Non-Vintage Champagne: A Champagne containing the juice for grapes of different years. Nose: A term used by wine enthusiasts to describe the smell of a wine.
What is the difference between vintage and non-vintage Champagne? The major difference is that vintage champagne is made from the grapes of only one year's harvest, whereas non-vintage champagne is a blend of many different years' wines.
The grapes for vintage Champagne that show a year on the label were harvested from one year only, while non-vintage Champagne are grapes and wines blended from many years.
To get you started, I blind-tasted three non-vintage Champagnes that are found nearly everywhere. I didn't love all three, but that doesn't mean you won't - again, everyone is different.
To maintain the quality of non-vintage Champagne a maximum of half the grapes harvested in one year can be used in the production of vintage Champagne ensuring at least 50%, though usually more, is reserved for non-vintage wines.
sparkling wines are also categorized as "vintage" or "non-vintage" (NV on the label) meaning they either come from a single year or are a blend of several different years. The "vintage" Champagnes are typically pricier, as the non-vintage Champagne ...
It's also a good time for consumers as many retailers will offer special deals. For a few dollars more, you should be able to upgrade from a good California sparkling wine to a French non-vintage Champagne. I also advise gifting yourself.
See also: Champagne, Vintage, Sparkling wine, Non-vintage, Vintage Champagne
 
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