Beyond Bubbles: The Essence of Champagne
The drink of kings, the toast of queens. Champagne is synonymous with class, culture, (and a splash of hip-hop). Recently, Champagne’s shift to more accessible, has meant that actual wine lovers can savor the delicate bubbles, too. This push by Champagne houses to bring their non-vintage cuvees to the mass market really picked up momentum in the last 50 years. Nowadays, one can buy most favorites at local grocery stores. Or, head to your closest wine or even Champagne-only bar, another common sight. If you want the tiny bubbles, you don’t have to go too far to find them. But what is Champagne? Take the terror out of the terroir by knowing a few simple facts. (Also, impress your family and thank me later.) To be called Champagne, sparkling wine must be produced in the Champagne region. (Sorry, California.) Most Champagnes are made with a blend of just three grapes: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay . (Please, just don’t be that person who obsesses over the percentages of t