What does cuvée mean?
Cuvée comes from French and loosely translates to "tank." In winemaking, it refers to the blending of wine from different grape varieties, such as Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, or Merlot. In France, the word cuvée refers to the must. The must is obtained from the first pressing of grapes and is called a cuvée. The must from a second pressing is called a taille. In Champagne, a cuvée is defined as 2050 liters of must combined and pressed with the first pressing from a marc (4000 kilos) of grapes.
A cuvée is a French term, but in Hungary and Croatia, it's used when a wine is blended from two or more wines. The wines must have the same color and must be combined before fermentation. This is called a blended wine. The term cuvée is not regulated and generally says nothing about quality. However, the most renowned wineries choose this term precisely because of its association with quality.
Why do winemakers make cuvées?
To preserve a specific flavor, texture, or character, many winemakers choose to blend different varieties. Combining different varieties is also called a blend. Besides consistency, there are many other reasons why a cuvée is created. For example, a wine with a high tannin concentration can be blended with a wine with a lower tannin concentration. This way, a specific flavor is preserved or a desired aroma is created.
Ensuring quality
Why do people often talk about quality when referring to a cuvée? It all has to do with the renowned wineries and winemakers. They use this term and label their bottles when referring to a unique blend. The resulting cuvée is produced from select grape varieties and is generally of higher quality.
Winemakers often use terms like "cuvée spéciale" or "tete de cuvée" to indicate an exclusive wine. Simply labeling a cuvée therefore doesn't mean much to most wine connoisseurs. In Spain, they often add "Reserva," while in Germany, they call it a Prädikatswein.
For Champagne, the story is different again. In this region, a cuvée is used to refer to the finest grape juice from the first pressing. Other regions outside Champagne also use the term cuvée when producing sparkling wine.
What are the most common grape varieties suitable for a cuvée?
Most winemakers use Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grape varieties. Chardonnay is the highest-quality grape and is very suitable for sparkling wine. It's important to remove as much tannin from the skins, seeds, or stems during the pressing process.
Various cuvées at L'atelier du Champagne
In the L'atelier du Champagne webshop, you'll find a vast selection of champagnes and wines. We have the perfect bottle for every occasion. Are you looking for a specific brand, or are you searching for the perfect wine? At L'atelier du Champagne, you have an instant overview, making searching easy. Find your favorite brand at a glance, but above all, let us surprise you. Whatever cuvée you're looking for, with a selection of over 800 varieties, you're guaranteed to find a wine that suits you.
Would you like to come and taste it too?
In addition to our online store, we also have a physical store with a wide selection. We warmly welcome you to come and taste and discuss your experience. You're guaranteed to go home with a special cuvée, perfectly tailored to your wishes. See you soon at L'atelier du Champagne!
