You’ve probably had Champagne at some point—maybe in a festive cocktail or a toast at a celebration, and you might even be familiar with how to open a bottle of Champagne.—but when it comes to actually buying a bottle, it can get overwhelming. With so many options available, how do you know which one to pick?

The world of sparkling wine can be tricky, especially when it comes to understanding terms like Brut vs. Demi-Sec, Blanc de Blanc vs. Blanc de Noir, or even how Champagne differs from Prosecco and Cava. To help navigate this, we reached out to sommelier Christopher Hoel, founder of Harper's Club and wine curator for Wine Insiders and Martha Stewart Wine Co. He’s here to break down everything you need to know about Champagne, from the basics to the nuances of different varieties.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, attending a special event, or just looking to enjoy a glass of bubbly, this guide will give you all the essential info you need to pick the right bottle and serve it like a pro.

The Origin of Champagne

To be considered true Champagne, the sparkling wine must come from the Champagne region of France and adhere to strict Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) production rules. Without this designation, you're likely sipping on wines like Cava (from Spain), Prosecco (from Italy), Crémant (sparkling wine produced in France but outside the Champagne region), or other sparkling wines from regions around the globe.

According to Hoel, “These regions can include the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, Austria, Germany, and the United Kingdom, just to name a few.” However, he adds, “I’m not a sparkling wine purist! While I enjoy a good Champagne, many people find its cost and prestige intimidating. Fortunately, you can find excellent Cava, Prosecco, and other sparkling wines for under $20.”

Champagne's Range of Sweetness

Sugar plays a crucial role in Champagne, contributing to its bubbles, alcohol, and sweetness. One of the most important factors that distinguish different Champagnes is the level of sweetness, which varies depending on the winemaking process. Wine drinkers often have strong preferences regarding how sweet they like their bubbly, and this comes down to how the Champagne is produced.

Most Champagne makers use a technique called the Methode Champenoise, which involves secondary fermentation in the bottle instead of a tank. This process includes remuage (the periodic shaking of the bottle) to remove the dead yeast (called lees) and re-cork the wine.

As part of secondary fermentation, sugar is added in a process known as "dosage" to balance the Champagne's high acidity. Terms like "Brut" or "Sec" indicate the amount of sugar added and, therefore, how sweet the wine will taste. These sweetness descriptors are also used for other sparkling wines.

Champagne Types and Food Pairings

The amount of sugar added during the fermentation process determines the sweetness of Champagne, which ranges from dry to sweet. This level of sweetness plays a key role in selecting the best food pairings. By knowing what dishes you'll be serving, you can use the guide below to choose the perfect bubbly to complement your meal.

Champagne Types and Pairings

Brut Nature (Brut Zero)

• Completely dry, zero sugar
• Pairs well with crispy fried dishes like calamari or French fries.

Extra Brut

• Dry, minimal sugar, high acidity
• Pairs well with washed rind cheeses, jam, and crackers.

Brut

• One of the driest options, crisp
• Pairs well with rotisserie chicken or grilled fish.

Extra Dry (Extra-Sec)

• Medium dry, hint of sweetness
• Pairs well with a dessert cheese platter featuring double-cream brie, almonds, and honey.

Dry (Sec)

• Noticeably sweet
• Pairs well with savory snacks like buttered popcorn or salami.

Demi-Sec

• Medium sweetness, a transition into dessert wine
• Serve slightly chilled to balance the sweetness and preserve delicate flavors.

Doux

• Very sweet, considered a dessert wine
• Often enjoyed as a sipping wine and paired with desserts, but avoid over-pouring.

Champagne by Grape Type

Knowing which grapes were used to make your Champagne can guide you in selecting the best style and price point for your taste. Fortunately, this information is usually listed on the label, helping you choose the perfect bottle for your preferences.

Blanc de Blanc

The term "Blanc de Blanc," which translates to "white from whites," refers to Champagne made exclusively from white grapes. This style is typically made with 100% Chardonnay grapes, though in rare instances, Pinot Blanc may also be used.

Originally used to describe still wines, "Blanc de Blanc" is now almost exclusively associated with sparkling wines and is considered the quintessential Champagne. The result is a wine that resembles Chardonnay with its minerality and chalky qualities. When pairing, consider yellow-hued foods like butter, lemons, and tart apples to complement its crisp, fresh profile.

Blanc de Noir

Blanc de Noir, meaning "white from reds," is made from red grapes, typically Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Despite the use of red grapes, Champagne retains its light color since the skins are in minimal contact with the juice during production. As a result, Blanc de Noir tends to be fruitier and slightly more full-bodied compared to other Champagnes. When pairing, red fruits like raspberries and strawberries make excellent complements to its rich, fruity flavor profile.

Brut Rosé

Brut Rosé, such as the Toro Loco Cava Rosé Brut ($19, wineinsiders.com), gets its pink hue from either the inclusion of red grape skins or the addition of still red wine to the sparkling base. Despite its charming color, it’s a dry, acidic wine rather than a sweet one.

This versatile wine is perfect whether you’re staying in or dining out. It pairs well with casual dishes like Chinese takeout, as well as more refined options such as sautéed salmon or roasted pork.

Fast Facts About Champagne

The Meaning of Vintage

When you see "vintage" on a Champagne label, it doesn't indicate that the wine is old—it means the grapes used come from a single year’s harvest. You'll also spot "NV" for non-vintage, indicating that the wine is made from grapes harvested in multiple years. Vintage Champagnes tend to be more expensive due to their limited production, while non-vintage options are more affordable and widely available.

The Best Glasses to Serve Champagne

While Champagne flutes are often used for their visual appeal, they actually hinder the wine’s full potential. The narrow shape restricts airflow, which diminishes the aroma and flavor. Maximilian Riedel, CEO of Riedel, explains that flutes can make Champagne smell "yeasty" and cause bubbles to escape too quickly.

For a better experience, serve Champagne in a white wine glass. Its wider, rounder shape allows more air to interact with the wine, enhancing its aroma and flavor, so you can fully enjoy the bubbly's complexity.