Champagne
Champagne, with the much capitalized ‘C’ is an expensive sparkling wine that is sipped in richly carved flute glasses to toast and grace occasions that have an emotional essence to it. May it be a wedding or a graduation ceremony, an engagement celebration or a birth christening, champagne is the beverage of choice for all kinds of celebrations. Even today, champagne remains associated with power, luxury and wealth.
The bubbles that simmer enticingly in a flute tipping with champagne result from a second fermentation that takes place in a bottle or cask once it is sealed. Champagne is generally stored for drinking purposes like any other wine in a damp, dark location, at about 55F and usually stored on its side to keep the cork from drying out. When served, champagne should be at about 45 degrees. A few hours in the refrigerator will minimize the temperature; however, champagne should preferably not be stored in the refrigerator for more than a few days. Champagne, when served in flute glasses characterized by their tall and narrow neck adds to the grandeur and snootiness of the wine. Wide brimmed glasses are generally not used to serve champagne as they cause the drink to quickly lose bubbles and flavor as well.
Champagne is available in many kinds and varieties. ‘Brut’ is the driest and the most standard kind. ‘Sec’ is sweet tasting champagne and ‘Demi Sec’ is even sweeter in nature. A vintage bottle of champagne, like most wines are derived from a single year’s worth of grapes whereas unlabeled or non-vintage bottles are derived from a blend of years.
Champagne, may it be of any type is produced in the region of Champagne in northeast France. Three different methods are adopted to produce all champagne. It is the presence of these bubbles or stored carbon dioxide that makes the missionary ‘pop’ sound heard when opening a champagne bottle. A sparkling wine can carry the tag name of a being a champagne, only if it is produced with grapes of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Pinot Meuiner. Champagnes that are brewed using Chardonnay grapes are called Blanc de Blancs. And champagnes that are brewed using Pinot Noir or Pinot Meuiner grapes are called Blanc de Noirs. In order to enhance the taste and relish the champagne, it should be teamed with the right food dishes. It goes well with caviar and cheese and lightly smoked foods.
Champagne prices have always been a topic of conversation. Good champagne does not necessarily have to be expensive and it is best to let your personal taste decide which type of champagne fits your budget.