Pommery Champagne: A Timeless Tale of Effervescent Elegance

A few weeks ago, I was invited to a tasting of Pommery Champagne and to meet with Cellarmaster Clement Pierlol the 10th Cellarmaster at Pommery. Of course, I am not going to turn down Champagne.

Pommery is one of the famous Champagne Houses. There are a few points that really stood out from this tasting. Before we get caught up in the Champagne, here are my take-aways.

• Women lead all good Champagne Houses.
• Pommery makes Champagne in
• France
• Pommery makes Sparkling Wine in
• England
• California
• Expanding World Wide
• You can really taste the terroir difference between California Sparkling Wine and Champagne.

Pommery Champagne spans two centuries. In 1858, Madame Louise Pommery took over as head of Pommery & Greno after the death of her husband. She had a vision that changed the path of Champagne. Champagne used to be sweet and she thought it should be dry. Madame Pommery introduced the concept of dry Champagne and became the trailblazing spirit paving the way for a new era of Champagne. Champagne defined by elegance and finesse.

Innovation with every sip! While rooted in tradition, Pommery Champagne continues to embrace innovation and modernity. By seamlessly blending age-old techniques with contemporary craftsmanship, they create a sensory experience that transcends time. Each bottle is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted to deliver an exquisite taste that dances on the palate. With every sip, one can savor the passion and expertise poured into every effervescent bubble.

Beyond their commitment to taste, Pommery Champagne champions sustainability in winemaking. Recognizing the importance of preserving our planet, they have implemented sustainable practices throughout their vineyards and production processes. From organic vineyard management to energy-efficient production methods, Pommery Champagne is dedicated to reducing their ecological footprint. With every glass, we not only celebrate life but also contribute to the conservation of our environment.

Pommery Champagne offers a portfolio of timeless classics that epitomize elegance and sophistication. Among these is the renowned Pommery Brut Royal, a masterful blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. With its fine bubbles, enticing aromas, and vibrant flavors, this champagne delights the senses, leaving an indelible mark on every occasion. Each sip is an invitation to embrace life's joys and create lasting memories.

Let the effervescent elegance of Pommery Champagne elevate your celebrations and add a touch of sophistication to life's most precious moments or everyday accomplishments. Cheers to a world of unrivaled taste and eternal celebration!

The Champagne

Louis Pommery Reserve Sparkling Wine - This is the California Sparkling wine they began making in 2015. It’s a 2017 100% Chardonnay blend. They use the same yeast and methods as they do in France. I found this sparkling wine heavier in body than those from France. That is a true testament to how the terroir affects what is in the bottle. This was very good and enjoyable, but interesting to see the differences in location brings to a wine. A good everyday bubbly priced in the $20’s

Pommery Champagne Brut Royal - This blends Chardonnay grapes from 40 selected villages in Champagne's Cote des Blancs and Montagne de Reims areas. This would be an everyday Champagne that is fresh, smooth and lively. Price is in the $40’s

Pommery Champagne Blanc de Blancs Apanage- This Champagne is left to age in chalk cellars for six months longer. Soft and creamy on the palate. A bit complex. This is a special occasion Champagne. Prices in the $80’s

Pommery Champagne Grand Cru Royal 2009 - This is made from seven Grand Cru vineyards. This Champagne reflects the minerality and freshness of the land. Hints of pear and floral notes. This one was my favorite. Price is in the $80’s

Pommery Champagne Cuvee Louise 2005 - This wine is a tribute to Madame Louise Pommery. A blend of three of the most delicate Grands Crus. Nice floral notes with hints of hazelnuts. The palate is soft and creamy. Hints of honey and lemon with nice structure. This is a wine you give as a nice gift or to impress. Price around $200

Elegant And All About Love

As Valentine’s Day gets closer, it’s all about Champagne and love. It’s the time of the year you want to find the perfect bottle of Champagne and share it with that someone special. If you are like me, you do it around the fireplace with a nice home-cooked meal, soft music playing. There is no bottle of Champagne that says it better than Lanson 1760 Le Rose.

Maison Lanson is one of the oldest Champagne Houses founded in 1760. The cross you see on the bottle dates back to 1798 when the founder’s son decided to use the Maltese Cross to distinguish their wines from everyone else. Not everyone can use the Maltese Cross. The origin dates back to the Crusades and the Knights Hospitaller and he was a member of the Hospitaller’s Order of Malta. This Cross represents a person who is willing to defend others and their community at no cost. He had a love for his people and community.

Lanson believes in love not only for their community but love for the soil, the terroir. They believe that happiness should be shared and what better way to share in happiness and love, but with a bottle of their “Le Rose.”

This Valentine’s Day, it’s not about the fancy restaurant you're dining at for this once-a-year event, it’s about the person or people you are with. You can be in your dining room, outside around your fire pit, sitting on the couch watching Netflix. Remember it’s about feeling the love, the love you have for each other, the bond that brings you together. Sharing this love with Lanson just elevates the entire evening.

From the time you pop that cork, Lanson 1760 Le Rose will heat up the evening. That first sip will have you looking at your loved one, smiling as the warm tingling feeling travels throughout your body. Made with 53% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier, it has a beautiful salmon color and elegant fine bubble. Aromas of soft strawberry, hint of baking bread and mandarin orange. Just smelling what is escaping from the glass will have you looking at each other with romance in your eyes. Once you take that first sip, you know it’s a perfect evening. Crisp, clean and elegant with red fruit, just ripened strawberry, nice acidity will have you flirting for more.

Lanson 1760 Le Rose is available at most liquor stores and retails for $69.99.

Sparkling Wines of the World Seminar

Last Monday I held a Sparkling Wines of the World seminar over Zoom. It seems to be the thing these days for get-togethers. I wasn’t sure how many people, if any would even show up. When I go in front of people, I tend to get a little nervous. Nervous I am going to leave something out, but if you run into me on the street, I’ll vomit at the mouth with information. I guess the more I do these the more I won’t get nervous.

Here are the video and audio of the seminar. It is an introductory seminar discussing many of the different sparkling wines around the world and how they are made. We touch on Champagne, Cremant, Prosecco, Asti, Franciacorta, Cava, Espumante and Sekt. I also explain the different methods used to produce sparkling wine so that you have a better understanding of what is in the bottle.

I might do some more of these in the future. I have a big list of subjects. So stay tuned. I hope you enjoy!

Webinar  

Podcast

From Improv to Cellar Master: Meet Émilien Boutillat Cellar Master at Piper-Heidsieck

 

 “Champagne is for special occasion and you can find a special occasion every day.” -  Émilien Boutillat

It was another beautiful Spring day in New York City and I was having lunch at Wild Ink at Hudson Yards with Piper-Heidsieck’s new Cellar Master Émilien Boutillat. I’m a big fan of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne but had no idea what to expect from the Cellar Master, this prestige position and the person behind it. Who I met was a handsome young man full of winemaking and viticulture knowledge. He’s funny, personable and a delight to be around.

Émilien Boutillat - Chef de Caves, Piper-Heidsieck (as per his business card)

Émilien joined Piper-Heidsieck October 1, 2018 at the age of 30. I would like to say he is probably one of the youngest to achieve such a position at such a prestigious Champagne House. Growing up in a small town of 300 people on the family vineyard he knew he wanted to be a winemaker but never did he think or have his eyes set on Cellar Master at Piper-Heidsieck. His family vineyard started by his father and today run by his brother-in-law is a contracted grower for Piper-Heidsieck.

When he began to study winemaking and viticulture Émilien knew he did not want to study in Champagne. He wanted an education that gave him a broad spectrum of knowledge and went to school in the South of France. After school, Émilien spent time working in the vineyards and wineries around the world. He spent time in South Africa at La Motte Estate, in Chile at Viu Manent, in California at Peter Michael Winery, in New Zealand at Mud House Winery and in France at Chateau Margaux before becoming Cellar Master at Champagnes Cattier and Armand de Brignac before landing the position of Cellar Master at Piper-Heidsieck.

Piper-Heidsieck feels that Émilien is one of the most promising talented winemakers in Champagne. His technical expertise and achievements show his understanding of sustainable viticulture and his international experience shows his knowledge of both the terroir of Champagne and the wines of the world.

The first few months at Piper-Heidsieck Émilien spent working closely with Regis Camus, Cellar Master who has been with the brand over 20 years. This gave him a full understanding of the Piper style. (Regis is still with Piper but focusing on their Rare Champagne brand)

Footprint

Just like any person, whether you are making wine or widgets, you want to put your footprint on the product. Asked if he will make any changes to the wines he said he will respect the DNA of the brand with the same style and wine excellence. He will look at the small details and see what small changes he can make to increase the quality. He wants to improve every detail he can in keeping the style and increasing quality.

His first focus is in the vineyard. Focusing on the vineyard and the partnerships they have with the growers. He is looking for sustainability, nice and good balance fruit, not too ripe, not too acidic. Balance is very important between sugar and acidity and the balance between the aromas. The fruit and toastiness need to be there but balanced and mild, he does not want one aroma to take over everything.

Beliefs

Émilien joined the brand because he believes in the style of the wine. He believes champagne should be complex but not complicated, something that is vibrant and elegant and delicate.

Cooking and Improv

Just like you and I, Émilien has some hobbies. At his home, he has a small garden with tomatoes and eggplant and loves to cook. He also does Improv, something he started doing while studying. If you are visiting the region you might be able to catch is improv act the first Thursday of the month at the local improv theatre.

About Piper-Heidsieck

Founded in 1785 as Heidsieck & Cie, Florens-Louis Heidsieck wanted to create a cuvee worthy of a queen and set out to do so. He gave his first cuvee to the Queen and Marie Antoinette became the first Brand Ambassador.

Florens-Louis Heidsieck married Agathe Perthois, and in 1815 Florens-Louis’ nephew Christian Heidsieck and Henri-Guillaume Piper joined them to promote the Champagne House. In 1828 when Florens-Louis died, Christian and Henri-Guillaume decided to keep the venture going. Unexpectedly in 1835 Christian Heidsieck passed away and shortly afterward his widow married Henri-Guillaume Piper. That was the beginning of Piper-Heidsieck and the road it would travel.

Today you can find the Champagne at the Oscars, Sundance Music Festival and many more place including your wine shop.

Piper-Heidsieck Champagne

During this lunch, we were the first to taste the 2012 declared Vintage Champagne. This wine is only made when the grapes are of outstanding quality. The last declared vintage was 2008.

The other Champagne tasted was the 2015 Cuvee Brut, Rose Sauvage, Cuvee Sublime.

Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut - This blend is made up of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay. Elegant, smooth and creamy with hints of pear, red apple, a touch of toastiness and vibrant. SRP $45

Piper-Heidsieck Rose Sauvage - Émilien wants this blend to be true to the fruit. It drinks more like a wine than Champagne. Dark pink in color, blended with 50-55% Pinot Noir of which 20 - 25% is vinified as red wines, 30 - 35% Pinot Meunier and 15 - 20% Chardonnay. Hints of raspberry, blood orange, cranberry and spice. This pairs really well with food and is great for the Thanksgiving table. SRP $62

Piper-Heidsieck 2012 Vintage Champagne - This is the first declared vintage since 2008. They declare a vintage only when the quality is there. The wine ages at least 3 years which is the minimum. This blend is 52% Pinot Noir and 48% Chardonnay from mostly grand and premier cru vineyards. The complexity in this wine is wider with some peach, apricot, red cherry fruits, touch of toastiness and honey notes. Fruit forward, creamy and soft. A bit seductive. SRP $80

Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Sublime - This is a Demi-Sec wine, a sweeter Champagne with 35% residual sugar. Don’t let the RS scare you, it is so well balanced with the acidity to sugar that you don’t realize the sweetness. The aroma leaving the glass has hints of the Caribbean, so think pineapple, mango, gingerbread and hints of honey and a finish of freshness. This wine will go well with sweet and spicy food. It went extremely well with the pineapple upside down cake we had for dessert SRP $55

Champagne 3 Ways

We are well into the holiday season and I’m sure there have been many bottles of Champagne popped and more to come. Every day is a good day to pop the cork on a bottle of Champagne and there are different styles of Champagne. How do you know which bottle to grab off the shelf?

The sweetness of Champagne come in 7 levels. Each have to do with the amount of sugar in the dosage. So I don’t confuse you, today we’ll discuss Brut Nature, Brut and Demi-Sec and go from dry to sweet. Keep in mind, Champagne is high in acidity so what you may think is sweet may not taste as sweet as you think because the sweetness will balance out the acidity.

Brut Nature is when there is no sugar added. This is the driest of the dry. There is less than .3% residual sugar

Brut is dry and you will have less than 1.5% residual sugar.

Demi-Sec is on the sweet side with between 3.5 and 5.0% residual sugar. This is a great style of Champagne to serve with dessert. My favorite to have with this style is creme brulee.

Laurent-Perrier was nice enough to send me a bottle of each of the three styles of Champagne listed above. Note that they were one of the first Champagne Houses to only use stainless steel fermentation tanks to maximize the freshness of the wine. Each style got paired with a different occasion.

The first bottle popped was the Laurent-Perrier Brut NV was the choice for the reunion of the neighbors. The Brut is a blend of 45% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 15% Pinot Meunier. The grapes come from 55 individual villages and 20% of the blend is comprised from reserve wine to ensure style consistancy. After the wine is blending the Brut NV ages in the cellar for a minimum of three years. Our day here began early with Kathy, Jess and Sarah taking the first ferry from Lewes to Cape May. The Champagne showed notes of citrus, white flowers with a hint of baking bread. So naturally we paired this with the breakfast of champions..popcorn which they brought over from Delaware. Even though this is a dry Champagne it still has a dosage of about 1.5% residual sugar that went well with the caramel coated popcorn. SRP $49.99

I chose the Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut which is a Brut Nature for my birthday bubbles. This is a blend of 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir. Instead of adding sugar to the wine to start the second fermentation, unfermented must (juice) is used to trigger secondary fermentation then aged on its lees for a minimum of six years. This was clean, fresh with mouth watering acidity. Fresh fruit, tart green apple and a hint of lemon leave a long finish on your palate with a zing of acidity. SRP $79.99

Finally the Laurent-Perrier Demi-Sec a blend of 45% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 15% Pinot Meunier. After a minimum of three years of cellaring the wine receives a dosage of 45 grams of sugar per liter dissolved into the wine. This dosage level results in a Demi-Sec that is sweet but not cloying. I will say, this is the first Demi-Sec that has crossed my palate. I was expecting something much sweeter tasting. It has enough sweetness to detect but not overly sweet with an elegant finish. I would pair this with a nice creme brulee or even strawberry shortcake. We sabered this bottle and enjoyed it before our haunted walk back in October. Unfortunately I didn’t save the video of the sabering. Try this Champagne New Years Eve with dessert. If you are anything like me and eat late so you can stay up to midnight, popping this bottle with go with dessert, the ball dropping and the turning of the new year. SRP $49.99

Just remember, Champagne is something that pairs with everything and every occasion and for every palate.

Give Me Life Liberty Friendship and Bubbles

Life, liberty, friendship and bubbles are how we kicked off the 4th of July weekend. Regardless of your political thoughts we live in a great country and I hope you surround yourself with great friends like I do. Life is to short so we need to take any excuse and turn it into a celebration and include a good bottle of bubbles.

Charles Heidsieck born in 1822 grew up in the vineyards and surrounded by the love of his family. Taking control of his destiny, at the age of 29 he founded his Champagne house, Champagne
Charles Heidsieck. Not purchasing land for the vineyards he became a negotiant and purchased the grapes from the farmers that grew them best. Charles concentrated on doing what he does best, producing and aging wine. He purchased forty-seven Chalk cellars dating back to the 11th century. It is here to this day that the wine is aged from 3 to 15 years. On the bottles you can find the dates of both the cellaring and disgorgement.

The year was 1852 that Charles to introduce Champagne to America. This past weekend we celebrated with the Brut Reserve which comes in a uniquely shaped bottle. It has a large base and a narrow neck. This unique shape increases the volume of wine that has contact with the lees during aging. Therefore it enhances the aromatic range and complexity of the Brut Reserve.

The Brut Reserve is a blend of Chardonnay from Cote des Blancs, Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims and Pinot Meunier from the Marne Valley all in equal measure. Forty percent of the reserve wines used in this blend are on the average age of 10 years old.

The Champagne Brut Reserve had beautiful fine of bubbles that created a nice elegant froth in the glass. Aromas of baked bread, green apple and hint of almond escaped from the glass. The effervescence dances on your palate as we toasted to friendship. Flavors of green apple, pear, a hint lemon with a delicate velvet texture embrace your mouth. A very romantic sexy bottle of bubbles worth sharing and celebrating with friends or a loved one. Paired great with the crab cakes! SRP $69

The Elegance of Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé

Laurent-Perrier is a Champagne House located in Champagne, France founded in 1812 by André-Michael Pierlot. He was a négociant in the region and settled in the town of Tours-Sur-Marne. He began farming on two plots of land and began the Alphonse Pierlot Champagne House. Later it would become Laurent-Perrier.

When Andre passed the House was left to his son. Upon his death the House was left to his cellar master Eugénie Laurent. The name Veuve Laurent-Perrier came to be when Mathilde Emilie Perrier the widow of Eugénie Laurent decided to expand the business and combined the two family names.
The House was sold in 1939 to Marie-Louise Lanson de Nonancourt and Marie-Louise’s son Bernard had the passion and drive that took the House on the road to where it is today. Today Lauren-Perrier is exported to more than 160 countries worldwide.

The Cuvée Rosé was created in 1968 by Bernard de Nonancourt. It is 100% Pinot Noir from 12 different Crus vineyards in the Montagne de Reims region and Grand Crus vineyards in Ambonnay, Bouzy, Louvois and Tours-Sur-Marne.

This Cuvée Rosé is one of the most elegant Rosé's I’ve tasted. It is so special it has its own dedicated winery that's sole purpose is the production of this Champagne. During production the wine remains in contact with the skins from 48 to 72 hours. It is during this skin contact that the wine develops its beautiful intense salmon color and the aromas to go with it. When the wine is blended and bottled the Cuvée Rosé ages for at least four years in the cellar.


What makes this wine so elegant?

• The beautiful rich salmon color
• The tight tiny bubbles shooting up from the middle of the glass
• The light airy froth that forms when poured
• The wine just sings with excitement and elegance
• The delicate aromas of raspberry and strawberry aromas coming from the glass
• The soft creamy feeling in your mouth combined with the velvety flavors of raspberry, and red berries that are lighting up your palate
• The look on 8 adult faces as they drink the glass of Champagne and remark how lovely and delicious this is
• Watching the smile on their face and their eyes dancing.

Champagne should not just be consumed on New Years Eve, it should be enjoyed all year, everyday. If you only think about Champagne for special occasions, plan ahead and pick up a bottle of this Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé for Valentine’s Day. A special Champagne for your special person. The SRP is $99 but I've seen it as low as $68

Little Known Facts About Champagne on Champagne Day

Today is National Champagne Day!  Woo Ho!. You don't need a special day to drink Champagne but you must have a bottle today.  And it's Friday, so even a better way to get your weekend started.

Here are a few facts about Champagne

• Champagne is located 150 kilometres east of Paris
• The first Champagne house was established in 1729
• The limestone subsoil is a mix of chalk, limestone, sandstones and marls. This provides good drainage and explains the mineral taste you get in some of the wines.
• Champagne Chalk is made of of skeletons of marine micro-organisms from the Secondary Era and it is very porous. This keeps the vines supplied with water.
• The climate in  Champagne is both oceanic and continental. The continental influence gives ample sunlight during the summer. The oceanic influence brings the rainfall. 
• Rose Champagne is made by:
• Maceration where the Pinot Noir grapes sit on their skins between 24 and 72 hours until the desired color is reached. or...
• Blending the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

The label is very important!  You will find 2 letters on the label that determine the registration code.

• NM - Negociant manipulant which is what the big Champagne houses are. They are individual or a company that purchase grapes and may also grow their own and make Champagne in their facility
• RM - Recoltant manipulant also known as Growers Champagne. A grower who makes and markets their own label of Champagne from grapes exclusively from their own vineyard.  

Most often Growers Champagne is less expensive than Champagne from the large houses and has the same quality if not at times better. If you can't afford that bottle of Dom Perignon look for a bottle priced beginning at $25 and the initials RM. You will be pleasantly surprised!

Stop and grab a bottle on your way home today and share it with friends!

Inexpensive Sparkling Wines for New Years Eve

New Years Eve, a night where we all stay up to midnight and if you don't drink bubbly, you do so when the ball drops.

My New Years Eve is usually low key, I spend it with friends.  We cook a nice meal, drink some nice wine, laugh and at midnight pop a bottle of bubbly. The last thing we want to do is purchase a bottle of bubbly that will break the bank.  After all, we have all the Christmas bills to pay off.

Sparkling wine doesn't have to be expensive.  You can find some nice bubbly as inexpensive as $7.98 and even Champagne for under $35.

I did a little shopping in the local liquor store and here is what I purchased for the evenings festivities and the brunch I am going to on New Years Day. (have to bring a hostess gift)

For $7.98 I found a really nice Canva - Cristalino Cava Brut. Cava is a sparkling wine made in Spain and is from Catalonia region.  There are three main grapes that go into the wine, Macabeo, Paralleda and Xarello.  It is made in the same way they make Champagne where the second fermentation happens in the bottle.  Taste wise, you will get a dry elegant sparkling wine that shows hints of fruitiness.  Cava is great value and inexpensive.  Personally, it's a go to for me.

There are many other sparkling wines produced in France that are very reasonable priced.  This Willm Blanc de Blancs Cremant Brut is a sparkling wine dominated with the Pinot Blanc grape. There is also a touch of Riesling and Chardonnay to it. It is produced in the Alsace region of France. It retails for $10.99.  It will have hints of floral and show some fruitiness.

Another bubbly I've become a fan of is Gruet.  Gruet is made in New Mexico and the owners hails from Bethon, France where they've been producing Champagne from 1952.  In 1989 they released their first New Mexico wine an 1987 Brut and Blanc de Noirs, Their wines retail for about $12.99. Sparkling wine produced in the states with a French pedigree

If you insist on bring a bottle of Champagne from the Champagne region of France I found an inexpensive (at least I thought it was) bottle of Monopole Heidsieck Blue Top that retails for $32.99. You will find some hints of breadiness on the nose which is characteristic of Champagne. It's a great lead in bottle of Champagne that will please any palate.

No matter what you choose to pop on New Years Eve, enjoy!  I wish you a happy and healthy New Year.

The Grapes of Champagne

Champagne is made in the Champagne region of France.  The uniqueness of Champagne comes from the chalky soil that gives Champagne it's unique aroma and flavor.  The three grapes varietals that are permitted in Champagne are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier.

The region is comprised of 5 areas, of which all add to the contents of the bottle.

Cotes de Blancs & Montagne de Reims grow Chardonnay. Chardonnay brings finesse and elegance to the bottle.

Cotes des Bar, Montagne de Reims & Vallee de la Marne grow Pinot Noir.  Pinot Noir is the backbone and brings aroma and structure to the bottle.

Vallee de la Marne grows Pinot Meunier. This grape brings the fruit and mid palate texture to what's in the bottle.

While not every bottle has all three of these grapes in it, if it's classic Champagne it will.

If the bottle is labled Blanc de Blancs it's 100% Chardonnay grapes. Blanc de Noirs is usually 100% Pinot Noir but may have some Pinot Meunier in it.  Rose Charmpagne will have a little of the Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier blended into it.

Serving suggestions for Champagne is between 45 and 50 degrees. When you open the bottle always make sure you keep a hand over the cork. The cork might surprise you and begin to expand when the bottle is sitting on the counter and once the cage is off, it will take on a life of its own.

When you are out looking for that bottle of Champagne for Valentines day, please make note of the label, as Champagne has varying sweetness levels.

Non Dosage is the driest Champagne you will find. They have not added any dosage to it and will usually be less than 3 g/l of sugar (g/l grams per liter)
Extra Brut will have less than 6 g/l
Brut less than 12 g/l
Extra Dry between 12 & 17 g/l
Sec between 17 & 32 g/l
Demi-Sec between 32-50 g/l
Doux 50 g/l

The average Champagne you will see on the shelf is Brut or Extra Dry.

Go pick out a nice bottle of Champagne for Valentine's Day and enjoy.

Celebrate #ChampagneDay with the Barons

Happy Champagne Day!  Today is the day to celebrate and drink Champagne.

Champagne can only come from the Champagne region of France and is produced with or more of these three grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunir. Blanc de Blancs is 100% Chardonnay, Blanc de Noir is 100% Pinot Noir, Rose which is usually made by blending in a small amount of red wine and Non-Vintage Champagne is usually a blend of the three grapes  from various vintages.

I was fortunate enough to get invited to a Barons De Rothschild Champagne launch a few months back.  What a privilege that was!!!  The Champagne - out of this world and Philippe Sereys de Rothschild was such a nice down to earth person to spend the afternoon with!

The Rothschild family have been in and out of Champagne for a long time. About 7-8 years ago the different branches of the family that produce wine got together and began talking about producing Champagne and moved forward with the project.

The first thing they knew they had to lock in was the supply.  The Champagne demand has grown over the years, but the region as not.  The key is to get a good supply in quality, regularly and for the long term.

They traveled all over the region and quite quickly pinned down a small region in the southern part of Champagne called Cote des Blancs south of Epernay which is the kingdom of Chardonnay and began speaking to growers.  That was the beginning.

Their Champagnes are predominantly Chardonnay.  Their Rose  85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noirl, the Brut being 60% Chardonnay.l Regulation in the region has Non-Vintage Champagne resting in the cellars 3 years before it is released.  The Rothschild Champagnes are kept for 5-6 years because they want them to mature slowly.

I was really impressed with their Champagnes.  When Philippe said they searched out for someone with a "Masters of Balance & Drinkability" he wasn't kidding and it is reflected in the glass.

Champagne Barons de Rothschild Brut is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.  The Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunir come mainly from the area of Verzenay, Ay, Mareuilsur-Ay and Bouzy.  Pale golden yellow in color, producing beautiful fine bubbles.  Very well balanced with hints of pears and hazelnut with some floral notes.

The Rose Champagne was a beautiful salmon color.  This blend is 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims including  5%-6% vinified as red wine. Aromas of rose petal, wild strawberry with soft effervescence.  This was served with Wild Salmon with Morel Cream Sauce and Rhubarb Tart (not together) and paired lovely with both dishes.

Blanc de Blancs, 100% Chardonnay with 40% reserve wine shows delicate beautiful tight bubbles. Smooth with notes of fresh pears and tropical fruit.

These Champagnes range in price from $100 - $125. They are the perfect way to celebrate any occasion!

Whatever Champagne you are drinking on this Champagne Day...Cheers!

Thank you to Pasternak Wine Imports for inviting me to this wonderful lunch

Champagne Tasting Guide

Yesterday was my 24th wedding anniversary...yes I got married when I was a child. As I toasted my anniversary I thought the holidays around the corner and many celebrations ahead.This would be a good time to share with you the Champagne Tasting Guide by the Champagne Bureau. A little history, tips and of course a test your knowledge Q&A.  Enjoy! Champagne Tasting Guide

A Champagne Toast

I am not a big sparkling person.  After my quest for Rosé, maybe my next quest will be Champagne.  As we get into wedding season, there will be lots of bubbly uncorking.

The Champagne Bureau published "The Perfect Champagne for Every Wedding Celebration" and I am sharing it with you.  Remember Champagne only comes from Champagne, France.

Nothing symbolizes celebration more than a quality Champagne. Whether you’re savoring a private, romantic toast on your honeymoon or celebrating with the girls before the big day, as the perfect pair, you deserve the perfect pairing.

The Shower – All of your girlfriends will enjoy the pink color and light, fruity flavor of a delicious rosé Champagne. Rosé pairs perfectly with subtle cheeses, smoked salmon, and fruit salad, as well as many other hors d'oeuvres. Plus, a half bottle makes a lovely party favor.

The Bachelorette Party – For your last night of freedom, why not liven up your celebration with a rich, full bodied Blanc de Noirs style Champagne? This Champagne is made using only black grapes and pairs well with full-flavored foods—perfect to get the party started!

The Rehearsal Dinner – It can be hard to please a room full of family, but a non-vintage Brut Champagne pairs well with almost anything and can help the evening go smoothly.

The Reception – On your wedding day, there’s no more perfect wine for your toasts than Blanc de Blancs Champagne. The name literally means “white of white,” a perfect complement to your gown. This delicate Champagne is made from only Chardonnay grapes and has a light, dry flavor, just right for when you want to dance all evening. Make sure to save a bottle to drink on your first anniversary!

The Honeymoon – When you’re finally alone with your loved one, it is time to cuddle up and share a rare Vintage Champagne, only made in years that produce the highest quality grapes. Just as your love has grown over time, these wines have been aged for a minimum of three years before they are released.

Whichever Champagne you choose, make sure it is genuine. Champagne is produced exclusively from the grapes of Champagne, France, and under strict rules designed to ensure quality. There are many other wonderful sparkling wines made around the world, but Champagne only comes from Champagne.

How to make your Champagne last

There has been a lot of talk since divers discovered what may be the oldest bottle of drinkable Champagne in the Baltic Sea 200 feet under water.  You can read about the find on  MSNBC bit.ly/bhJ2ba. The divers couldn't control themselves and popped the cork of the bottle they brought to the surface.  There tasting notes were sweet, with tobacco and oak.

The Champagne Bureau, which is the official U.S. representative of the Comite Interprofessionel du Vin de Champagne has given tips on "How to make your Champagne last."  I am sharing them with you.

How to make your Champagne last

Aging – Although Champagne has already reached maturity by the time it is released, you can successfully store it for years in your own home. Make sure that your bottles are kept in a cool, dark place (like a shipwreck!).

Chilling– We recommend keeping the bottle cool, ideally between 45-50 degrees. When you are ready to enjoy it, serve the Champagne well-chilled. A Champagne bottle usually reaches its ideal temperature after twenty minutes in a bucket filled with ice and water.

Opening– Start by cutting the foil and undoing the wire cage, with the bottle pointed away from your face. Always hold the cork in one hand and gently twist the bottle with the other. You will feel the cork easing out.

I want to thank the Champagne Bureau for sharing these tips with me.  

About Champagne Bureau

The Champagne Bureau is the official U.S. representative of the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC), a trade association which represents the grape growers and houses of Champagne, France. The Bureau works to educate U.S. consumers about the uniqueness of the wines of Champagne and expand their understanding of the need to protect the Champagne name. For more information, visit us online at www.champagne.us. Follow us on Twitter at ChampagneBureau.

In Conclusion

This is the last in my series on the issue of protect wine place names.

In my previous post, the movement began in 2005 in the United States when after 20 years of negotiations, the US and EU signed the first phase of a wine agreement. As a result, the US will seek legislative changes to limit the misuse of 17 names, including Champagne. In return, the EU will accept US winemaking practices that weren't previously accepted by EU regulations.

Since labels that incorrectly use the name Champagne have been "grandfathered" in the first round of talks, US consumers must continue to remain vigilant of those who mislead them by using the Champagne name on wines that do not come from the Champagne region of France. The growers and houses of Champagne believe that this agreement does not adequately protect the Champagne name. They remain committed to continuing their consumer education programs, an other efforts to ensure that the second round of negotiations comes to a prompt and successful conclusion that ends the misleading use of the Champagne name, misleading consumers to believe their purchase is from Champagne, France.

Below you will find supporting documentation. Next week back to Hudson Valley Wines.

March Dc Press Release Absolute Final

Joint Declaration