French term (vintage, referring to the harvest of a wine) for vintage champagnes that are only created in particularly good years (according to the free decision of the houses). According to EU regulations, such a champagne must contain at least 85% of the specified vintage. However, this has been tightened to 100% by the CIVC (Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne). The year must be branded on the cork. See also under vintage wine.
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