Grande Marque

A member of a particular association of about thirty of the longest-established Champagne HOUSES. The Syndicat de Grandes Marques is devoted to upholding a written charter of high standards in the production of Champagne.

A buttery flavor in wine is most often the result of:

A. Bâttonage

B. Extended lees contact

C. Malolactic fermentation

D. Oak aging

While many people think that buttery flavors in wine are derived from new oak, they are actually the result of diacetyl, which is a by-product of malolactic fermentation. (For its part, malolactic fermentation is the process by which crisp malic acid in wine is converted to softer lactic acid). Chardonnays that have undergone malolactic fermentation often have considerable diacetyl and therefore a pronounced buttery taste. Bâttonage means lees stirring in French, from bâton French for stick.

How’s Your French?

Here are some tips on pronouncing some (often mispronounced) Champagne brand names. Moët et Chandon—Mo-ETTE ay Shan-DON. The “t” in Moët is indeed pronounced. Pol Roger—Paul Roe-ZHAY. Winston Churchill reportedly drank a glass of this… Continue reading

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