We’ve all heard some exclaim - Pass me the Champagne or possibly - Any Shampoo left? But is that bottle of bubbles (not the bath variety) really Champagne?

To be called a Champagne the wine must be produced using grapes from the Champagne region of France, using the process of Methode Traditionelle to create carbonation amongst other requirements.

Method Traditionelle: This is the process of producing carbonation in a sparkling wine by performing a secondary fermentation in a sealed bottle, trapping the CO2.

Although other grape varieties are approved for production of Champagne, there is three varieties that are used in the vast majority of Champagnes especially those easily recognised. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay are often blended, although single variety wines are produced.