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Champagne
The wine of Champagne is
one of the most famous of all French wines. Since it was
“invented” by a Monk, Dom Pérignon, at the end of the 17th
Century, it has been associated everywhere with festivities and
celebrations. However, it is also an excellent dinner wine and
goes well with almost any dish.
By French law, wines may
be called Champagne only if they are made from grapes grown in
the Champagne region. Here's a map showing where Champagne is : Just a short
drive east of Paris.
The process of Champagne making,
This is
called “Champagnisation” and is widely used
elsewhere in France, as well as in other countries, for the
making of better sparkling wines. Yet, even the best of the
other sparkling wines are not Champagne because only in that
region is the combination of soil and climate found which makes
for the unique quality of the wine.
Champagne is always a
blend. Grapes from different vineyards are pressed separately
and blended in the "cuvée".
Each great Champagne
firm has its own standard in blending and the reputation of the
Champagne producer is the best guarantee of quality. Non-vintage
wines from a reputable firm often equal or even surpass a
vintage wine from an obscure house.
According to the degree
of dryness of the wine, Champagne may be labeled as follows :
BRUT the
driest
EXTRA-DRY which
is fairly dry
SEC (dry)
which is sweet
DEMI-SEC (medium dry) which is very
sweet
(Champagne is the only region in which the
word “sec” (dry) has such meaning.)
The wines of Champagne
are fruity, light and sparkling. They are generally of a pale
yellow color -- although some pink Champagne is also made.
French Champagne is in a "glass of its own".
For a Wedding, New Years, Birthday... really, any celebration
champagne is always welcome. Here are some of the best Brand
names available today :
Champagne Glassware
What should you drink Champagne in? Glad you asked.
The exhilaration of serving champagne is enough in itself
to raise the level of excitement and enjoyment. So, really
you can use any vessel for serving Champagne.
That said, is it it true that both the occasion and the
experience of savoring Champagne will be enhanced by using
glassware adapted to the celebration.
How about classic
champagne flutes made in the Czech
Republic by glass craftsmen. Or champagne flutes with a
laser cut rim, the perfect flute designed for any special
occasion. There's a colorful Floral Champagne Set which is a
fun way to share your favorite bubbly and even to offer as a
memorable gift.
There's also the extreme line features of a distinctive
shape that adds both style and taste enhancement. They are
top quality made in Austria of lead crystal.
Plastic Glasses
Drink Champagne out of plastic glasses?!
To purists this is quite a sacrilege. But in the 21st
century it can be necessary. When you're celebrating a
special birthday with all your colleagues in the office.
Finding 30 "normal" glasses is not an easy undertaking.
So today you can enjoy your bubbly in 'coupe-style'
champagne glasses ideal for the big party and a great value.
Also makes a nice presentation for fruit or chilled desserts
for a crowd.
"Santé" as the French say for a
wonderful celebration
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A
gentle Champagne, the Moet & Chandon White Star exhibits
pleasing effervescence and a soft, slightly sweet finish;
this is one of the finest extra dry Champagne in the market
stock. Special prices, champagne gifts, champagne baskets
and much more
