What is Marc de Champagne?

• A. A type of wine aged in oak for several years.
• B. A fortified wine produced from grape pomace.
• C. A sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region.
• D. Eau de vie made from grape pomace; minimum 40% alcohol; aged at least 24 months in oak.

Answer: (D)

Marc de Champagne is a spirit made from the grape pomace left after pressing for Champagne. It’s an eau-de-vie, meaning it’s a distilled grape product rather than a wine. By regulation it must be at least 40% alcohol and aged in oak for a minimum of 24 months, which gives it depth and woody notes. This combination—distilled from pomace and aged as a strong, oak-aged spirit—distinguishes it from a wine aged in oak, a fortified wine, or a sparkling wine.