Champagne

Champagne is both a place — a cool region in northern France — and the world's benchmark sparkling wine. By law, only sparkling wine from this region, made a certain way, may be called Champagne.

• Three main grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier.
• The cool climate gives the high acidity that sparkling wine needs.
• Most Champagne is a blend of grapes, villages and even vintages.