J Roget Champagne is not actually made in the Champagne region of France, as the name might suggest. Instead, it is produced in the United States, specifically in New York. More specifically, it is made in the Finger Lakes region of New York, which is known for its production of high-quality sparkling wines.
The Finger Lakes region is located in upstate New York and is home to numerous wineries and vineyards. It is a beautiful area with rolling hills and stunning lakes, making it an ideal location for grape growing and wine production. The cool climate and unique soil composition in the region create the perfect conditions for growing grapes that are well-suited for sparkling wine production.
J Roget Champagne, like other sparkling wines produced in the Finger Lakes region, is made using the traditional method, also known as the méthode champenoise. This method involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle, which creates the characteristic bubbles and effervescence that are synonymous with Champagne and sparkling wine.
The grapes used in the production of J Roget Champagne are typically Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, which are the classic grape varieties used in Champagne production. These grapes are carefully harvested and then pressed to extract the juice, which is then fermented. After the initial fermentation, the wine is bottled with a mixture of yeast and sugar, which triggers the secondary fermentation process. This secondary fermentation produces the carbon dioxide that creates the bubbles in the wine.
After the secondary fermentation is complete, the wine is aged on the lees, which are the dead yeast cells that remain in the bottle. This aging process adds complexity and depth of flavor to the wine. The length of time that the wine is aged on the lees can vary, but it is typically at least 12 months for non-vintage sparkling wines like J Roget Champagne.
Once the aging process is complete, the wine is then disgorged, which involves removing the lees from the bottle. This is done by freezing the neck of the bottle and then quickly removing the frozen plug of lees. The bottle is then topped up with a small amount of wine and a dosage, which is a mixture of wine and sugar, is added to balance the wine’s acidity and sweetness.
J Roget Champagne is known for its crisp and refreshing character, with flavors of green apple, citrus, and toasted brioche. It is a versatile sparkling wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods, from seafood to poultry to cheese.
While J Roget Champagne may not be made in the Champagne region of France, it is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of sparkling wine production in the United States. The Finger Lakes region of New York has proven itself as a worthy contender in the world of sparkling wine, producing wines that rival those from Champagne itself. So, if you’re looking for a high-quality sparkling wine with a New York twist, J Roget Champagne is definitely worth a try.