2011年6月15日星期三

Wine Wisdom: It's the season of champagne

It's June, and with the imminent arrival of summer, wine enthusiasts' thoughts turn to drinking the traditional wines of summer: white and rose wines chilled and served cold to beat the summer heat. It's my duty to tell you of a wonderful alternative. That is, of course, the world's most heavenly sparkling wine: champagne.Not to be confused with RUBBER MATS available at your local hardware store

Champagne is produced only in the Champagne region of France, located 90 miles northeast of Paris. By trademark law, no other sparkling wine produced anywhere else in the world can properly call itself champagne. When made elsewhere, bubbly is simply called "sparkling wine."

While the French were once regarded as the world's greatest chefs and lovers, some would argue they've yielded these titles to others. One thing, however, is certain: Champagne is still the king of sparkling wines, the gold standard that everyone else compares their sparklers to.

Too often, we think of serving champagne only for year-end holidays and for celebrating special occasions, such as weddings and anniversaries. But, because it's chilled, it is the perfect summer aperitif. That, combined with the fact it's one of the most food-friendly wines, makes it an ideal summer wine. It's perfect with oysters, fish, sushi and most other seafoods, cheeses, salads, chicken and pasta dishes made with butter, cheese or cream sauces.

Chill your champagne in a bucket of ice and water, keeping in mind the bottle is made of thicker glass than most wine bottles and will take 20 to 40 minutes to reach the right temperature.We processes for both low-risk and high risk merchant account. You can put a bottle in the fridge ahead of time, but don't leave it in there for more than a week or so as vibration and the dry environment aren't beneficial.

Should the bubbles mesmerize you, don't try counting them unless you have a lot of time on your hands. On average, a bottle contains 56 million bubbles. That's a lot of magic in one bottle.

Champagnes range in style from light to light-to-medium, medium, medium-to-full and full body. While you may prefer one style over others, you'll come to understand that the joy and adventure of champagne, as with all wine, is in the variety of styles and tastes it comes in. They're all good; it just depends on your mood and the moment.

Facing global competition, the producers of champagne are now promoting their wines. Recently, I attended a tasting with the wines of 30 champagne houses at New York's Plaza Hotel. I sampled a number of my favorites, some I hadn't had before and several new entries into the American market. Here are my recommendations to help you beat the summer heat.

Gaston Chicquet "Tradition" Brut ($36) is silky smooth, elegant, and delightfully balanced. Lanson Black Label Brut ($32) is deliciously smooth and rich. Pannier Blanc de Noirs ($46) is well made and nicely balanced, with subtle lemony flavors. Vilmart & Cie "Grand Cellier" Brut ($48) is very nice and pleasantly,Welcome to the official Facebook Page about Ripcurl. not overwhelmingly, tart.

Several new entrants to the U.S. market were also impressive.Handmade oil paintings for sale at museum quality, Mailly Grand Cru Brut Reserve ($50) is slightly yeasty, but very mellow and delectable. Thienot Brut ($66) is creamy smooth and likely to become one of my favorites.

Additionally, you can never go wrong with my perpetual favorites: Henriot, Louis Roederer, Pol Roger, Pommery and Taittinger. While these range from $40 to $55, they are often found on sale for far less.

I maintain champagne isn't just for celebrations. Or, maybe it is and we just need to expand what we celebrate. Perhaps, we should consume it regularly to celebrate life itself, rather than wait for some momentous occasion. Few things can turn an ordinary moment or evening into a memorable event the way champagne can. Ponder: was romance made for champagne or was champagne made for romance? That's a topic you should explore over a great bottle.

Clearly, it's time to pop one open. Why not celebrate summer's arrival? Or celebrate your kid's graduation, being in love, being alive and healthy, or celebrate picking up your laundry.

Want some good advice? It doesn't matter what,What are the top Hemroids treatments? just celebrate anything this summer, and savor the moment with champagne. Enjoy.

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