Is champagne only made in France? Bubbly vs Sparkling

Last updated on December 5th, 2023 at 07:16 pm

Ever wondered where bubbly really comes from? And is champagne only made in France?

Well, you’re about to find out. Living in France in the beautiful Charente, I’m surrounded by vineyards, Cognac distilleries, and, a couple of hours further on, Champagne Houses.

The French are understandably very proud of their famous sparkling wine, and rightly so. I’m proud of it too, and I’m only an honourary French person.

They are known for their love affair with food and drink and celebrate the two at every opportunity, which is one of the many things I love about living here. 

If you’ve never had the pleasure of being a dinner guest at the home of a French person, you’re missing out.

Their meals are gastronomic extravaganzas with up to five or six courses, and, of course, champagne is the ‘star of the show’, especially at Christmas.

But is champagne only called champagne if it’s made in France? Let’s find out.

Is Champagne only made in France? The short answer

Yes, to be called champagne, it has to be bottled within 100 miles of the Champagne region of France and follow strict guidelines, which we’ll look at in a minute. However, there is more to it than that. 

In most of the world, the name “Champagne” is legally protected by the Madrid system, an 1891 treaty. But, due to a loophole in the Treaty of Versailles, the United States fell outside of this agreement.

Can it really be called Champagne if it’s not from the Region of Champagne in France?

No, champagne can only be called champagne if it is made in France, in the French region of Champagne. But, like so many things in life, there is an exception to the rule. Let’s dive in and find out more.

Where is the Champagne region of France?

First of all, you need to know where the Champagne region in France is. The Champagne region is located in the northeast of France, about 100 miles east of Paris. It’s primarily situated in the administrative regions of Grand Est and Hauts-de-France. 

The area is known for its unique terroir, characterized by chalky soils and a cool climate, which are ideal for growing the grapes used in Champagne production. 

The key cities in this region include Reims and Épernay, both of which are considered the commercial centres of the Champagne industry.

The History of Champagne

The Romans were the first to plant vineyards in the Champagne region, but it was the French royalty that really put it on the map.

When Hugh Capet was crowned King of France in 987, he started a tradition of showcasing the local wine at coronation banquets. 

This set the stage for Champagne’s long-standing relationship with nobility and celebration.

The Dom Perignon Discovery

I learned all about champagne on a recent trip to Bordeaux when I spent a few hours exploring La Cité du Vin, the new wine museum there.

I was really surprised to learn that Dom Perignon, a Benedictine monk often credited with discovering Champagne in the late 1600s, didn’t. He was actually trying to remove the bubbles, which were considered a flaw at the time. 

He served as the cellar master at the Abbey of Hautvillers, and although he did contribute to the whole thing, the stories surrounding his invention are a myth. 

A myth created by a successor of the Abbey, Dom Groussard, in the 19th century. 

It’s believed it was his attempt at a marketing ploy to try and promote the vineyards. A smart move and good PR on his part because many of us believed it, me included.

Champagne’s Journey to England

It was actually the British, who had a real taste for sparkling wine, that pushed the technology of how it was produced forward.

They imported a lot of wine from France, some of which mistakenly had bubbles, and the popularity grew in the courts and wealthy households.

In fact, there is a suggestion that sparkling wine was made “on purpose” in the United Kingdom before it was ever a mistake in France.

Either way, the British glass-making technology was more advanced than the French, allowing for stronger bottles that could withstand the pressure of the carbonation.

This made it easier to enjoy the effervescence without the bottle exploding, a common problem in France at the time.

Champagne used to be much sweeter than what we’re used to now, often with added sugar to please the palate. Over time, tastes evolved, and drier styles gained popularity.

However, you can still find demi-sec Champagnes in stores across France. Demi-sec, meaning “half-dry,” offers the sweetness originally enjoyed in champagne.

Personally, I find it too sweet and always opt for Brut, the drier of the two, with little to no added sugar.

Champagne’s Rise in Popularity in France

Over time, the sparkling wine from Champagne gained immense popularity and prestige, especially among the French and British nobility.

The French began to regulate the production methods and quality, leading to the legal protections we see today.

The British played a significant role in popularizing it, but it was the French who refined it and turned it into the luxury product we know and love.

The Madrid Treaty

Before the Madrid Treaty, there were no international laws safeguarding the name. This meant that sparkling wine producers from other regions could label their products as “Champagne,” which diluted the brand and confused consumers. 

The Madrid Treaty put an end to this by legally protecting the name “Champagne” under what’s known as the Madrid system. 

This system allows for the international registration of trademarks, and, in the case of Champagne, it designated the sparkling wine produced in the region and required it to adhere to the standards defined for it as an appellation d’origine controlee (AOC).

The Loophole in the Treaty of Versailles

This treaty, initially designed to end World War I, had an unexpected impact on the world of sparkling wine. 

The Champagne region was devastated by the war, and the champagne producers suffered huge losses, so Article 275 was added as protection.

The article aimed to prevent other countries, particularly Germany, from taking advantage of the situation by producing their own “Champagne” and flooding the market.

Here’s where it gets interesting. The United States never ratified the Treaty of Versailles.

This meant that American winemakers found themselves with a loophole, allowing them to continue using the name “Champagne” for their sparkling wines.

France probably wasn’t too concerned at the time, given that Prohibition was about to hit the U.S., effectively putting a cork in its wine industry.

What happened to American Champagne after the Prohibition?

After Prohibition ended, things picked up, and the wine industry started to make a recovery. American winemakers resumed using the term “Champagne,” much to the annoyance of the French.

It wasn’t until 2005 that the U.S. and the European Union reached an agreement to somewhat rectify this.

American producers could no longer use the term “California Champagne” or similar terms on new labels, but those who had used it before March 10, 2006, were allowed to continue.

Brands like Korbel, Cook’s, and André are examples of American producers that legally use the term “California Champagne” due to this historical loophole.

While this has been a point of contention between the U.S. and France, it’s a fascinating aspect of how international laws and treaties can influence something as specific as the wine we drink.

What is the champagne method?

Champagne making is a meticulous art that starts with the selection of particular grapes, primarily Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

The production method, known as méthode traditionnelle, involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle. Yeast cells are added to the grape juice, initiating this fermentation process, which produces carbon dioxide.

This natural carbonation gives Champagne its signature effervescence.

The yeast cells are eventually removed, but their interaction with the wine adds complexity and flavour, making each bottle a celebration of craftsmanship and tradition.

If it’s not Champagne, what is it called?

If it’s not Champagne, it’s generally called sparkling wine. However, different countries have their own names for their bubbly:

• France: Crémant, if it’s French but not from the Champagne region
• Italy: Prosecco or Asti Spumante
• Spain: Cava
• Germany: Sekt

The Difference Between Sparkling Wine and Champagne

All champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is champagne.

The Rules of Being Called Champagne in France

Here’s what it takes for a sparkling wine to earn the prestigious title:

Region-Specific: The grapes must be grown in the Champagne region of France. This area has a unique terroir that contributes to the wine’s distinct flavour.

Grape Varieties: Only specific grape varieties are allowed. The primary ones are Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

Method of Production: The wine must be produced using the “méthode champenoise,” a specific fermentation process that occurs in the bottle.

Quality Control: The wine must adhere to strict quality standards, including ageing requirements. Non-vintage Champagne must be aged for at least 15 months, while vintage Champagne requires at least three years.

Alcohol Content: The wine must have an alcohol content that falls within a specified range, usually between 10% and 13%.

Appellation d’Origine Controlee: The wine must meet the standards defined for it as an appellation d’origine controlee (AOC), which is a certification granted by the French government.

Taste Profile: While not a legal requirement, the wine should exhibit the traditional characteristics of Champagne, such as complexity, fine bubbles, and a balance of richness and acidity.

Champagne Tours & Tastings

If you’re planning a trip to France, visiting France’s Champagne region is one you won’t want to miss. And the best way to taste champagne is at the champagne houses themselves. I’ve done several champagne tours 🥂, someone has to do it, and these are the three top Champagne Tours and tastings I would recommend.

Gold Champagne Experience with 12 Tastings

This all-inclusive day tour takes you through renowned Grand Cru and Premier Cru villages like Aÿ, Hautvillers, and Oger. You’ll enjoy 12 different tastings, including visits to two independent producers. Learn about the history of Champagne, its exceptional “terroir,” and even visit the church where Dom Pérignon officiated. With a small group size limited to 8 participants, you’ll get a personalized and intimate experience. 

Day Trip from Paris to Champagne with 8 Tastings & Lunch

​​This all-day adventure whisks you away from the city to the heart of the Champagne region. You’ll visit at least two Champagne houses, including a world-renowned estate and a family-owned winery. The tour also includes a traditional French lunch paired with various Champagnes. With eight different tastings, you’ll get a comprehensive understanding of the sparkling wine that has captivated the world. Plus, the tour includes pick-up at your hotel in Paris.

A Tour of Veuve Clicquot

Starting with a pick-up at the Reims-Centre train station, you’ll embark on a full-day journey that includes a guided tour of the iconic Reims Cathedral. But the highlight is a visit to the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Estate, where you’ll learn about the Champagne-making process and enjoy a tasting of four different Champagnes. The tour also takes you through scenic vineyards and includes a stop at a family estate for an intimate tasting of three additional Champagnes.

FAQS: Is all champagne produced in France?

Final thoughts: Is champagne only made in France?

Champagne is more than just sparkling wine, it’s a product of specific grapes, a unique region, and centuries-old traditions.

While the U.S. and other countries offer their own versions, nothing quite matches the original from France. 

Whether it’s the more dry Brut or the sweetness of a demi-sec, you’ll now appreciate not just the bubbles, but also the legacy behind them.