Champagne AOCs

Question 1

Rose des Riceys AOC
1947

Answer 1

Wine Styles: Rose

Grape Varieties:
Red: [P] Pinot Noir

Rose des Riceys is only produced in the 3 villages of Les Riceys in the Aube. Production is approximately 60,000 bottles a year.

Question 2

Coteaux Champenois AOC
1974

Answer 2

Wine Styles: Dry White, Rose, Red

Grape Varieties:
White: [P] Chardonnay [S] Arbane, Pinot Blanc, Petit Meslier
Rose: [S] Pinot Gris
Red: [P] Pinot Noir, Meunier

Coteaux Champenois lies within the zone of production for Champagne AOC (the borders do not directly correspond) and is for still wines only. Just as with the sparkling AOC, most of the production is non vintage and white, although a small quantity of red and rose is also produced. Total production is approximately 120,000 bottles a year.

Question 3

Champagne AOC
1936

Answer 3

Wine Styles: Sparkling White, Sparkling Rose

Grape Varieties:
White: [P] Chardonnay [S] Arbane, Pinot Blanc, Petit Meslier
Rose: [S] Pinot Gris
Red: [P] Pinot Noir, Meunier

Although there are very strict regulations regarding yields and juice extration, there are no set blending formulas within the Champagne AOC outside of Blanc de Blancs, which must be made from white grapes nd Blanc de Noirs, which mmust be made from red grapes. Each champagne house is given the freedom to create their own proprietary blends and finish them within a range of prescribed sweetness levels and/or styles. Although the EU forbids mixing red wine with white to make rose, this rule is waived for the rose champagne producer.