It is the most prestigious sparkling wine in the world made only from grapes grown on the chalky soils in Champagne, the most northerly of France's wine regions, about an hours drive east of Paris. Only three grape varieties are permitted, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

They're more pronounced on the nose, riper and softer with a hint of sweetness on palate. This distinctive character distinguish them from champagne's delicate features