Champagne remains one of the most highly regulated wine regions in France. The Comité Champagne dictates each year when harvest can begin. Harvest in Champagne is strictly by hand; mechanical harvesting of grapes is illegal. The vast majority of Champagne is a blend of multiple vintages. In fact, each Champagne house is regulated to set aside a portion of wine each year to enter their “reserve" system. These “reserve" wines act as an insurance policy, to ensure that great product is released year after year.