Celebrating a special occasion or just seeking a lavish way to relax, invite your friends or loved ones and immerse yourself in the sparkling world of Champagne.
Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious beginner, tasting Champagne can be a delightful and enlightening experience.
Here's how to make the most of it.
1. Choosing the Right Restaurant
2. Understanding the Basics of Champagne
Before diving into the tasting, it's helpful to have a basic understanding of what makes Champagne special. Authentic Champagne comes exclusively from the Champagne region of France, and it undergoes a specific process known as "Méthode Champenoise," which involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle to create those signature bubbles. The three main grape varieties used are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, each contributing different flavors and textures to the final product.
• Blanc de Noirs: Made from Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier, typically fuller-bodied with rich, fruity notes.
• Blanc de Blancs: Made entirely from Chardonnay, offering a light, crisp, and elegant flavor profile.
• Rosé Champagne: Has a pink hue, often with berry flavors, achieved by adding a small amount of red wine to the blend.
The sweetness level in Champagne is determined by the amount of sugar (in the form of "dosage") added during the final stage of production, right before the cork is inserted.
In general, Brut is the most popular style of Champagne, offering a balance between sweetness and acidity, which appeals to a broad range of palates.
Tasting Champagne is an indulgent experience, but it's also a sensory journey. Here's how to approach it:
Here are the main categories of sweetness in Champagne:
• Brut Nature (0-3 g/l) - Extremely dry, with little or no added sugar.
• Extra Brut (0-6 g/l) - Very dry, slightly more balanced than Brut Nature.
• Brut (0-12 g/l) - The most popular and common category, it’s dry but has a subtle hint of sweetness.
• Extra Dry (12-17 g/l) - Off-dry, slightly sweeter than Brut but still balanced.
• Sec (17-32 g/l) - Sweeter than Extra Dry, with a more pronounced sugar presence while still maintaining balance.
• Demi-Sec (32-50 g/l) - Full-bodied sweetness that complements the fruit and floral notes of the Champagne.
• Doux (50+ g/l) - Extremely sweet and rich, often described as dessert in a glass.
You can shop variety of Champagnes here.
3. The Tasting Ritual
• Observe: Begin by examining the Champagne in your glass. Look at the color, which can range from pale gold to deep amber, and take note of the bubbles. Fine, persistent bubbles are a sign of quality.
• Smell: Swirl the glass gently and inhale the aroma. Champagne's bouquet can be incredibly complex, with notes ranging from citrus and green apple to brioche, almond, and even hints of minerality.
• Taste: Take a small sip and let the Champagne linger on your palate. Pay attention to the balance of acidity, sweetness, and the texture of the bubbles. Notice the flavors that emerge, and how they evolve from the initial sip to the finish. A good Champagne will have a long, pleasant aftertaste.
• Pair: Classic pairings include oysters, caviar, or delicate seafood dishes, but Champagne's versatility means it can also complement richer foods like foie gras, fried chicken, or even truffle fries. The key is to find a balance where the food enhances the Champagne and vice versa.
4. Engage with the Sommelier
Don't hesitate to ask questions or seek recommendations from the sommelier. They can provide valuable insights into the history of the Champagne house, the specific vintage, and the ideal food pairings. If you're curious about trying something new, ask for their suggestions on lesser-known producers or rare vintages.
Here at Champagne Route Restaurant we have huge range of grower Champagnes – from lesser known Brands – LACULLE, BERNARD ROBERT, LEBLOND LENOIR to bigger houses – MOUTARD, JEEPER, DE VENOGE, GOSSET and POL ROGER.