Champagne Website

Champagne – All About The Fizz?

admin — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:58:03 +0000

When it comes to celebrations like weddings, christenings, birthdays, engagements, garden parties or even if you have to launch a ship, there is only one thing that will fit the occasion, champagne. In fact whatever the event you can bring a sense of significance to any get-together by serving up a chilled bottle of this fizzy treat.

Champagne is a sparkling wine produced by inducing in the bottle secondary fermentation. This creates the bubbles which make the drink special. Many consumers call all sparkling wines champagne, but according to official EU rules, only those produced in a specific French ‘champagne’ region are legally allowed to call themselves champagne.

Most champagnes are a mixture of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, although there are those that are made from 100% Chardonnay or Pinot Noir grapes, or from a unique house recipe. Champagne as we know it is usually a brut (this makes it fairly dry in taste). There are other sparkling wines, such as cava but they cannot officially be called champagne because they are not from the French region.

Initially wines from the region of champagne were still, the first sparkling wine was produced in the 16th century. There are now more than 100 champagne houses and 15,000 smaller producers in Champagne. More than 300 million bottles are produced every year and out of this France exports approximately 55%. The biggest consumers of this bubbly liquor are the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Champagne is popular because it is seen as the drink of the rich and famous. This is where the vintages come in. The mention of “Cristal” at celebrity parties has led to the drink becoming more sought after. It is also synonymous with Royalty and events such as the Ascot races, the Henley regatta, and prestigious garden parties.

Also major motor sports grand prix events have bought into the champagne life-style by allowing winners to celebrate by spraying the drink at trophy presentations. The sight of this expensive and majestic fluid going to waste has heightened the appeal of the drink and the idea that it represents success and celebration.

Champagne should always be served cold and poured into a champagne flute. True etiquette says that the glass should never be more than a third full. One point to be careful of when drinking champagne is that alcohol is absorbed into the blood more quickly than drinking still white wine. So be careful!

Author:
Fiona Muller has been writing for over 20 years. She is a qualified journalist and has worked in food and drink writing for the last few years. For more information visit Laithwaites.co.uk

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Common Types of Sparkling Wines

admin — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:43:24 +0000

Wines are one of the most popular beverages in the world other than water. Wines have found their way as one of the most important component in ceremonies, rituals, events and even for just pure fun.

There are many types of wines. One of the more interesting ones is sparkling wines.

Sparkling wines are wines that have considerable amounts of carbon dioxide. This makes them fizzy and bubbly. The carbon dioxide is produced by natural fermentation, or in a large tank designed to accept high pressure or as an effect of injecting carbon dioxide in the wine. Sparkling wines must have more than 2.5 atmospheres of carbon dioxide at sea level at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.

California, USA is one of the largest regions in the world that produces sparkling wines. Specifically, the region is known for its rose sparklers. On the other side of the world, the United Kingdom has introduced world-class champagne style wines.

Most sparkling wines are either white or rose. However, there are also sparkling red wines such as the Australian sparkling shiraz. Some sparkling wines are also considered light sparklers, producing only a slight fizzing. These are called frizzante or petillant. A perfect example of light sparklers is the vinho verde from Portugal.

The most popular sparkling wine is champagne. In fact, the word “champagne” utilize to denote most sparkling wines. However, there are other styles that are produced in many other countries and regions.

Cremant, for example, is a type of sparkling wine that is produced in French regions outside of Champagne. Famous Cremants include Cremant du Jura, Cremant d’Alsace and Cremant d’Origine Controlee. According to French appellation laws, a Cremant must be harvested manually with yields not exceeding a particular amount for their AOC. Also, all Cremants are aged for at least one year.

Another example is the Cava, a type of white or pink sparkling wine produced in the Penedes region in Catalona, Spain. This wine is produced in three levels of dryness; brut nature, brut or extra dry, seco or dry, semiseco or medium and dulce or sweet. According to the Spanish Denominacion de Origen laws, Cava must use selected species of grapes such as macabeo, parellada, xarel-lo, Chardonnay or Subirat.

Cap Classique is a sparkling wine made in South Africa. Grapes for this wine are carefully selected to ensure that only healthy grapes are used. These grapes come from diverse regions in the Cape.

There are other classes of sparkling wines such as the Italian Asti and Spumante, the German Sekt and the Russian Sovetskoye Shampanskoye.

These wines taste great. One should be available in the bars of serious wine collectors.

Author: Corrie Duana

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What Puts the Sparkle in Sparkling Wine?

admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:00:08 +0000

We all associate sparkling wine and champagne with joyous celebrations. However, recently, many people have recognized that sparkling wine can provide a bargain accompaniment even for an everyday meal.

Making Sparkling Wine and Champagne:

If you see the words ‘traditional method’ or ‘methode traditionelle’ on a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine, then it has been made using the methods originally developed in the Champagne region of France.

The first step in making sparkling wine is to create a base wine that is very acidic. Secondly, the base wine is put in a bottle with some extra yeast and sugar and sealed. A word of warning, if you are planning to make your own, the seal must be VERY strong as the build-up of carbon dioxide can be extremely powerful!

Finally, the bottle needs to be tipped forwards so that the sediment sinks into the neck of the bottle. In traditional champagne houses, the bottles are turned daily and tapped for a period of up to three months to remove the sediment. However, the more modern approach is to freeze the neck, release the sediment and then re-cork the bottle.

Champagne Uncovered:

Only wines produced in the French region of Champagne are allowed to carry the label ‘champagne’. Therefore, we are seeing a lot of sparkling wine on our shelves that is of excellent quality. Not only must champagne be produced in the Champagne region, but it must also be made from the chardonnay, pinot noir or pinot meunier grape varieties. Even the bottling method is unique to the Champagne region.

A champagne label will tell you about the sweetness of the particular champagne. For example, rich or doux champagne is very sweet with over 50g of sugar per liter, demi sec has between 17 and 35g of sugar per liter, extra dry is a label used for champagne containing between 12 and 20g of sugar per liter, brut is dry champagne with less than 15g of sugar per liter and extra brut is very dry champagne with under 6g of sugar per liter.

If you want a very special bottle of champagne look for the words “tête de cuvée” on the bottle as this refers to a premium champagne which is normally made from a single harvest.

Choosing and Serving Sparkling Wine:

Sparkling wine or champagne is a popular choice for those trying to choose wine for non-wine drinkers. Champagne is known as the quality bubbly; good champagne is expensive and deservedly so. You’d be wise to avoid the cheaper end of the market as it will be at best a disappointment and at worst undrinkable.

For a cheaper alternative, often of similar quality, look for sparkling wines from areas such as Australia, New Zealand and California. France also produces some excellent sparkling wines from regions other than Champagne, for example, Saumur in the Loire Valley.

Other worthy alternatives include the sparkling offerings from Italy, including the light Prosecco and the sweet Asti varieties. If you are looking for a very good value sparkling wine then consider Spanish Cava. Whilst nowhere near the same quality as champagne it is a well-priced, drinkable alternative.

Sparkling wine and champagne should be served at 6 Degrees Celsius (43 degrees Fahrenheit); therefore, an ice bucket is essential from the moment the bottle of sparkling wine leaves the refrigerator. A final word of caution, when you open a bottle of bubbly, there will be a large release of gas so make sure that the cork is controlled and not pointed at anyone!

Author: bilal

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The first commercial sparkling wine was produced in the Limoux area of Languedoc in the year 1535. Sparkling wines usually come from areas where grapes don’t have enough sun to ripe according to other wine standards.

We have all heard about the medical benefits of red and white wine. But recent findings have revealed that champagne has got medical benefits too. When raising a glass of Champagne and toasting ‘Cheers’, the attitude is generally a way of praising one’s health and well being in a figurative way.

According to the JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY published in April 2007 revealed that moderate consumption of Champagne as a source behind brain protection. This sparkling wine according to the recent joint study of University of Reading and University of Cagliari may help protect the brain against injuries incurred during a stroke and other ailments, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. So now when we raise a glass of Champagne and shout ‘Cheers’, we can really mean it.

The reason for the Champagne’s ability to cope with the brain according to the researchers lies in the high presence of polyphenols packed within every bottle. Red wine was declared as the healthiest types of wines to drink, because of the highest concentration of polyphenols. Polyphenols are known antioxidants, which are believed to help avoid cell death due to oxidative stress. Previous research found Champagne to contain high amounts of other types of phenolic compounds, such as tyrosol and caffeic acid.

Scientists carried out tests in order to find out if the polyphenols found in Champagne are similarly beneficial to those in red wines. Measurable levels of polyphenols were extracted from Chardonnay and Pinot noir/ Pinot Meunier and several samples of cortical neuron were prepared cells from mice. After separating mice cells into two groups “one that would be let alone and one that would be penetrated with Champagne extracts” the scientists simulated a stroke on the cells and saw the reaction. The scientists monitored how the brain cells reacted to the presence of the peroxynitrite, which is a reactive compound found in the brain during inflammatory conditions. It was found that the pretreatment with Champagne wine extracts resulted in significant protection against neurotoxicity.

The scientists trust that the Champagne extracts protected neuron cells in numerous ways, noting that in the sample with the highest concentration of sparkling wine, brain-cell function was completely restored over time. They also believed that caffeic acid and tyrosol may help to normalize the cells’ response to injury with their anti-inflammatory attributes. The compounds also act as cellular-level mops, essentially cleaning up and removing hazardous chemicals from the body.

The researchers also wrote that there was evidence that dietary polyphenols can cross the “blood-brain barrier” which would suggest that the above molecular behavior has the potential to act in the same way, within the human central nervous system, if consumed.

It is too early to tell if consuming Champagne will have benefits for a long time, because the amount of polyphenols in Champagne varies greatly from “variety, vintage and a wide range of environmental factors”. But scientists are hoping to be able to shed more light on the potential beneficial effects of Champagne on human health and life span, with a specific interest on its influence over aging.

But, as more and more research is performed, Champagne has a chance to turn over a new leaf in medical science in the future. This life preserve task may be one, Champagne takes on a new, but it’s one we hope goes to its and our heads, for the sustainability of humanity. With the associates of the health community raising its rank, Champagne is our new champion. So, as it puts a cork in brain injury, we intend you have a toast to the Dom Perignons, the Veuve Clicquots, and the Louis Roederers of the world. Fill your glass with the sparkling wine and ease your mind, “Cheers”.

Author:
Devi is a SEO copywriter for Sonoma Valley Tours . She has written various articles like Sonoma Wine Country Tours, Wine Country Tours and more. For more information visit our site Napa Valley Tours. Contact her through mail at dev.nisha@gmail.com.
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Celebrate With The Gift Of Champagne

admin — Mon, 04 May 2009 18:25:09 +0000

When you are looking for a wine gift, or a gift in general there is nothing else that creates such a sense of occasion than champagne. So why not put the two together and send champagne as a gift. Ideal for celebrations like weddings, christenings, birthdays, engagements or just to say ‘I love you’ at anytime of the year, champagne creates a fizz at any event and is always appreciated by the party host.

Champagne gifts come in a range of different ideas, so there is bound to be one to suit the person you are buying for and you pocket. A single bottle of champagne, beautifully packed in a stylish box is a gift suitable for even the most discerning palates. For something a bit different you could go for a rosé this will appeal to everyone on a summer’s day and is a different take on the usual wine.

However if you wake to really make an impression and also make the party last twice as long why not go for a Magnum – one magnificent 150cl bottle – It will be twice as appreciated and all those bubbles are bound to get the party started. A gift that’s sure to get you noticed!

You could also spoil someone rotten with 6 bottles of champagne. This will enable the party to last for several days or just ensure they have some bubbly in store for whenever you come round to visit!

When it comes to buying the champagne, what better place to look than online. Not only is there a host of different products available, but they are delivered direct to the person you want to give to.

The champagne gifts are always excellently presented in special boxes, and because they are delivered by the company directly there is less chance of damage occurring en route, allowing your gift recipient to receive a perfect present direct to their doorstep. Ready for them to open with that unmistakable ‘pop’

The best part about sending champagne online though is that you don’t have to trawl through the shops looking for the product. It allows you to avoid the sales patter of the salesperson and the queuing crowds of the checkout.

In addition to that, you can choose exactly what you want with the guarantee that your champagne will be perfectly presented and will arrive safely.

Author:
Fiona Muller has been writing for over 20 years. She is a qualified journalist and has worked in food and drinks writing for the last few years, so if you are interested in Champagne Gifts, why not look at www.laithwaites.co.uk where you will find a selection of champagne gifts to choose from.
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How To Get The Most From Your Champagne

admin — Mon, 04 May 2009 17:52:34 +0000

Champagne looks chic, tastes great and is always a favourite at parties and celebrations. But because of that, there is a certain amount of pressure to “get it right”. So follow these simple tips below and you’ll be impressing your guests in no time.

Champagne to start:

Champagne is a great choice for welcoming people and it really helps to get the party started. However, as much as it may seem right to keep the Champagne flowing, try not to go overboard. If you are entertaining, your guests will probably be drinking on an empty stomach and having too much Champagne will kill their appetites. Stick to one or two glasses each. And, even better, serve it with canapés.

Champagne and fish – a winning combination:

Champagne also works really well with food – particularly fish. So next time you are serving sushi, oysters, crab or scallops, think about matching it with a glass or two of dry champagne. If you like a slightly sweeter Champagne, save your bottle for fruit, such as strawberries or melon.

Experiment with your champagne:

There’s a lot to choose from when it comes to Champagne and you’ll find that if you stick to a well-known champagne you’ll pay a premium for the name. If you fancy a change (and saving your purse), why not try an unfamiliar brand or sparkling wine? Just because you’ve not heard of the name, doesn’t mean that the taste won’t be as good!

Know what you like:

When it comes to Champagne, the key is to find out what you like. There’s no point buying a brut (very dry) Champagne when you prefer a sweeter (demi sec) style. And if you are a Rosé fan, why not try pink Champagne for some stylish, fancy fun?

Serving Champagne:

Serving champagne is the easy part. Place it in the fridge just 45 minutes before serving and it’ll be ready to pour. Don’t be tempted to leave it any longer, as the Champagne will loose its taste and smell.

Stock up for a toast:

Champagne is the number one choice when it comes to any toast. So whether you are celebrating a marriage, birthday, anniversary or New Year, you can’t go wrong with a glass or two of the bubbly.

Author:
Louise Truswell has been working in and writing about the wine industry for a number of years. Champagne is the drink for parties and special occasions, so now you know how to get the most from your Champagne, why not take a look at the range on offer at Virgin Wines.
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All You Need To Know About Sparkling Wine

admin — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 04:32:48 +0000

If you fancy something bubbly for your next party or get-together, why not go for a sparkling wine? Sparkling wine makes a great value alternative to Champagne and can be served in a similar way. Read on to find out more.

Sparkling wine shouldn’t be underestimated

A sparkling wine may not have the status of a big brand champagne but you’ll get all the style and elegance for a fraction of the price. Sparkling wine has become increasingly popular in recent years and there is a good selection to choose from, so why not give it a try and see for yourself?

Sparkling wine to start

Sparkling wine is a really good aperitif and looks good when welcoming guests to a party or celebration. However, the key is not to go overboard. If you are hosting lunch or a dinner party, it is likely that most of your guests won’t have eaten for a while and because sparkling wine is fairly acidic, more than one or two glasses per person will simply kill their appetites.

Sparkling wine with food

Like Champagne, sparkling wine goes well with food. Drier versions of sparkling wine are best enjoyed with fish and chips, seafood and sushi, as the acidity of the sparkling wine works against the oils and fats in the fish, while slightly sweeter sparkling wines go better with fruit.

Serving Sparkling wine

A sparkling wine needs just 45 minutes in the fridge before serving. Don’t be tempted to chill it for longer, as the taste and smell of the sparkling wine will be lost. Ideally, sparkling wine should be served in tall, thin flutes, although standard wine glasses are a good substitute. If drinking as an aperitif or without food, consider serving sparkling wine with canapés.

A wide range to choose from

When it comes to sparkling wine, you’ll generally come across a fruiter style fizz from Australia, New Zealand and USA, while the Old World countries produce a more traditional sparkling wine. Spanish Cava and Italian Prosecco, in particular, are always worth a taste. For something a little different, look out for sparkling rosé or a sparkling red wine.

To find out more and to choose from a selection of sparkling wine, visit virginwines(dot)com

Author: Louise Truswell has been working in and writing about the wine industry for a number of years. Sparkling wine is a great choice for welcoming people to a gathering and it really helps get the party started. For more information visit at – www.virginwines.com.
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Sipping Your Way through Northern France-Alsace & Champagne

admin — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 03:34:44 +0000

Before traveling the beautiful French countryside, going from vineyard to vineyard, it might be wise to learn a little bit about the many regions of France and the wines that they are so famous for richly producing.

First of all, don’t be intimidated; there is a lot to learn but a wealth of information. First, let’s explore the Northern region of France and its signature wines. Climate and soil have everything to do with the growth of grapes and the Northern region of France is subject to hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Although there are winemakers who will tell you that the love for producing wonderful wine has a little to do with growing grapes.

For more on the Champagne region of France:
The two major wine terriors (French for region) of Northern France are Alsace and Champagne.

Although Alsace is the smallest region of France, it is responsible for some of the world’s best wines. It is situated between the Vosges Mountain range and the Rhine River. The Vosges protect the Alsace region from rain, thus its drier climate, which makes it perfect for growing and harvesting grapes.

Alsace Wines:
• Crémant d’Alsace-This sparkling, dry white wine is produced the same way as champagne. It is made with the Pinot Blanc, Gris, and Noir grapes; in addition to Chardonnay and Riesling grapes. It is best as an aperitif or dessert wine as it is light.
• Gewürztraminer-This wine is sweeter than the Alsace Riesling, and is considered to be spicy and fruity. It is perfect with Mexican food, but can also be served as a dessert wine.
• Pinot Blanc-This is a soft, light white wine, made from the Pinot Blanc grape and should be served with white meat or fish. It also makes a nice table wine.
• Tokay Pinot Gris-This is a rich, fill bodied white wine, made from the Pinot Gris grape. The “Tokay” portion of the name has been officially removed to quell confusion over this and the Hungarian Tokay. This wine is so hearty that it can be served with red meat, but is best with white meat or eggs dishes.
• Riesling-This is famous for being the best wine from the Alsace region and is not to be confused with the sweeter German variety of the same name. Alsace Riesling is a dry, white wine best served with shellfish and believe it or not, sauerkraut.
• Sylvaner-This is a dry, fruity white wine that goes great with pork, seafood, or salads.

The Champagne region of France is west of the Alsace region and a little Northeast of Paris. Champagne is recognized all over the world as a celebratory wine, making it one of the most well-known and popular wines in the world. The chief grapes in Champagne are Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir. The best Champagnes are stored in cellars that have been dug in the chalky soil of the region.
There are three major areas where Champagne is produced:
• Cote des Blanc-The Chardonnay grape is grown here.
• Marne Valley- The famous Perrier-Jouët hails from here. The Benedictine Monks also produce Dom Pérignon near Reims. This is where Pinot Meunier grapes are grown.
• Montagne de Reims-The Pinot Noir grape grows here.

Champagne is served at celebrations and is generally served at weddings and New Year’s Eve. Although, you need no real reason to enjoy this sparkling wine and is wonderful when served with caviar, smoked fish, or shellfish.
Now that you are versed on the wine regions of Northern France, it will be easier for you to make travel plans and decide exactly where you will be doing your sipping!
Author: S. McCormick

For more information on wines and vineyards, along with delicious recipes to complement them, visit Gourmandia.com! http://gourmandia.com

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admin — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:45 +0000