tasting the stars

The story of champagne dates back to the 17th century. Because of a relatively short growing season for grapes, monks in the French region of Champagne -- about 150 miles east of Paris in northern France -- were faced with the problem of excess carbon dioxide trapped in their wine. For these monks, the fizzy wine wasn't a luxury product, but something that was indicative of poor wine making. Often called "mad wine," the bubbly product was something to be prevented and not enjoyed.??In 1688, the monks appointed Pierre Perignon to oversee their wine making and cellars; it was Dom Perignon's duty to refine their wine-making process to offer the French royal court an alternative to the heavy red burgundy wines that were so common in that day. And while he was never able to get rid of the champagne fizz, he did manage to create a certain type of white wine that stood up well to the bubbles and was well received by French royalty. When he had finally perfected his new technique, he famously exclaimed, "Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!"??The rest, of course, is history. The wine was a hit with royalty in France and England, and was soon exported all across Europe. Today, champagne is enjoyed all over the world by all manners of people. In honor of Dom Perignon's contribution to the wine-making process, Claude Mot -- who founded what would later become the world's largest champagne house -- named his signature vintage after the late monk. 

champagne vs. sparkling wine

By law, only producers in the Champagne region of France are allowed to call their product "champagne;" fizzy wine produced anywhere else in the world must, therefore, be called a "sparkling wine." And while some wine snobs will undoubtedly turn up their noses at the thought of drinking an "inferior" sparkling wine, the fact is that some excellent sparkling wines -- which can hold their own in a taste test against some of Champagne's finest -- are produced in the United States, Canada and in other parts of the world.??Find out what the difference truly is, how you should serve champagne and sparkling wine, and our suggestions...

Wine experts say there are actually noticeable differences between champagnes and sparkling wines. These differences are said to stem from the soil conditions and climate particular to that region of France versus those in other regions of the world. This can lead to profound distinctions in the taste of the wine, such as its degree of sweetness, its complexity of taste and its fruitiness.??As with all matters of wine appreciation, however, this is largely subjective. What should matter most to any casual drinker is taste and personal preference. 

serving champagne

As is the case with any white wine, champagne should be served chilled, but only slightly; the ideal temperature range is between 43F and 48F, as colder temperatures will kill the subtle taste of the wine. Cooling the wine properly is an art in itself. Experts recommend that the unopened bottle be placed in an ice bucket containing ½ ice and ½ water for 20 to 30 minutes. The wine can also be refrigerated for three to four hours and should never be chilled in the freezer.??Champagne should be served in tall flute glasses that are designed to improve the flow of the bubbles and the aroma. The glasses themselves should not be chilled.??When opening the bottle, the saying goes, "The ear's gain is the palate's loss." The champagne cork should never be popped, but rather eased off to avoid losing any of the precious bubbles.??Finally, leftover champagne can be stored for several days with a proper champagne bottle stopper that can be found at your local liquor store. 

celebrate good times

Without further ado, here are some champagne and sparkling wine suggestions for your next celebration. You can pay just about any price for a sparkling wine -- from $10 to $2,000 a bottle -- so it's important to have a good idea of what you like and how you're going to serve it.

Hillebrand Trius Brut

Type and region: Sparkling wine (Canada)?Taste: Light citrus and fruit aroma, long finish.?Serving: Serve with seafood and other appetizers or as an aperitif.?Approximate price: $20

Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut

Type and region: Sparkling wine (Spain)?Taste: Dry with citrus flavors and a crisp finish.?Serving: Accompanies appetizers and seafoods, or as an aperitif.?Approximate price: $10

Henkell Trocken

Type and region: Sparkling wine (Germany)?Taste: Light apple and melon flavor, crisp finish.?Serving: As an aperitif or a toasting wine.?Approximate price: $10

Jansz Premium Cuvee Brut

Type and region: Sparkling wine (Australia)?Taste: Complex taste, hint of fig; clean, dry finish.?Serving: As an aperitif or a toasting wine.?Approximate price: $30??If you only want the real deal, read on for our champagne from Champagne suggestions...

Taittinger Champagne Brut Reserve

Type and region: Champagne (France)?Taste: One of the classic champagnes; it ranks as a mid-weight in terms of its taste notes. Medium-bodied with good fruit notes.?Serving: Lighter meals like seafood and chicken or as a sipping wine.?Approximate price: $50

Perrier Jouet Grand Brut

Type and region: Champagne (France)?Taste: Nice straw color with apple aroma and flavor; crisp finish.?Serving: Lighter meals like seafood and chicken. Also as a sipping wine.?Approximate price: $50

Veuve Clicquot Brut

Type and region: Champagne (France)?Taste: Fruity, citrus notes and a hint of bread dough. Dry and well-balanced.?Serving: As an aperitif; with seafood or quiche.?Approximate price: $60

Krug Grande Cuvee Champagne Brut

Type and region: Champagne (France)?Taste: One of the classic French Champagnes; it is usually a favorite among tasters. Velvety texture; coconut, ginger and vanilla flavors.?Serving: An excellent sipping wine; best served with lighter flavors.?Approximate price:$200

Bollinger Special Cuvee

Type and region: Champagne (France)?Taste: Flavors of grilled nuts and citrus; full-bodied.?Serving: On its own or with light fare.?Approximate price: $65

Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon 

Type and region: Champagne (France)?Taste: A true champagne classic. Citrus and mineral flavors; long, toasty finish.?Serving: Oysters and other seafoods; as an aperitif.?Approximate price: $175

Louis Roederer Brut Rose 1998

Type and region: Champagne (France)?Taste: Red fruit flavors; full body.?Serving: As an aperitif or with lighter fare. Excellent for sipping.?Approximate price: $65 

celebrate in style

There are so many champagnes and sparkling wines on the market today that can fit any budget for any celebration. Follow the old rule of thumb: Match the wine to the food or the event. No matter what the occasion -- whether it's a New Year's bash, a new baby or just a romantic dinner for two -- adding a touch of champagne or sparkling wine makes it all the more special.It's said that champagne is the wine of celebration.??It has launched millions of ships into the sea, it has been present at countless weddings and fetes, and of course, it's a staple for everyone's New Year's Eve party.??The holiday season is fast approaching, and if you want to celebrate in style, this fine French wine is the way to go. But choosing from among more than 12,000 brands of champagne and sparkling wine can be difficult. Fear not -- we're here to help.??Read on for a brief history lesson and some facts about the bubbly, as well as our recommendations for champagnes and sparkling wines that will help make your celebration memorable. 

畅销10大香槟酒

• 01 Louis Roederer Brut Rose 1998

  种类与产地：香槟酒（法国）
  口味：红果味；香醇浓郁。
  饮用：作为开胃酒饮用或与清淡食物搭配。适于细细品味。
• 02 Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon

  种类与产地：香槟酒（法国）
  口味：真正的经典香槟酒。柑橘和矿物味；绵长的烤面包后味。
  饮用：与牡蛎和其它海鲜搭配；作为开胃酒饮用。
• 03 Bollinger Special Cuvee

  种类与产地：香槟酒（法国）
  口味：烤坚果和柑橘味；香醇浓郁。
  饮用：单独饮用或与清淡的食物搭配。

  
  
• 04 Krug Grande Cuvee Champagne Brut

  种类与产地：香槟酒（法国）
  口味：这款经典的法国香槟酒是香槟爱好者的最爱。具有天鹅绒般柔滑的质感以及椰子、姜和香草味。
  饮用：绝佳的品尝酒；最好与清淡的口味搭配。
• 05 Veuve Clicquot Brut

  种类与产地：香槟酒（法国）
  口味：水果、柑橘味，以及淡淡的面包生面团味。干冽、完美平衡。
  饮用：作为开胃酒；与海鲜或乳蛋饼搭配。
• 06 Perrier Jouet Grand Brut

  种类与产地：香槟酒（法国）
  口味：呈微妙的淡黄色，具有苹果芳香和口味以及清爽的后味。
  饮用：与海鲜和鸡肉等清淡的食物搭配；或细细品味。
• 07 Taittinger Champagne Brut Reserve

  种类与产地：香槟酒（法国）
  口味：这款经典香槟酒口味适中。中等醇度，具有奇妙的水果味。
  饮用：与海鲜和鸡肉等清淡的食物搭配；或细细品味。
• 08 Jansz Premium Cuvee Brut

  种类与产地：起泡酒（澳大利亚）
  口味：口味复杂，带有淡淡的无花果味以及纯净干冽的后味。
  饮用：作为开胃酒或用于祝酒。
  
• 09 Henkell Trocken

  种类与产地：起泡酒（德国）
  口味：淡淡的苹果和蜜瓜味，清爽的后味。
  饮用：作为开胃酒或用于祝酒。
• 10 Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut

  种类与产地：起泡酒（西班牙）
  口味：口感干冽，带有柑橘味和清爽的后味。
  饮用：与开胃菜和海鲜搭配或作为开胃酒饮用。