There are various types of beverages. The beverage is a kind of drink other than water that can quench the thirst. Mainly there are two groups: alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverages. When considering alcoholic beverages, there are two types: fermented and distilled. Beer, Champagne, and Wine are examples of fermented ones, and Rum, Gin, Vodka, Whisky, and Brandy are examples of distilled ones. Then, there are two types: carbonated and non-carbonated for non-alcoholic beverages. Fizzy drinks and sports drinks are examples of carbonated ones and coffee, tea, and mocktails are examples of non-carbonated beverages. According to these types, there are various differences among them. Price is one of them. When considering the price, here, we are going to consider mainly champagne under the fermented alcoholic beverages. Why is Champagne so expensive? Let’s find out.
Champagne
Champagne is a type of wine. People use specific grapes to make it and there is also a specific region. This is usually made by adding sugar and selected yeast to a blend of still wine before bottling. The yeasts and the sugars start an additional fermentation in a bottle called prise de mousse. The carbon dioxide produced from this second fermentation is trapped in the bottle which causes the wine to sparkle when opened. Champagne contains about 12.5% alcohol. When considering the price, there are various reasons for that. Let’s consider those factors one by one.
Why is Champagne so expensive?
The region
If the champagne manufactures in the region of northern France, it is only the true Champagne. This highly protected region of France, located 150 kilometers east of Paris, is home to the world’s most prominent, and expensive, Champagne dealers and cellars. All other sparkling wines produced outside of this region, including those from France’s surrounding regions, must be labeled differently.
The conditions in northern France are the main reasons for this. When considering the temperature, this area is cooler than other wine-growing regions in France. So, this gives the right acidity for Champagne production.
Climate
The harsh climate causes more difficulties in the wine-making process. Because the region’s latitude (49 degrees) is just on the cusp of acceptable wine-making temperatures (30-50 degrees), the grapes are more vulnerable to harmful temperatures and extreme weather. A dual climate system with both marine and continental impacts doesn’t help either; oceanic factors allow for little seasonal change, yet continental influences can bring deadly winter frosts.
Production process
The wine is fermented twice: once before bottling and again after bottling. Yeast and sugar add to the bottle to accomplish this. The dead yeast, known as lees, is removed once the second fermentation is finished. This is known as remuage, and once the lees have been removed, liquor is added to determine the sweetness of the Champagne.
The entire process takes at least 15 months, and in the case of vintage Champagne, up to 36 months. So, this is a very difficult process and this is a very good reason for the higher price.
Prestigious
This is a luxury drink. People use Champagne in celebrations and special occasions. Champagne is an excellent everyday drink due to its easy drinkability and food compatibility. A glass may offer you to go around while browsing the artworks at a high-end art auction. If you visit a high-end spa, a glass of wine may offer to you while you relax and let yourself be treated. These are some example situations and prestige is another important reason for “Why is Champagne so expensive?”
Labor intensive
When considering Champagne production, it is labor-intensive. Grapes have to be picked by hand. Also, there is a limit on the amount of yield per harvest. So, the cost is high. The price has increased about 60% over the last 15 years.
Type of grapes
People use various types of grapes for Champagne making. Common types are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. When considering the cultivation of these grapes, it is not easy and the cost is very high maintaining the vineyard. So, the grape variety for the production depends on the overall cost and the ease of cultivation.
Also, some varieties are used for flavor or to compensate for not having more common varieties. Examples of grape varieties are Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meslier, and Pinot Gris.
Various flavors
There are various types of flavors. The grapes have a high level of acidity as well as a delicate flavor due to the weather and the general soil composition.
The brand
There are a lot of Champagne brands. Some of them are popular. But some are not popular. Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Dom Perignon, Nicolas Feuillatte, G.H. Mumm, and Laurent-Perrier are some popular brands.
Each brand ferments in its own way, but they all go through the same general process. Also, the grape variety may be different. Some brands have a better reputation. Some brands have better marketing campaigns. So, the cost may vary. Tasting the various brands is the greatest method to determine whether you’re getting your money’s worth.
These are the main reasons that we can consider for the higher price of Champagne. Now you can clearly understand the situation. Also, many people like to use Champagne on special occasions. Then it is very important to keep Champagne well. So, let’s try some nice tricks.
Tricks to keep Champagne well
Mainly Champagne is used for celebrations. So, the sparkling doesn’t hold up very long after opening it. So, we can follow these simple tricks.
Store properly
Bottles should be stored horizontally (at about 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit temperature) to keep the cork moist and bubbling. This prevents the cork from drying out and shrinking, allowing air to enter the bottle before the cork is even popped.
Keep the bottle cold
This is because the changes in temperature may cause a loss of carbonation. So, to keep the bubbles livelier over the course of serving, the bottle has to keep cold. CO2 stays dissolved in the liquid longer at cold temperatures, whereas at warmer temperatures, oxygen interacts, and CO2 drops. Between pourings, either store the bottle in an ice bucket or return it to the fridge.
Choose a quality stopper for the bottle
A quality stopper is the best thing to keep the bubbles in the bottle. So, every expert here advises purchasing a Champagne stopper. This is a nice trick for keeping Champagne well.
Don’t freeze the bottle for a quick cool
Champagne should serve between the temperature range of 47 and 50 degrees of Fahrenheit. If they freeze, the tiny bubbles may burst.
There are four simple tricks above and you can follow those to keep your Champagne well.
Conclusion
Why is Champagne so expensive? As I have mentioned above, there are various reasons for the higher price such as the region, climate, production process, prestige, labor-intensive, type of grapes, various flavors, and the brand. So, now you have a very clear idea about it. Also, there are a few simple tricks to keep Champagne well. So, think about it while consuming and feel the taste. Not only Champagne but also there are many beverages all around the world. So, stay with us to know more things and consider following us on Facebook and Instagram.
