As we approach New Year's Eve and National Champagne Day the number of emails , social media posts and other commentary concerning having the "right" champagne on hand to bring in the New Year and what to pair with the champagne is growing. A panicked friend called me over the weekend worried about which champagne for New Year's Eve. I'll share with you what I shared with him.First, the idea of having champagne on New Year's Eve is meant to be fun and celebratory, not stressful. For many buying champagne is overwhelming. There are labels that are very well known (e.g. Louis Roderer, Dom Perginon, Perrier Jouet, Moet et Chandon, and Veuve Cliquot) and their price tag often reflects their notoriety. Buy what will satisfy your tastes and won't go over your budget. Some things to consider:
- Do you prefer a sweet or dry taste?
- If you're entertaining, are your guests tastes similar to yours?
- Do you want minimal bubbles or lots of bubbles (pearlage)?
- How much are you comfortable spending?
Unless the grapes are from the Champagne region of France it is not Champagne. There are three primary grapes used most widely to produce champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot noir, and Pinot Meunier (there are seven grapes approved - but these are most widely used).
The sparkling wines produced outside of the Champagne region are viable alternatives depending on the answers to the questions previously posed.
Sparkling wines from Italy are called Prosecco and Asti
Sparkling wines from Spain are called Cava
Sparkling wines from Germany are called Sekt
Sparkling wines are also produced in, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, as well as in California and Virginia. I'm sure there are other locations that I didn't mention.
If someone says or the label states the sparkling wine/ Champagne is a blanc de blancs, it means the beverage was made with white grapes only. If someone says or the label states blanc de noirs, the sparkling wine/Champagne is made with black grapes. Rose Champagne and rose sparkling wine is another option and is growing in popularity.
Ask questions. No, ask lots of questions. Wine shops stay in business because of repeat business and word of mouth referrals about their helpfulness, price, and inventory. If the wine shop is offering free tastings, taste what is being offered. There is no obligation to buy and it could help narrow down options or preferences in styles.
Our talk could've gone on into fermentation methods, sweet dry classifications, or the characteristics of a grape or growing region (thanks to my WSET class), but I thought it was more important to encourage him to explore the sparkling wine world, discover what he likes and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
Do you drink Champagne? If yes, which do you like? Do you drink sparkling wines? Which do you like? Share you answers in the comments below.
Be well,
Technicolor girl
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