How to drink champagne

It is hard to imagine a New Year, an anniversary or taking up a new position without a glass of golden sparkling wine. It has long been used to be called champagne, but in fact the name belongs only to small parties prepared according to a special recipe in the French province of Champagne. The proper serving and preparation of snacks for this drink is a whole art, successfully mastered by connoisseurs of sparkling wine.

What is champagne

Feature lies in manufacturing technology. While noble wines rest in deep cellars after the fermentation process, champagne goes through a secondary procedure, but in tightly corked bottles. Their thick walls of dark glass reliably hold the drink, and the cork is reinforced with a special metal mesh. This was not always the case, the drink has come a long way from accidental fermentation in a tub to a special name that is zealously protected by law.

To comply with the standard, a set of strict rules has been introduced that regulate the production of a drink even at the stage of growing raw materials. So, there are patterns that determine the timing and methods of pruning the vine, the degree of extraction of the grapes, the time and conditions of exposure. Production is conducted from only 3 varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot noir and Minho.

Elite varieties are made only from our own raw materials in compliance with all the subtleties of the recipe. She herself is kept secret and transmitted exclusively to family members.

Milestones in History

In the monastery vineyards in the Champagne region, special varieties were grown, from which wine was made for communion, deliveries were made to the royal court, some bottles were sent as gifts to the monarchs of neighboring states. The British were especially kind to French wine. Gradually new directions were opened for the export of already familiar species.

The story is silent about when exactly champagne appeared and who became the author of the recipe. Calling him the creator of Pierre Perignon, a Benedictine monk, it is necessary to clarify that he owns only a number of improvements to the already obtained type of sparkling wine. The next step was the invention of bottles of a special shape, corks capable of retaining still fermenting fluid inside the vessel and the development of a process of remake that made the drink crystal clear.

Kinds

Outside the classification is millesimino champagne. It is made only from grapes of a successful harvest, without mixing with others. Such an event occurs only 2-3 times for a dozen years, so manufacturers keep a special register of such years and, accordingly, of elite or collection lots of champagne. They do not fall into ordinary stores, but immediately go to auction. The more affordable types are made by blending of 3 varieties allowed for the production of champagne with the addition of reserve wine of the last 2-3 years.

Gradually, several basic varieties of champagne were developed, each of which acquired a huge army of admirers. Separation is carried out according to grape variety, sugar level and color of the drink.

1. Brut nature. In its manufacture, only the highest quality raw materials are used, sugar is not added at all. It appears in the fermentation process, but the level never rises above 6 g / l. The price of a bottle of such a drink is high; it is mainly acquired by gourmets who appreciate the tart and harsh taste of a natural product.
2. Brut. More in demand in the market, sugar level is 1.5%.It features a rich bouquet of aftertaste, clearly exfoliating to the aftertaste of citrus, apple and peach with a slight shade of cream. It did not immediately gain popularity, for a long time being in the shadow of semisweet varieties. With the right appetizer, he reveals his taste completely. In some cases, served as an aperitif or to the main course.
3. Extra-dry. Almost never found on sale due to low demand. It is an intermediate type, the amount of sugar does not exceed 20 g / l.
4. Dry Semisweet champagne occupies the largest segment. It was it that became a symbol of unbridled fun and a light festive mood. Sugar level reaches 35 g / l. You can drink it as an independent drink, create cocktails on its basis, experiment with snacks, offering guests options from dense meat to weightless dessert dishes.
5. Rich The sweetness level of these varieties reaches 50 g / l. Drinks of this segment are very popular for ladies gatherings or friendly parties with a fruit menu.
6. Doux. These types almost do not require addition, being a self-sufficient drink, have a wide range of flavors. The sugar content steps over the bar of 50 g / l, the taste is rich multi-layered, with fruity notes.

The colors distinguish between white, red and pink champagne.

Large sparkling wine producers

Everyone liked the champagne so much that attempts were made to get their own product. Many managed to do this, and since the name was protected by law, in each country they came up with their own brand for festive sparkling wine.

1. France. In addition to the Champagne region with its collectible types of drinks at sky-high prices, sparkling wine is also produced in other provinces. The most famous brands are Kriman and Limu.
2. Italy is famous for the brands Asti, Prosecco, Lambrusco, Franciacorta, Fragolino, Oltrepo Pavese. It differs in the quality, presence or absence of third-party additives. Some species are so successful that they are exported.
3. Spain named the sparkling drink the name Cava. Of the varieties, Martini Asti, Mondoro, Cinzano, Bosco, Emilio Romagna are known.
4. Germany also made a tangible contribution, creating an original line. In it, the most famous was the Sekt brand, which has 4 varieties in terms of sweetness. It differs from colleagues from other countries in the lower alcohol content, not exceeding 6%.
5. In Russia, the most famous was the line Abrau Durso. In addition to it, consumers are well aware of Soviet, Russian champagne, Count Golitsyn, Taman, Golden Beam, New World, Petrovsky Manor, Fanagoria.

Composition and calorie content

The drink is made from grape juice using special technology. There are no third-party additives in it, except for a certain amount of sugar in accordance with the recipe. Calorie content also depends on the type of sparkling wine and ranges from 55 in brutus to 58 kcal in dessert varieties.

A standard bottle of semi-sweet sparkling wine with a volume of 0.75 liters contains about 660 kcal. Those who adhere to the principles of diet, you need to consider that those same magic bubbles speed up the absorption of carbohydrates several times.

Beverage Rules

Wine does not lose its taste, even if you drink it on the hood of a car from plastic cups. Nevertheless, the entourage is of no small importance if there is a gala reception or an official meeting at which a buffet is provided. A family holiday will also benefit from the proper table design and competent serving of the drink.

What glasses do you drink champagne from

Sparkling is appreciated not only for its taste and aroma, but also for the aesthetic enjoyment of the elegant paths of bubbles, a series of running to the surface, amazing overflows of light, refracted in a crystal clear liquid.

To provide this aspect, choose elongated glasses on a tall thin leg. The shape of the bowl can be straight, tulip-like, slightly narrowed to the edge. The main thing is that the walls are absolutely transparent and keep the temperature of the drink longer, which is served chilled to +9 degrees.

Holiday etiquette

Like the classic combination of colors, where only 3 shades are considered the norm, more than three types of champagne are not put on the table. In this case, it is desirable to observe the unity of the brand or country of origin.

Bottles are placed in buckets with finely chopped ice. If the area of ​​the table allows, then they are placed at equal distances from the edges. If the entire area is occupied by dishes, then they can be placed on an additional table with fruits or sweets, without moving close to the main one.

It is not customary to take a glass of wine before a lady, as well as serve it from a tray. The choice belongs to her, except in cases of a buffet when a drink was brought at her request.

According to etiquette, the wine glass is held in the left hand, leaving the right for gesturing and tasting snacks. If champagne is served as an aperitif, then it is not accepted to carry it to the banquet table, your drinks will be displayed there.

Open the bottle carefully, avoiding popping and splashing foam. External effects are good for films, and for tasting a drink, it is better to keep all the contents in a bottle without pouring it on the floor and those present.

Than to drink and eat champagne

Most stereotypes amaze true connoisseurs of sparkling wine. A traditional set consisting of champagne and chocolates or large chocolates is the most unfortunate combination in terms of product compatibility.

Each type has its own set of snacks or desserts, emphasizing a delicate bouquet, not entering into a taste contradiction and perfectly complementing the impression of the drink.

Sweet

The sugar content is such that these species are more like liquors. Neutral dishes are prepared for them. Supplementing them with sweets or confectionery is not worth it. A sugary aftertaste remains in the mouth, discouraging the desire to continue tasting. Such species are most often served:

• transparent slices of hard cheese;
• unsweetened desserts, mousses;
• nuts
• fruit slices;
• cream ice cream without additives;
• cakes without an abundance of cream.

In order not to impoverish the taste of sparkling wine, there should not be coffee, dark chocolate and citrus on the table.

Semisweet white

It is in the greatest demand and is served on the table in 7-8 cases out of 10. For long feasts, poultry meat, cauliflower, game, cream cheese, cookies, fruits and nuts will serve as an appetizer. The most aristocratic option is strawberries with cream or finely grated nut mixture, foie gras, canapes with pineapple and hard cheese. You can serve ice cream with a small addition of caramel or fruit syrup.

Spicy, pickled and smoked dishes, plenty of spices, citrus fruits are completely excluded.

Sweet and semi-sweet pink

Its taste is considered the most refined and delicate. In order not to spoil your pleasure, you need to cook tender meat to the table. Lobsters, shrimps, truffles, venison, salmon are suitable. When cooking, the minimum amount of salt is used, spices are allowed only in the form of black pepper in a very limited version. As an appetizer, chicken, turkey and duck are also suitable. A small sourness in taste goes well with these dishes.

Semi-dry

There is much more room for culinary delights. The sparkling wine has a well-defined rich taste, which is perfectly shaded by white meat, cheeses, caviar, crackers, tartlets with seafood and small portions of light salads. Pizza, fruit slices and nuts will also be a worthy accompaniment to champagne tasting.

Brut

The tart deep taste of the aperitif requires meat, sliced ​​poultry or oily fish, caviar, game. Seafood, game, cheeses, ham, smoked sausages and sushi will be an organic addition to brut. Unacceptable are any vinegar and lemon additives, citrus fruits, sour fruits, which practically neutralize the taste of the drink and give it a very unpleasant aftertaste when the acid is oversaturated.

Can I drink expired champagne

This branded drink has a very impressive shelf life. It can be stored under proper conditions for up to 25 years without loss of quality and taste.For those species that go to stores, the label indicates the expiration date, which is from 6 to 12 months. The shelf life is not written, because when closed, the drink does not deteriorate for several years. Manufacturers simply protect themselves from misunderstandings and troubles, indicating the minimum time. Therefore, sparkling can be considered overdue, having crossed the threshold of 8–10 years for ordinary species and 30–50 for collection bottles.

It is worth considering: the rule for determining the suitability of champagne is the same - if the color, aroma and taste have not changed, then you can drink it without harm to health.

Can I drink champagne during pregnancy?

Doctors advise women in an “interesting position” to completely exclude alcohol, and here the ban runs into a powerful “I want”. It is easier for a pregnant woman to give what she needs, otherwise you can get a wide range of troubles - from a bad mood to a full tantrum. The thing is hormonal chaos, rampaging in her body during the bearing of a child. And there will be much more harm from this than from a sparkling wine glass. Therefore, it is better to simply offer a little chilled wine in a beautiful glass, and whether she needs it or not, she will decide for herself.

Champagne cocktails: recipes

Sparkling is in perfect harmony with some types of strong alcohol. The most famous drinks are:

1. Cyrus Royal, which, in addition to the main component, has raspberry and cherry liqueur.
2. Aurora Borealis, where vodka gives the fortress, and lemon juice is a piquant note.
3. Mimosa consists of sparkling and orange juice with the addition of citrus liquor.
4. Rossini embodies aristocracy and sophistication, combining strawberries and champagne in one glass.
5. Tintoretto is famous for its rich color, which gives it pomegranate juice, combined with sugar syrup.
6. Golden velvet is tasty and treacherous, behind the spectacular appearance hides the impressive strength of beer against the background of the rich taste of pineapple.
7. Turquoise is popular due to its unusual shade and the combination of freshness and fruit notes in the taste when combining the base with Chartreuse liqueur, vodka and lemon juice.

How to make champagne at home

If the grape harvest was successful, the summer was moderately hot and the vines did not affect the disease, that is, a chance of getting a homemade sparkling wine. The base is an ordinary light wine, preferably from the Chardonnay variety, but if you wish, you can even take as a basis a currant, gooseberry or raspberry fruit.

Important: you will need to watch for a moment when the wine has almost fermented, but has not yet stopped playing completely.

It is bottled from champagne and closed with natural corks. It will be good if a mesh-mesh has been preserved from the previous holiday, giving additional strength to the corking.

After that, the bottles are neatly placed in the cellar in an inclined position. The liquid must necessarily touch the cork, otherwise it will dry out and fly out under the pressure of the gas. The exposure time is 2-3 months. About 20–25 days before the planned tasting date, the bottle is installed vertically so that the sediment moves smoothly to the bottom. It will be necessary to open and pour carefully so that the wine retains transparency.

The benefits and harms of champagne

Alcohol was originally created as a medicine. Gradually, he acquired a completely different purpose, becoming an indispensable attribute of noisy revels or friendly gatherings. Some useful properties have been preserved in it. If you do not exceed reasonable limits, then champagne is able to:

• relieve emotional stress;
• serve as a good antioxidant;
• activate the digestive system;
• improve blood circulation;
• stimulate regeneration processes.

One glass of sparkling wine a day launches a rejuvenation program and maintains metabolic processes at the proper level, but only if it comes to collectible high-quality varieties. Unfortunately, not every rich man can afford such a quantity, so it’s better not to get carried away with sparkling wine and leave it for special occasions.

The use of this product is contraindicated in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract with increased acidity, ulcers, renal failure, during breastfeeding, with individual intolerance to grape juice.

How to open champagne if the cork is broken

Not always the planned action follows the intended scenario, and often the solemn moment of the opening of sparkling wine can be overshadowed by the vagaries of cork. When she does not want to get out of the bottle - this is still half the problem. If it is broken, you will have to be smart to get to the desired drink. There are several ways.

1. A corkscrew will help to remove the stuck part if the cork is of good quality and does not crumble when screwed in.
2. If there is no corkscrew, use a self-tapping screw and pliers.
3. A strong but thin knife, with a force stuck at an angle of 45% into the cork, opens up air access, and it flies out itself under the influence of gas.

When the cork stubbornly closes the neck and does not lend itself to external influences, it remains to warm the bottle and shake it with force. We have to mentally prepare for the fact that most of the drink will be on the floor and clothes of the craftsman.

In the neglected case, when the cork does not come out, and you need to get to the sparkling wine, they hit the neck hard with a heavy sharp knife. The method is known as the hussar, in the original you need a saber or a Cossack checker. With a well-calculated impact on the neck of the neck, if you beat yourself and at an angle of 45 degrees, the thickened part flies off with the cork, leaving no fragments.

Any non-traditional way of opening sparkling wine carries a certain share of risk, so it is better to leave the table in the corridor or kitchen and change the holiday clothes to the old one, which is not a pity to put in the wash, continuing the holiday again with a parade, but with champagne .

Champagne photo