Champagne and Sparkling Wines
You can say that all Champagne is Sparkling wine, but you can’t say that all Sparkling wine is Champagne. In order to label wine as Champagne it must be produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France. In classic Champagne, common grapes are Pinto Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Pinot Noir adds the spice, red fruit flavors (strawberries, cherry) and complexity, while Pinot Meunier contributes floral aromas and earthy qualities. Chardonnay adds acidity and sharp green apple and citrus notes.
Most champagne is sold as non-vintage, meaning they have used grapes from more than the current year’s harvest. You may see that denoted as NV on the label. Non-vintage Champagne is usually lighter, fresher and less complex than vintage. Vintage Champagne is made from grapes from the same year’s harvest and will show the year on the label. Vintage Champagne is only made in years when the producer feels the grapes are exceptional. Vintage Champagne is moderate to expensively priced. It will be fuller in body, richer, creamier and more complex than non vintage.
Blanc de Blanc means "white of white" and is made only of Chardonnay; lighter in style, perfect with shellfish and seafood. Blanc de Noir means "white of black/dark" and is a white or sometimes rose colored champagne made from either Pinot Noir or both Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, both red grapes. Usually fuller-bodied than Blanc de Blanc, this style can match with a variety of foods.
Champagne is incredibly versatile with food. In general, appetizers, asparagus, butter and butter sauce, Caviar, eggs and eggs dishes, lobster, oysters, shellfish, popcorn, smoked salmon pair well.
Remember to chill at about 45 degrees and serve in fluted or tulip-shaped glasses to preserve the bubbles and aromas.
There is a level or sweetness (residual sugar) in sparkling wines. When you see the words Brut Nature or Brut on the label these would be very dry with no perception of sweetness.
The perceived sweetness increases as you move from Sec, Demi–Sec and Doux in that order.
Many different sparkling wines can be alternatives to Champagne. Cava is a type of Spanish white or pink sparkling wine produced in Spain. Try it with fried fish, Sushi and Tapas. Try strawberry shortcake with a Brut Cava. Asti is a sparkling wine produced in the Asti region in Piedmont, Italy. It is available as a sparkling wine (known as Asti spumante or Moscato d'Asti). Both are off dry to sweet, low in alcohol, and often enjoyed with dessert. Try poached pears with Moscato d’Asti. Prosecco, another choice, is delicious with Marcona almonds.
Until next time, cheers!
