Frais

Champagne is a sparkling wine that comes from the Champagne region of France. It is produced according to a specific method, the so-called "Méthode Champenoise" or "Méthode Traditionnelle", in which a second fermentation takes place in the bottle. A decisive factor for the quality of Champagne is the harvest time, also known as "Les Vendanges", which is strongly influenced by the climate and weather conditions. In this context, the term "frais" plays an important role.

Meaning of "Frais"

The word "frais" can have various meanings in the context of wine and champagne production. In French, "frais" initially means "fresh" or "cool". It can refer to the freshness of the grapes, the storage conditions or even the fresh, lively aromas and flavours that are desirable in champagne.

Harvest conditions

The freshness of the grapes is a decisive factor for the quality of the champagne. The grapes must be harvested at the right time to achieve the perfect balance between sugar and acidity. This is often the case at the end of August to the beginning of September, but can vary depending on the weather conditions. At harvest, the grapes are picked in the early morning or late evening to preserve freshness and avoid unwanted fermentation that could be caused by high temperatures during the day.

Storage and processing

After the harvest, the grapes must be taken to the press quickly to preserve their freshness. The grapes are then pressed and the must (grape juice) is fermented in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels. During this stage, it is crucial that temperatures are controlled to preserve the freshness and natural flavours of the grapes. High temperatures can lead to undesirable flavours that can affect the quality of the final product.

Fresh flavours in champagne

An outstanding characteristic of high-quality champagne is its fresh aromas and flavours. These flavours can be reminiscent of green apples, citrus fruits, fresh flowers or even fresh bakery products such as bread or pastries. This freshness is often achieved through the blending of the base wines and prolonged ageing on the lees, which gives the champagne its fine bubbles and complex flavours.

Influence of the climate

The climate of the Champagne region has a major influence on the freshness of the grapes and therefore on the champagne. The region has a cool climate with sufficient rainfall, which is ideal for the cultivation of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the three main grape varieties for Champagne. The cool temperatures help to preserve the natural acidity in the grapes, which contributes to the desired freshness and vivacity in Champagne.

Current developments

In recent years, the climatic conditions in the Champagne region have changed. Due to climate change, average temperatures are rising, which affects the ripening times of the grapes. As a result, harvest times have to be brought forward in order to guarantee the optimum freshness of the grapes. Winegrowers must constantly adapt to these changes in order to maintain the high quality and fresh flavours of their champagne.

Conclusion

Freshness, or "frais", is a key element in the production of Champagne. It influences every phase of production, from the harvesting of the grapes to the storage and ageing of the wine. Through careful planning and adaptation to the climatic conditions, winegrowers can ensure the freshness and quality of their champagne. This freshness is ultimately reflected in the lively flavours and sparkling structure that make champagne so unique and sought-after.

 

 

 

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