What Grapes Are Used in Champagne?

Video Transcript

"Hi! This is Chuck Byers for Expert Village and we are going to be talking about the making of sparkling wine, especially the traditional style or champagne. And here is where it all starts! Chardonnay on this hand, Pinot Noir on this hand; specially selected vineyards making some very great wine. Now the French in their making of champagne prefer to use Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Now Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the two major types of grapes used in making this type of wine (that's sparkling wine). And normally, it's not a bad process...it's an easy process. However, the vinification of these grapes can be difficult. Chardonnay is relatively easy to grow. It requires some good sun, some heat and some good rain. However, Pinot Noir on the other hand, well, some wine makers actually pull their hair out in making this wine because it is a very difficult grape to vinify. When put together however, they make a luscious, lovely wine and a lovely and wonderful sparkling wine called Champagne."