Champagne for Delivery or Pickup

The ne plus ultra of sparkling wines derives its name from its birthplace in Champagne, France. The rich soil of this region has made it a place of active winemaking dating back to the fifth century. Champagne from France is made in a distinctive method called the methode champenoise; winemakers employing this technique are so proud of its origins and production methods that it has been protected by law so that only sparkling wine made in this region can be called Champagne. 

This mythical, tightly protected winemaking method is characterized by a process that ensures the one and only Champagne's notable taste and characteristic fizziness. First, vintners produce a white wine made from the highly acidic, low-sugar white grapes grown in the region. Various wines are mixed in a process called assemblage, which ensures a similar taste year after year. This blended wine is then bottled and mixed with yeast that ferments over several months, trapping carbon dioxide that is released as bubbles when you pop the cork. As the bottles age, they are rotated periodically to move the yeasty concoction around, which deepens the flavors. 

Champagne can also be made in other regions of the world in what is called the methode traditionelle. Whether you choose a bottle from France or celebrate with some bubbly from other wine regions, Instacart delivers a wide selection of sparkling wines to help you mark a special occasion.

As a general rule, the grapes that comprise champagne include white Chardonnay grapes mixed with darker Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. Methodical processes produce four primary types of Champagne that can help you select the ideal bottle for your next soiree.