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Wine Styles & Varietals

Champagne

Wine style and varietal guide

Reviewed by , Drinks Editor
SparklingWhite • Dry10–13% ABVMedium bodyDry sweetnessmedium-high acidityLow tannins

Is this for me?

Choose this if…

  • ✓You prefer dry, crisp wines without residual sweetness.
  • ✓You prefer smooth, approachable wines with soft tannins.

Skip if…

  • ✗You prefer sweeter or off-dry wines.
  • ✗You want a structured, grippy red wine.

What is Champagne?

A sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France, made using a specific method of secondary fermentation in the bottle.

Best For

DinnerSavoury foodSparkling

Food Pairings

Chips & DipsCheeseCheese BoardCaviarFried ChickenFish & ChipsOystersRaw Seafood

Taste & Style

Dry sweetnessmedium-high acidityLow tanninsMedium bodyAppleCitrusBready

Flavour profile

Apple(medium)Citrus(medium)Bready(medium)

Food pairings

  • Chips & DipsBar Snacks · high
  • CheeseCheese · high
  • Cheese BoardCheese · high
  • CaviarGeneral · high
  • Fried ChickenMeat · high
  • Fish & ChipsSeafood · high
  • OystersSeafood · high
  • Raw SeafoodSeafood · high
  • SeafoodSeafood · high

Best for

Also known as

Bubbles (ambiguous_short_name)Champers (slang)

Frequently asked questions

What is Champagne?
A sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France, made using a specific method of secondary fermentation in the bottle.
What does Champagne taste like?
Champagne is often described as Apple, Citrus, Bready. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
What foods pair with Champagne?
Champagne pairs well with Chips & Dips, Cheese, Cheese Board, Caviar. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
How strong is Champagne?
Champagne typically has an ABV of 10–13%. Strength varies by producer and vintage.
When should I drink Champagne?
Champagne works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
What wines are similar to Champagne?
If you enjoy Champagne, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
Does Champagne improve with age?
Cellaring potential for Champagne depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare wine styles at a glance.
How do I use the sensory profile to find wines I like?
If you enjoy light, crisp wines look for Light Body with Crisp Acidity. For bold, rich wines choose Full Body with Grippy Tannin. Compare Champagne with similar wine styles to find your next favourite.

Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.