these wines. Let’s assume you are browsing through your favorite wine store’s French or sparkling wine section. There are a few things to look for to distinguish organic producers from conventional chemical growers.
Is The Wine Producer Using Chemical Fertilisers?
Artificial chemicals, which became popular in the chemical revolution, are typically avoided in organic wines. Therefore, look for the wine bottle label (or description) to state that the wine does not use artificial chemicals or chemical farming methods. Instead, a champagne vineyard may decide to use naturally occurring fertilizers and substances. Using natural means to protect the grapes is essential – otherwise, crop losses would reach unacceptable levels.
Are There Artificial Additives In The Wine?
Ask any wine expert about additives in wine, and you’ll get a mixed response. Some wine additives can improve the taste, improve consistency and provide other benefits. Avoiding adding chemical products to the wine is another sign you have an organic wine. The downside to omitting additives is that you depend more on the aspects of wine growing beyond your control, like the weather.
Does The Wine Producer Have An Organic Certification?
No conversation about Champagne would be complete without covering organic certifications. Fortunately, the European Union now makes life easier for Champagne enthusiasts. Look for the following two logos for organic Champagne bottles. The European Union logo has been used throughout Europe since 2012 to certify organic produce.
In addition to the EU, France has its own additional certification. This one guarantees that the grapes were cultivated using organic methods.
Organic Champagne: Top Picks
Champagne can only be appropriately described and marketed as Champagne if it is produced in the Champagne wine region of France. Other wine regions might use similar wooden barrels and production techniques to make their sparkling wines, but they can’t be called Champagne. Let’s look at a few popular bottles with that out of the way.
Champagne Duval-Leroy’s (U.S. Retail Price: $99)
Duval-Leroy is a well-respected champagne house that has been making sparkling wines since 1859. The wine producer has several organic champagne bottles made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. The fine bubble texture makes this wine particularly pleasant to drink.
Champagne Suenen (U.S. Retail Price: $60-$80)
This blanc de blanc champagne is a work of beauty. Like the wine mentioned above, the wine is fermented partially in barrels. While it might be more challenging to find, this organic Champagne is an award winner and well worth the effort. The champagne alcohol percentage for this bottle is 12%, comparable to most Champagnes.
Champagne Drappier (U.S. Retail Price: $26-$100+)
This is one of the oldest champagne houses in operation – the Drappier family started making wine in 1808 during the Napoleon’s reign! The wine producer makes several types of Champagne. The Champagne Drappier Brut Nature is a good pick if you want the best organic wine-drinking experience. The wine is made from Pinot Noir grapes with no filtering and only gravity. The wine flavor profile includes peach, herb, and spice notes.
Organic Champagne In Summary
Selecting a bottle of Champagne is easy. Champagne is my top recommendation if you are looking for the best wine for engagement gift. When you have the chance to avoid crops with chemicals, why not try them out? If the high prices of Champagne don’t fit your budget, check out these champagne alternatives.
