Non-Vintage Champagne must be aged on the lees for at least how many months, and Vintage Champagne for at least how many months?

• A. Non-Vintage 15 months; Vintage 36 months
• B. Non-Vintage 12 months; Vintage 24 months
• C. Non-Vintage 18 months; Vintage 30 months
• D. Non-Vintage 24 months; Vintage 48 months

Answer: (A)

Minimum aging on the lees drives the style and quality of Champagne. In Champagne regulations, non-vintage wines must spend at least 15 months on the lees before disgorgement, while vintage wines must spend at least 36 months. This lees contact period allows autolysis to develop flavors and texture—from bread crust and biscuit notes to a creamy mouthfeel and better integration of acidity and bubbles. The longer requirement for vintage wines reflects the goal of greater depth and aging potential, hence the extended lees aging. Producers can age longer if they wish, but these are the mandated baselines. Other suggested times don’t meet the official minimums.