Everything you need to know about Champagne
WASHINGTON — Pass a glass and pop the cork: Oct. 19 is Global Champagne Day — as if one needs an excuse to drink the bubbly beverage.
Yes, similar to pancakes, pizza and hugs, Champagne has a spot on the calendar of made-up holidays — and we’re OK with it. In fact, we’re embracing it with some fun facts, tips and recommendations from an expert.
The great grapes
Chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier are the most popular grapes used to make Champagne. However, pinot blanc, pinot gris, petit meslier and arbane are also permitted for Champagne production. Vintage denotes a wine made from grapes harvested in the same year; nonvintage means grapes from different years were mixed.
Just like still wine, different brands and bottles have different flavor profiles. That is why Ben Achour recommends describing the types of wine you like to a server, sommelier or wine seller when deciding on a bottle. And don’t be afraid to ask for a taste before making your purchase.
“Some of them have high acidity, some of them have a good balance of structure, some of them have a longer finish,” he said.
(AP/Thibault Camus)
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