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Champagne 101

ReceptionThe wine of celebration and royalty, bottles of the delicious bubbly have marked every significant occasion since the 17th century.
Benedictine Monks created champagne in the northern region of France. Actually, they were trying to make wine but the colder temperatures and shorter grape growing season led to the creation of champagne. The extreme weather shortened the fermentation process which created the bubbles. After several years of trying to get rid of the bubbles, Dom Perignon refined the mixing and bottling processes to make the world's most renowned champagne. By 1735 it was the preferred drink of king's and queens across Europe. Not long after, Claude Moet founded what has become the world's largest champagne house.

Traditionalists will say that champagne ONLY comes from the French region of Champagne. Just like Vidalia Onions (Georgia, USA), Roquefort Cheese (France), Parmesan (Italy) and Idaho Potatoes (Idaho-USA), Champagne has been fighting for International naming rights. Enforced in some countries, yet not internationally, Champagne is supposed to be champagne if it's only from the Champagne region of France. Anything else is just sparkling wine.

TYPES

ReceptionChampagne is made from chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot blanc grapes. There are only two types of champagne: vintage and non-vintage. Vintage is made only during years where the grapes are superior; if they're not, no vintage champagne is made. Non-vintage champagnes are made year-after-year, regardless of the quality of the crop.

  • Brut NV (Non-vintage): is usually a blend of wines from several years and a number of 'crus.'
  • Vintage Champagne: are produced exclusively from the wines of a single harvest. As a result, producers will only declare a vintage in exceptional years.
  • Rosé Champagne: are produced by macerating the black grapes or by adding locally produced red wine to the blend.
  • Special Cuvée: are made from the most subtle and distinctive wines, whether vintage-dated or not.
  • Demi-Sec Champagne: differ from Bruts in their slightly sweeter taste.
  • Blanc de Blanc: A blend of white grapes only.
  • Blanc de Noir: A blend of black grapes only.
  • Courtesy of the Office of Champagne USA

CHAMPAGNE COCKTAILS

  • Champagne + Chambord (or Cassis); also called a Kir Royale
  • Champagne + Orange Juice; also called a mimosa; great for the morning after brunch or as the bridal party is getting ready in the morning.
  • Champagne + crème de menthe; for good luck!
  • Champagne + apricot brandy
  • Champagne + Peach Schnapps
  • Champagne + Guiness
  • Champagne + Pear Brandy
  • Champagne + Mandarin Orange Liqueur
  • …and so many more!

TRADITIONS

  • Champagne for all at the reception, or just for the toast
  • Champagne just for the bride and grooms table
  • Champagne as favors
  • Champagne in the out-of-town guest baskets
  • Champagne at the bridal shower, engagement party & rehearsal dinner
  • Empty champagne bottles for vases on tables or candle holders
  • Champagne as gifts for the wedding party
  • Champagne cocktails