Debra Meinburg MW meets Champagne producer Charles Philipponnat of Champagne Philipponnat located near Mareuil sur Aÿ, who talks of the producer’s hundreds of years of tradition and terroir, in particular explaining the significance of chalky soil for the region and how it has such a positive impact on the taste of the wines produced in Champagne. Debra poses the question of whether the appearance of bubbles is really an indicator of quality, and Charles offers further insight into the purpose of bubbles in Champagne.
They go on to discuss the three families of aromas in Champagne, and Charles gives Debra a little pronunciation tutorial to conclude (a must see for those whose French vino vocabulary could do with a polish).
Excerpt taken from http://debramasterofwine.com