Learn all about Champagne grapes, when they are in season, what they taste like, how to eat them, and where to find them. These grapes are also known as Black Corinth table grapes.
In the past when you go to a grocery and see the grapes on display there are only three things you see: red, green, and black.
The last decade, especially in the last 5 years, there has been an explosion of different grape varieties on the market.
Most grapes that you buy that come just with a color label are just balls of sugar water, without a lot of distinctive flavor.
But there are grapes on the market that you can buy that also pack a punch when it comes to flavor. Champagne grapes are one of those varieties. As you may have noticed from the picture these grapes are smaller than your average grape. They are also very tightly clustered.
Can You Make Wine with Champagne Grapes?
The answer is yes, yet in this case it's no. What do I mean? Well there isn't a variety of grape that is used to make champagne. It could be one of several varieties.
Champagne grapes probably would not be a good option. The name "Champagne grapes" is nothing but marketing. It has nothing to do with wine.
Champagne Grapes are Corinth Grapes
The original name of these grapes is Corinth. You may have seen the dried version of these grapes listed under the name dried currants of Zante currants. Problem with that name is that currents are a completely different fruit. The name most likely came from a mispronunciation of Corinth.
My Review of Champagne Grapes
Tart/Sweet: Sweet
Seed/Seedless: Seedless (they are so small the seeds would be microscopic)
Grape Flavor (Rating Scale 1-10): 6
Overall Feeling: Champagne grapes are fun little grapes. They aren't my favorite variety by at all but I do like the skin to flesh ratio. The flavor itself I don't find to be anything unique
Best Grape Variety for Little Kids or Toddlers
My 1 year old loved them. The size made them better for her. I didn't have to cut them in half, she picked them right off the bunch. Great way to build the fine motor sills.
I know people are concerned about grapes being a choking hazard for little ones and rightfully so. The size of champagne grapes make it easier for them to handle without choking. I have no issue giving them to my daughter who we have done baby led weaning with.
Still use your best judgment for your own child, you know how their chewing and swallowing skills are coming along best.
How to Eat Champagne Grapes
There is no secret to eating them - pick off the vine and enjoy. Champagne grapes are a fun grape to add to meat, cheese, and/or fruit platters. They are a decoration you can get.
Pinterest has a lot of good ideas on how to use them. Check out our Champagne grapes board for some inspiration.
When are Champagne Grapes in Season?
Champagne grapes have a short season, so you need to scoop them up when you got the chance. You can buy them beginning in July and through the month of August.
Where Can You Buy Champagne Grapes?
Here are a list of stores you can look for Champagne grapes at:
- Whole Food Market
- Trader Joe's
- Meijer
- Plum Market
- Mil Valley Market
- Busch's
Champagne grapes are distributed by Melissa's Produce so check any store than carries Melissa's produce.
Where have you found Champagne grapes? Leave a comment below and share that with us.
Other Grape Varieties You Must Try
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Found at Ralphs