The Best Summer Champagnes for Every Occasion

In summertime, when the sun shines bright and the temperature rises, there is no better way to elevate summer celebrations than with a glass of chilled champagne. With its essence, elegance, and ability to complement a variety of flavors, champagne is an excellent luxury to savor during the warmest months of the year. Looking for the perfect champagne to enjoy this summer? Let’s take a look at some classic champagnes and how they are processed, how their flavor profiles differ, and what to pair them with.

Exploring the Essence of Summer Champagnes

The essence of summer is unmistakable; warm sun-kissed days fill us with lightness and vibrancy, and the heat calls for champagnes that are light, refreshing, and ready to quench your thirst for exquisite flavors. Summer champagnes have several delightful characteristics that make them savorable, such as crisp acidity, delicate bubbles, and vibrant flavors. These qualities ensure a vivid experience with every sip, making them the perfect drink for warm-weather indulgence. Summer champagnes evoke the carefree spirit of the season, lifting our celebrations with a touch of joy.

Types of Champagnes Ideal for Summer Occasions

The world of champagne is a vast one; there are several colors, dosages, and blends to consider. Learning about the different characteristics of each champagne can help you make a well-informed decision when selecting a bottle of champagne to enjoy this summer. Next, we’ll review the production processes and flavor characteristics of the three primary categories of champagne.

By Color: Rosé, Blanc de Blancs, and Blanc de Noir Champagnes

Rosé Champagnes:

Rosé champagnes flaunt delicate pink hues and vibrant notes of red berries, citrus, and floral aromas. This champagne profile can add a touch of romance to summer festivities. Their romantic allure and visual appeal make them a favorite choice for weddings, anniversaries, and other special occasions. Also, rosé champagnes are a delightful choice for outdoor gatherings, such as sunsets and starry nights. The environment in which you enjoy champagne is just as important as the champagne itself, and the perfect setting can elevate your tasting experience.

The unique production process of rosé champagnes distinguishes it from other colors. There are two established methods for crafting rosé. The first, known as rosé assemblage, is where red and white wine is blended before it goes through a second round of fermentation. This infusion gives rosé a soft pink color with lighter and brighter tones on the palate. The most traditional production method, it is commonly enjoyed in its originating town of Champagne, France, but is often harder to find elsewhere.

The second method, rosé saignée, involves extracting a portion of the juice from macerating red grape skins during the early stages of red wine fermentation. The juice that bleeds off is then fermented separately to create rosé wine. This process is notable for producing pink bubbles, deeper pink hues, and a stronger concentration of aromas and flavors.

Blanc de Blancs Champagnes:

Blanc de Blancs literally translates to “White from Whites.” These champagnes showcase elegance, finesse, and lightness from their citrusy flavors and mineral-driven profiles. They are a delightful choice for summer sipping as they offer bright and floral aromas. Blancs are perfect for all kinds of special occasions, including intimate gatherings and personal celebratory moments.

Made exclusively from white grapes, Chardonnay presents itself as a shining example of a perfect blanc. The elegance and vibrant profile of white grapes adds a crisp acidity and delicate mouth feel. In a process known as méthode champenoise, the harvested grapes are gently pressed to extract the juice, which is then fermented separately from the skins to preserve the purity and delicacy of the chardonnay. The finished product then undergoes a second fermentation process in the bottle, which results in this champagne taking on a pale straw color that exudes elegance and sophistication. 

Blanc de Noirs Champagnes:

Blanc de Noirs, which is French for “White from Blacks,” is a champagne that showcases elegance and complexity. The balance of its sparkling flavors makes it a popular choice for formal celebrations and special occasions. Thanks to this champagne’s versatility, even the most special moments can become even more extraordinary.

A captivating bubbly, Blanc de Noirs offers a unique experience with its rich and complex character. Unlike Blanc de Blancs, this champagne profile is crafted from a variety of black-skinned grapes: Pinot Noir, Meunier, or a blend of both. Utilizing méthode champenoise, dark-skinned grapes are gently extracted for their juice, fermented, and then fermented in the bottle. As the bottle ages, the champagne’s flavor characteristics will develop, showcasing red fruit flavors, spiciness, and a rich, creamy texture. Blanc de Noir champagnes possess a symphony of flavors that leave a lasting impression of elegance and indulgence with every sip.

By Dosage: Brut and Extra Brut Nature Champagnes

Brut Nature and Extra Brut Champagnes:

Brut Nature and Extra Brut champagnes offer a bone-dry taste with their minimal dosage (added sugar), allowing the pure expression of the grapes to shine through. This champagne is desirable to those who appreciate a crisp and pure taste, which can perfectly suit a vibrant summer day.

Extra brut: 0-6 grams of sugar per liter

Brut nature: 0-3 grams of sugar per liter

Low residual sugar levels set Brut Nature and Extra Brut champagnes apart. The absence or minimal presence of sugar results in an exceptionally dry and refreshing champagne experience. Their restrained sweetness and pure expression of the grapes make them a favorite among champagne enthusiasts who enjoy experiencing unique flavors and textures.

By Blend: Champagne Blend

The art of blending is especially important when creating summer champagnes. Each blend aims to strike the perfect balance between the different grape varieties that are used to make this type of champagne. Champagne blends are a type of sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes. Pinot Noir contributes depth with red fruit flavor and subtle spice, while Chardonnay adds elegance and vibrant citrus notes. Meunier brings a soft, round mouthfeel to the blend. What makes champagne blends special to winemakers is that they show off the intricate processes of their winemaking expertise. By carefully selecting and proportioning different wines, they can achieve a perfect blend of champagnes that encapsulates the magic of summertime in every bottle. No matter the occasion, champagne blends bring an enchanting touch of elegance to summer gatherings.

Champagne creates memories that last a lifetime. As the sun shines down and the warm breeze fills the air, summer becomes the perfect season to explore the world of champagne. There is a summer champagne for every occasion, and enjoying a bottle with your friends and family can enhance your celebrations and create unforgettable moments filled with sophistication and joy. Join Club Jeroboam and embark on your wine tasting journey with us today!