We are already well into Christmas and in this week’s article we want to give a nod to Champagne. This appreciated drink accompanies us mainly in our celebrations, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and countless events.
It is true that we tend to associate this sparkling wine with moments of joy and celebrations, although more and more often it is consumed in our daily lives, weekends or simply to have a good time with friends.
With Gallic origins, specifically from the Champagne region, Champagne was already known by the Romans, they called it “Vinum Titilum” and over the years it became popular, especially in the seventeenth century, thanks to the English and French courts.
TYPES AND SIZES OF CHAMPAGNE BOTTLES
I thought it was interesting and curious to comment on this point because we usually buy the same size of bottle. However, there are many other more unknown sizes (although all official) that are available in the market and we can adapt them for every occasion.
We find bottles from 20cl to 30liters and 13 other sizes in between, the variety is immense!
We leave you this small infographic that represents perfectly this point of the volume.
SWEET CHAMPAGNE OR EXTRA BRUT, WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE?
We have something for everyone! For those who prefer something sweeter and for those who prefer a drier Champagne, depending on the sugar per liter that is incorporated will result in a type of Champagne or another:
- Sweet: more than 50 grams of sugar per liter.
- Semi-dry: 32-50 grs. of sugar per liter
- Dry: 17-32 grams of sugar per liter
- Extra dry: 12 to 17 grams of sugar per liter
- Brut: less than 12 grams of sugar per liter
- Extra brut: 0 to 6 grams of sugar per liter
Which one do you choose?
4 CHAMPAGNE SUGGESTIONS FOR A CHRISTMAS TOAST
As promised, it’s a promise! We would like to offer you some suggestions to toast this Christmas with Champagne. We hope you like them and of course we encourage you to get up and go “chin chin” with your glasses. Here we go:
1.Bollinger La Grande Année 2005
70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay. Exceptional Champagne, Bollinger La Grande Année 2005 with its golden hues and reflections has a unique complexity of flavors: honey, ginger, cinnamon and dried fruit notes. Perfect with foie gras, grilled fish, lobster, lamb or Parmesan.
2.Henriot Cuveé 38
100% Chardonnay. In Henriot Cuveé 38 we find pale yellows and incredible golden reflections. It reveals notes of white flowers, minerals and also hints of licorice. On the palate we discover a fine elegance with citrus and ripe apricot flavors.
This delicacy pairs perfectly with:
–Duck foie gras cannelloni with Périgord black truffle.
–Goat cheeses (Crottin de Chavignol, Pélardon, Rigotte de Condrieu, Sainte-Maure de Touraine).
–Candied pineapple with almond cake.
3.Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rosé Millésimé 2005
70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay. In the Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rosé Millésimé 2005 we have aromas of ripe fruits, plum tart and pear in syrup on the nose. On the palate we find incredible aromas of quince jam and fresh figs.
For pairing we can choose to accompany it from desserts to a lamb roast.
4. Krug Grande Cuvée 170th Edition
47% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay, 17% Meunier. In the Krug Grande Cuvée 170th Editionwe can find floral and ripe fruit aromas, dried, citrus, marzipan and gingerbread perfect to pair it with fish, seafood or desserts that contain fresh fruits.
This concludes today’s journey through Champagne. We hope that these suggestions will help you to choose one option or another. In the meantime, we ask, which is your favorite Champagne?
