It's hard to believe that champagne, which has become an element of boisterous celebrations and whose cork-popping is widely considered a sign of good fortune, was once called "devil's wine" and caused trouble for producers. How did it happen that sparkling wine is now associated with success and new hope? What are its varieties, and how do you choose the tastiest one? How to serve champagne according to savoir-vivre rules and enjoy it like a sommelier?
The bubbly history of champagne
Champagne is a relatively new invention in Europe's long winemaking history. Although vines were cultivated in the French Champagne region in antiquity, the drinks from there did not particularly stand out from others, though they were appreciated by the powerful in France and England.
In the 17th century, the region began producing so-called "grey wines," with a very light, unusual colour. Their secret was bottling them before the end of the first fermentation, as they did not mature well in barrels. Unexpectedly for winemakers, they discovered naturally sparkling wine, which they called... "devil's wine." Bottles would explode under the pressure of bubbles or corks would pop out on their own! People at the time didn't know why this happened and couldn't control it. They would likely have quickly abandoned this business if it hadn't been for the demand in the British Isles – the English massively bought young grey wine in barrels and bottled it themselves.
Around this time, the monk Dom Pierre Pérignon – after whom one of the best champagne brands was named – began introducing innovations in both the production and bottling of young wine. He selected specific grapes, ordered the glass for bottles to be thicker, and stored the finished champagne in cool rocks. He also invented a new cork and a method for securing it, which reduced the chances of it popping out and allowed the drink to retain its properties for longer.
The powerful, and later the famous and wealthy, fell in love with naturally sparkling wine. Today, it is a kind of symbol of luxury – champagne glasses are raised to celebrate successes. Where did this custom come from? What type of champagne is the tastiest? Which champagne glasses will be the best?
Types of champagne
Champagne glasses can be filled with one of five types of drink: very dry Brut intégral, Brut zéro, dry Brut, semi-dry Sec, semi-sweet Demi sec, and sweet Doux. Brut champagnes account for over 80% of global production. Although sparkling wines were initially semi-sweet, it was the dry version that the British, and later the whole world, fell in love with.
Champagne production is mainly based on several grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Alongside them, there are several local and traditional varieties grown in small areas. These popular varieties yield the typical taste of this drink: a fresh aroma of fruits, especially citrus, flowers, and even vegetables or yeast. Over the years, it gains depth and new aromas, and also becomes sweeter.
Regardless of the type, champagne is produced exclusively in the Champagne region. The name is protected. The term "Champagne" cannot appear on any products, even non-wine ones, without the consent of the institution guarding the patent.
Popping corks
Champagne bottles are distinguished by their unique shape. They have been designed with engineering precision, taking into account various laws of physics. The glass of the bottles is significantly thicker than that of a typical wine bottle. The bottom is concave – the entire bottle must withstand a pressure of around 6 atmospheres! Fermentation in the bottle – that is, in the traditional method – is mainly carried out in 0.75l and 1.5l bottles. For other sizes, the already fermented drink is poured from barrels.
Champagne corks also look different: they are distinguished by a rounded and larger head. It forms naturally – a regular cork goes into the bottle, but it is compressed so tightly that it narrows and deforms. After removing it and placing it in water, it will regain its original cylindrical shape, known from other wines.
Champagne corks can pop at speeds of up to 50 km/h! Where did the custom of celebrating with this sparkling wine come from? One story says that Napoleon Bonaparte was a great fan of champagne. He believed that a won battle deserved this drink, and after a defeat, it was essential. With his army, he invented a very spectacular method of opening it, which later spread around the world: the so-called sabrage, which is cutting off the cork with a... saber. This is how corks pop at elegant receptions and some weddings – it requires considerable skill, but it always makes an impression!
The truth about celebrating with champagne, however, may be more prosaic. In the 19th century, many "champagne houses" were established in France – specialized producers competed with each other with drinks based on secret recipes and unique grape varieties. They also launched an intensive advertising campaign that was supposed to convince young dandies that champagne was a sign of good status, luxury, and a synonym for success. The fashion for French art, cuisine, and clothing style, which at that time captivated all of Europe, also helped. This label stuck to champagne permanently, and to this day, glasses of it are raised during business meetings, celebrations, and social gatherings.
Champagne glasses
Champagne glasses – crystal or simple – are today an essential element of every celebration. There are three most common forms. The first is the so-called coupe. It features a flattened bowl on a long stem. Legend has it that the shape of the vessel is inspired by women's breasts. Its disadvantage is the rapid release of bubbles.
The second vessel, the most popular flute, is tall, narrow, and straight. The elongated shape of the bowl ensures that bubbles and aroma last for a long time. Champagne glasses for a newlywed couple and others can also take the form of so-called tulipes. They have rounded sides and noticeably narrow towards the top, starting from a fairly wide base. They are also used for drinking white wine.
Such an elegant and festive drink requires special treatment. How to hold a champagne glass and how to drink from it to perceive the full aroma?
Champagne savoir-vivre
Champagne and glasses for it can be on the table not only during celebrations of success. It also tastes great with appetizers and light dishes. It should be chilled to a temperature of about 6-8°C. It is not elegant to shake the bottle before opening – the foam will escape, and with it, the gas and aromas. Instead, it should be slightly tilted and the security removed. Hold the cork with one hand, being careful not to "aim" it at any guest, and remove the wire cage with the other. Finally – holding the cork, gently twist the bottle to make it pop out as quietly as possible.
The drink is poured into the glass from 1/3 to 2/3 of the height of the bowl. Women and older people should receive it first. The glass should be held by the stem so as not to warm the contents with your hands.
How to drink champagne to discover all its secrets? The first step is to carefully observe the colour of the drink. It should be clear and sparkling. In high-class alcohol, the bubbles are small and move slowly upwards. The second stage is to assess the smell – first immediately after pouring, then after gently swirling the glass, and then after firmly swirling it. This way, the aromas will be released: from the lightest to the strongest.
When tasting champagne, it is worth taking a small sip first and holding it in your mouth for a moment until the taste of alcohol disappears. Only then can you feel the full sweetness, acidity, and tartness. This method of tasting will allow you to fully appreciate the flavour bouquet – a mixture of fruity, floral, bakery, and many other aromas.
It is also important to remember that after pouring into glasses, the bottle with the remaining champagne should be placed in a bucket filled with ice. It is good etiquette for it to stand so that the label is always visible and legible to guests.
Champagne with additions
Champagne and strawberries – this combination is an element of romantic scenery, associated with flirting and seduction. It's a simple combination to prepare – especially in summer, when fresh, juicy fruits can be bought on every corner. Just put them in a glass – preferably slightly chilled – and pour in the alcohol.
Champagne cocktails are a great idea. It tastes fantastic with syrups, juices, mousses, and fruit liqueurs. Bartenders have in their repertoire not only cocktails such as the classic Mimosa, the delicious Royal Cosmopolitan, or the extraordinary Absolutely Fabulous, but also champagne versions of punch or Mojito. All of them – thanks to Champagne from the Champagne region – become wonderfully refreshing, sweet and tart, elegantly sparkling in crystal clear glasses!