Champagne is a French sparkling wine The term Champagne can be used as a generic term for sparkling wine, but in some countries it is illegal to label any product Champagne unless it came from the Champagne wine region of France. This drink is produced from specific types of grapes grown in the Champagne region following rules that demand, among other things, specific vineyard practices, sourcing of grapes exclusively from designated places within the Champagne region, specific grapes pressing methods and secondary fermentation of the wine in the bottle to create carbonation.
A Glass of Champagne Exhibiting the Characteristic Bubbles
Champagne became associated with royalty in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The leading manufacturers made efforts to associate their Champagnes with nobility and royality through advertising and packaging which led to its popularity among the emerging middle class.
Champagne is usually served in a Champagne flute, whose characteristics include a long stem with a tall, narrow bowl, thin sides and an etched bottom. The intended purpose of the shape of the flute is to reduce surface area therefor preserving carbonation as well as maximizing the visible bubbles. Champagne is always served cold. Often times the bottle is chilled in a bucket of ice and water half an hour before opening which also ensures the Champagne is less gassy and can be opened without spillage. To reduce the risk of spilling or spraying any Champagne, open the bottle by holding the cork and rotating the bottle at an angle in order to ease out the stopper .. unless you really want to celebrate with a big bottle and a big bang as they do after Formula 1 races.
Pouring sparkling wine while tilting the glass at an angle and gently sliding the wine along the side will preserve the MOST bubbles! Enjoy!
A bottle of Prosecco was represented to Bill and I on November 14, 2020 when we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary at Webb's in Mayville. The bubbly gift was from Dan Dalpra and Family. Thank you, Dan.
Happy New Year .. 2021.
Pat Locke
Maestro Muse
