Vicky's adventures

Christmas bubbles’ choice before a 2010 well deserved year away from Champagne

Ok this is Christmas and even though I am drinking Californian Chardonnay at this minute, I seem to be Champagne bound anyhow. This strange juice always ends up in my glass and it is too often that I ask for a refill. Not that I am too keen… but should you desire it or not, the Champagne glass is always refilled.
So tonight is Christmas, tomorrow is Christmas too, and then comes the New Year Eve. Enough reasons, one will agree, to come back to our dear Champagne, last time for me before a well deserved 2010 break.

What this year drinking Champagne at least taught me is that I am not convinced by most of the main brands, I also prefer old vintage Champagne and finally think Rosé is the best compromise. What is my luck is that Rosé is trendy again!

In London last month Bibendum Dan invited me to the Luvvly Jubbly Champagne tasting : Moet & Chandon, Veuve Cliquot, Lanson and De Castellane were there with a few bottles to seduce the bunch of us. The Wired Store in New York City welcomed Champagne Henriot with Michael Green from Wine Down. Well, I couldn’t complain.

What came out best were the rosés for their color, red berries nose and less aggressive palate than the regular Champagnes.

Champagne Lanson Rosé Label: A beautiful bottle filled in with 32% Chardonnay, 53% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier. A very delicate light salmon color, with subtle red berries and roses on the nose. On the palate this is fresh, balanced and soft. Not too complex, but perfect to start a good evening.

Champagne De Castellane: Not as known as the others tasted, Champagne Castellane bélongs to one of the oldest French families, and in Epernay it has an imposing tower that you can see from all parts of town. The bottle features the Saint Andrews cross and has collectable caps with original illustrations. Dominated by the Pinot Noir, the pink candy color contrasts with fresh and light aromas of red fruits and roses. You’ll love it for apéritif and could drink it all day long without a stomachache ; why not try it for breakfast?
Moet Champagne Rosé Imperial. Seducing with a bright flushy pink and a bubbly, fruity palate. Nothing over the top but charming for the senses and definitely up to put you in the good mood you need for a Christmas evening. Further more it is a Moet, so this has to be glamourous. Let it pop!
Champagne Henriot didn’t awake my senses this time and Mumm probably took them down together with the Veuve Clicquot. Perhaps I should stop here.

And after a year of sipping, the Grand Tasting at Carroussel du Louvre in Paris, this December reminded me of my preference for the legendary Champagne Jacquesson that no one single pour surpassed until now.

Tonight though is a break. In Maryland, the crémant de Bourgogne from Château de Lavernette will be delighting us. And then I shall treat myself with a few Californian wines. Thanks God it is Christmas!
Enjoy your drinks!

Miss Vicky Wine 304 posts

My father is a wine maker in beaujolais and I go sip wines everywhere. I was first know as a wine blogger, today I also write in French on a national magazine online plateform that is hosting my wine blog. They wanted someone to give a fresh twist to the French wine world. They got me. Read more

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