Champagne is one of life’s true pleasures. The light and sparkling beverage is often the drink for celebration or just a nice and refreshing drink that you can just enjoy. But did you know that Champagne is only allowed to be called Champagne if it is from that region in France?
We sat down with Alan Nelson, the head distributor of Laurent-Perrier Champagne in Australia to find out what the top things to know about Champagne are!
What should we look out for when buying Champagne?
There are several things that are all important to consider when buying Champagne.
1. It is important to understand the style of Champagne you prefer, for example Bollinger is a big broader/bold style, Laurent Perrier a finer/delicate aperitif style.
2. Know where the wine been stored, Champagne doesn’t like light (light strike).
3. Must be served around 5 degrees.
What does Brut mean?
Brut simple means dry, the most common style of Champagne produced.
What’s special about Champagne?
Everything from the unique area of Champagne in France to the secondary fermentation that creates the tiny bubbles!
Champagne is a wonderful product associated with more festive occasions than any other wine style created on the planet.
How best should I serve it?
Ideally from a bucket of ice and water ensuring it’s around 5 degrees generally. Once served it begins to change temperature very quickly in the glass (ideally a flute) so my advice is always that it can never be too cold.
What are your favourite foods to accompany Champagne?
Champagne is great with a range of foods but my favourite is oysters natural with most Champagnes, Salmon Blinis and Rose Champagne are a dream!
What makes Laurent Perrier different/special from other Champagnes?
Many things are unique to Laurent-Perrier but they championed the Rose style as well as making Non Vintage Champagne with more Chardonnay in the blend, resulting in a very approachable Champagne that’s a great aperitif.
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