Champagne is a celebratory drink used to toast newlyweds or commemorate milestones. It can be an aperitif, it can be served during a meal, or it can be served with dessert. Vintage Champagne, the product of a single harvest, is preferred as it is bottled only in years when conditions in the vineyard have been favorable; non-vintage Champagne is released at regular intervals. Champagne cocktails like Bellini (with fresh peach puree and juice), Black Velvet (with stout), Mimosa (with orange juice), and Poinsettia (with cranberry juice) are quite popular at chic bars as they are more genteel than Martinis.
Champagne originates from vineyards in the French region of Champagne. Hence, if you see a bottle with “Champagne” on the label, it is an assurance that this wine has been produced in the northern French region. Sparkling wine made anywhere else in the world, even if the traditional “methode champenois” is used, is just sparkling wine. Therefore, Champagne is always spelled with a capital C. The “champenois” (producers) are protective of the name “Champagne” and take legal action against anyone who uses it improperly.
There are three grapes (Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay) used to make Champagne although manufacturers often legally include small quantities of other grape varieties. The first two are black grapes, while the latter is white. The label specifies the contents: “Blancs de Blancs” is Champagne produced from white grapes and is a very delicate wine. “Blanc de Noirs” is Champagne produced from black grapes; it is concentrated, with a strong fruit flavor and bouquet. If neither description appears on the label, chances are that the wine is a blend of the three grapes.
A large part of its appeal is due to the bubbles that spill forth when a bottle of Champagne is uncorked. These bubbles are caused by tiny drops of liquid disturbed by the escaping carbon dioxide or carbonic acid gas that is a natural spin-off of the double fermentation procedure exclusive to Champagne. Cheers!
Related Articles of Interest :
-
French Champagne
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Champagne is a sparkling wine that originates from the Champagne region of France, approximately 100 miles off Paris. The region encompasses Marne, Haute-Marne, Seine-et-Marne, Aisne and Aube, and the towns of Reims and Epernay; this region has been producing wine for years, but it was...
-
French White Wines
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Wine is made of mixed chemical substances that come from fruits. The aroma and tastes of wines depend on the fruits, or specifically, grapes that are used to make them. The color of white wines is more of a golden hew, rather than what its...
-
Champagne Glasses
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Some drinks look and taste better in special glasses although you could serve almost any drink in a Highball, white wine or Martini glass. However, since Champagne is a distinguished celebratory drink, it should always be served in its unique and extremely elegant glasses: flutes....
-
Wine
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Wine is a fermented grape juice. Other alcoholic beverages made from fermented fruit juices are also commonly called wine; however, their names usually come with a qualifier like “peach wine,” elderberry wine” and “blackberry wine.” When no description is used, the term “wine” is understood...
-
Italian White Wines
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Though Italian red wines are often talked about more than white wines, there are some sparkling white wines produced by certain regions in Italy. The taste of an Italian white wine depends on the variety of grapes used and the time required for aging it...
-
Champagne Racks
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Riddling racks are central to the process of manufacturing Champagne. After the sparkling wine has aged on the lees, it is ready for the concluding stages. Riddling, or remuage, is the process designed to collect the sediment in a bottle and deposit it near the...
-
French Wine
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Whenever wine is the subject, we often think of where it was popularized. Study their names x96 from the Champagne to the tongue twisting name Beaujolais up to the very romantic names — Bordeaux and Burgundy. Where do you think wines were popularized — France,...
-
Italian Red Wines
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Commonly known as Italian reds, Italian red wines are world famous. As compared to red wines produced in other parts of the world, they stand apart due to their tarter taste, higher acidity, and aroma. Unlike French wines, Italian red wines are not named after...
-
An Introduction To Wine Gifts
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Wine is a perfect gift for all kinds of holidays and special occasions. It has long been known as a symbol of joy, festivity and abundance. In ancient Egypt, wine was used in ceremonies and religious rituals. Wine was often offered to the pharaohs when...
-
Wine Gift Baskets
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Extending toasts of wine enthusiasm through gifts of wine baskets has become a hot presentation idea. Offered as corporate gifts or for festival occasions, romantic getaways and family celebratory events, wine baskets herald all the excitement and anticipation ahead. They open up fresh perspectives and...