Champagne - The Magic Wine

In almost any film when a celebration is about to occur, a romantic dinner is set, or someone wants to impress Champagne is on hand. "This calls for Champagne!" is a standard line.

For years I did not like Champagne. I wasn't impressed by something that resembled an alcoholic soft drink. Once I attended a wedding reception where the only items served were cheap caviar and cheap champagne. I left very hungry and thirsty. Little did I know that I wasn't being served Champagne, but a pale, sweet imitation.

Real Champagne (note the large C) comes from the Champagne region of France. Many imitators exist, but if the wine is from France, to bear the name Champagne it must come from this specific region and meet rigorous production standards.

How Do You Judge Champagne?
When you taste Champagne, or another sparkling wine, you must like it. Forget what any reviewer states. If it doesn't please you it doesn't meet the highest criteria. However, you should try different types of Champagne and allow your palate to grow and appreciate different tastes.

How do wine critics evaluate Champagne? There are six basic guidelines. Some are similar to tasting other wines.

1. The Bubbles--The bubbles should be tiny and float upward. They should dance about the glass. This is one reason Champagne is poured half full.
2. Inhale--Inhale its bouquet, slowly and at length, and then start again. Do you recognize aromas of fruits or flowers, or vanilla, spices? Okay, this is where the bubbles might tickle your nose.
3. Feel the Bubbles--They should not be strong in your mouth. This is a gentler feeling than cola.
4. Balance--Is it too sweet? To acidic? This is different than being too dry or sweet for your personal taste. The sweetness and acidity should complement each other.
5. Texture--It should be a smooth and creamy texture.
6. Finish--There should be no bitterness.

 Now, Where Did I Put Those Martini Glasses?
Forget 60s sitcoms and 50s movies. Martini glasses (those V shaped glasses) are not the appropriate stemware for Champagne. The best type of glass is a tulip or flute. These are tall, elongated glasses. The tulip is narrower at the rim than in the middle of the bowl. This shape helps hold the bubbles in the wine longer, not allowing them to escape. Make certain your glasses are well rinsed. Detergent is a wine killer.

Serve Champagne chilled. Once opened Champagne is ready to be enjoyed. Don't shake the bottle. It should not spew across the room when you open the bottle.

Paula S.W. Laurita
BellaOnline's Wine Editor