This northern French region east of Paris is home to the most northerly vineyards in France and the world's most celebrated sparkling wine, champagne. Wines are made primarily from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (either as mono-varietals or blends of two or all three). The secret to champagne lies in the cellar: secondary fermentation in the bottle, a process by which carbon dioxide is dissolved in the wine, creates what is known as the mousse i.e. the bubble, and ageing on the lees produces the array of rich, toasty flavours.
