Top 10 champagne questions
Look here to read about the top 10 most asked champagne questions.
1. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN CHAMPAGNE?
Champagne comes in a variety of styles. The wine can, as previously said, be made from a single grape variety or a combination of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, with the exception of vintage and grower variations. In addition to traditional champagne, rosé champagne is also available. These are typically a tad fruitier and contain subtle strawberry scents. Finally, "Extra Brut" and "Brut Nature," which denote wines that are even drier than "Brut," might be used in place of the term "Brut," which indicates that a wine is dry (see some of the Egly-Ouriet we carry). However, "Demi-Sec" and "Sec" denote a sweet or semi-sweet Champagne, respectively. These wines make excellent dessert and spicy meal wine pairings.
2. WHY DO SOME CHAMPAGNES SAY "VINTAGE" AND OTHERS DO NOT?
So-called non-vintage Champagne is very common (NV). A non-vintage Champagne is created by blending wines from various years. The benefit is that the winemaker can use blending to guarantee that flavor and aroma remain constant over time. It contributes to the Champagne house's distinctive look. On the other hand, the grapes for a vintage Champagne are only harvested once. Vintage Champagne can only be produced in excellent years because no additional wines can be added to improve the quality.
3. HOW SHOULD CHAMPAGNE BE STORED?
similar to other wines you purchase. Temperature and light are the most crucial factors. Make sure the wine is stored away from bright light, in a cool, somewhat humid environment. Lay the bottle down horizontally if at all possible to keep the cork moist and stop it from drying out and becoming brittle.
4. HOW LONG CAN A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE BE LEFT OPEN AT HOME?
Hopefully you won't ever be in a situation where you have to decide whether or not to consume the entire bottle of Champagne. If so, be sure to use a Champagne stopper to close the bottle (or anything else that might be of help). It should keep for three to five days in the refrigerator before falling flat.
5. DOES CHAMPAGNE PAIR WITH FOOD?
Yes! Consider Champagne to be your constant wine partner. It's time to have a Champagne breakfast if you haven't already. For instance, Champagne pairs well with eggs benedict. Champagne is a great substitute for sake if you enjoy sushi. Of course, there is also the age-old paring choice of champagne and oysters. Champagne is incredibly exciting and adaptable, but as with any wine, you should always try a few different things. How many unanticipated wine and food combos there are will surprise you.
6. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I DON'T HAVE ANY CHAMPAGNE FLUTES AT HOME?
First of all, don't be alarmed. Although they are unavoidable (and undoubtedly gorgeous), champagne flutes are not required. These flutes keep and display the delicate bubbles better than any other glass. However, a lot of sommeliers and Champagne houses favor serving their Champagne in bigger glasses. Use a white wine glass or a broad Burgundy glass for older vintage Champagnes. Do not forget that Champagne is a wine and big wine should be enjoyed in big glasses.
7. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY "GROWER CHAMPAGNE"?
The majority of Champagne available in the UK is produced by a larger "Champagne house," which can sometimes generate millions of bottles. These so-called "Grandes Marques" are frequently of extremely high quality, but they lack the same sense of intimacy as, say, the grower Champagnes that we offer at Roberson. Grower Champagne is produced and sold by the grape growers themselves. It is simpler to determine exactly how and where the wines were produced because the quantities are substantially less. Everybody should experience small grower champagnes, and if you have the chance it is also a great idea to visit some of the producers.
8. HOW TO OPEN A CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE?
Loosen the cage first. Aim the bottle away from people and yourself at all times (you do not want to experience the force of a Champagne cork). Next, spin the base of the bottle while gripping the cork and cage firmly until the pressure of the wine starts to push the cork out. This should be done while holding the bottle at a 45° angle.
9. HOW DOES CHAMPAGNE DIFFER FROM OTHER SPARKLING WINE SUCH AS PROSECCO OR CAVA?
The gist of the matter is that a wine cannot be named Champagne unless it originates from the Champagne area of France. Additionally, only Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier (all red grape varietals) are permitted to be used in the wine's manufacture (a white variety). However, if you see "Blanc de Blancs" on the label, the wine is created exclusively from Chardonnay. The majority of wines are a blend of all three varietals. Contrarily, "Blanc de Noir" designates a wine that contains only Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, or a combination of the two.
And finally, the Méthode Champenoise is always used to make Champagne. The primary difference is that in the Méthode Champenoise, additional yeast and sugar are added to the wine that has been bottled, resulting in a second fermentation. The wine rests on the lees created by the yeast as it slowly dries, developing the distinctive scents of brioche and biscuit while retaining flavors of lemon, apple, and strawberry. The lees are collected at the bottle neck after a slow tipping and spinning of the bottle. The wine is sealed and prepared to mature before being consumed after the bottle has been flash-frozen, during which the lees are popped out.
10. HOW IS CHAMPAGNE BE DRUNKEN BEST?
Champagne tastes best when served between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius and is best enjoyed with friends and family on special occasions like Christmas, the New Year, or anniversaries. The more we consider it, a glass of champagne can be appropriate for almost any situation. Good luck tasting the champagnes, we hope that you check out our products to create your perfect champagne moment. Cheers!