By Joseph D. Solis
Champagne or Sparkling Wine? What’s the difference between champagne and sparkling wine?
By law: Champagne can only be called such if it is produced in the Champagne region of France. Varietals grown and produced anywhere else in the world is generally known as sparkling wine, prosecco if it hails from Italy and cava if it’s from Spain.
Serving Bubbly Temperature: Chilling is essential, with 45°F being ideal. A bucket filled with half ice, half water for approximately half an hour is the perfect way to make it happen, but three hours in the refrigerator works, too. As tempting as it is, never flash-freeze champagne.
Remember: Good things come to those who wait.
Glassware: Good champagne deserves an equally good presentation. A tall flute made for champagne allows an outlet for bubbles as well as aromas. Recently, major champagne houses have pushed to serve bubbly in white wine glasses.
Occasion: Every day is a celebration of life!
A Few Faves
Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial Rosé Methuselah Leopard Luxury Edition
Type: Champagne, France
Tasting Notes: Distinguished by its sparkling fruitiness and delightful crisp finish, Nectar Impérial Rosé is a delicious and voluptuous expression of Moët & Chandon’s style, where the persistent intensity of red fruits (wild strawberry, raspberry and cherry) meets the sensuality of nutmeg and caramel with the freshness of red currant.
Ruinart Blanc de Blancs
Type: Champagne, Reims, France
Tasting Notes: Made from the best Chardonnay grapes in the region, this offering from the world’s oldest champagne house leaves rich notes of brioche, French toast, roasted almonds, honey and minerals on the palate.
Armand de Brignac “Ace Of Spades”
Type: Champagne, France
Tasting Notes: A racy fruit character, subtle brioche accents, along with a creamy texture, a palate with great depth and impact, as well as a fresh and lively bouquet, help define the complex and full-bodied Armand de Brignac.
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé
Type: Champagne, France
Tasting Notes: A zest of citrus, hints of juicy raspberries, plus pear and other flavors, give this selection a subtle aroma that pairs particularly well with seafood.
Chandon Brut Classic
Type: Sparkling Wine, California
Tasting Notes: This reliable concoction is punctuated with complex apple and pear characteristics and accented by citrus spice, with distinct notes of almond and caramel to tantalize the palate.
Rosa Regale
Type: Sparkling Wine, Italy
Tasting Notes: Rosa Regale, made from 100 percent Brachetto grapes, is a sparkling red wine with a dainty bouquet of rose petals, enhanced by the sensuousness of fresh strawberries and raspberries, with an effervescence softer than champagne’s but still yielding a persistent and delicate pink froth.
VIP Toasts for 2014
Legendary Damon, NYC Nightlife Personality and Socialite
“I toast to growth, change and to trying new things. I toast to creativity and staying inspired any way possible. I toast to being kind and moral and trying to always do good. And finally, I toast to more sequins, more gold and more Swarovski sparkle! Wepa!”
Jesse Williams, Actor
“I’m toasting to family: to starting and protecting my own. To being a part of the solution in my community. To empowering my crew and being grateful for every damn second of it. In 2013, we planned the work; and in 2014, we work the plan. Salud!”
Estelle, Singer/Songwriter
“I look forward to recording my fourth studio album, which will be released in 2014, and growing my new jewelry collection, Estelle & Lita by Royal Asscher, and luxury scarves collection, Scarves by Swaray. There is so much potential for greatness, and I look forward to what 2014 will offer.”