Enjoying Champagne During the Holiday Season

Do you think you know your bubbly? When friends and family come to celebrate this holiday season, why not toast the year and good times with a nice champagne? Champagne comes in many flavors to suit varying palettes and foods, and need not be costly. Also, there's hardly any drink more festive.

Winston Churchill was a champagne fan, and enjoyed his favorite vintage of Pol Roger, made in 1927, until his death in 1965. Contrary to popular belief, champagne can last a long time if stored properly, so it makes a good gift for any wine-lover, as well. Champagne smacks of class, and only wines from Champagne, France get the coveted title of Champagne. All others are merely delicious sparkling wine.

Champagne, like many other wines, keeps best if stored in a cool, dry place. Around 60 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Many people portion off a section of their basements for a wine cellar. Before serving, it is best to chill the champagne to around 40-45 degrees in a bucket of ice or in your refrigerator. Upon opening time, it is best to loosen the cork gently, letting the air escape gradually.

Avoid the temptation to pop the bottle vigorously open like they do in the movies, spraying guests with champagne! Happy New Year! Good champagne needs no dramatic explosion to tantalize guests. After the gentle "swoosh" of gas escapes from the bottle, pour gently into champagne flutes, or tulip glasses.

I find tilting the glass and pouring slowly to be more effective in giving the guest more champagne and less foam in the glass. Thin glasses minimize the amount of gas that escapes to the surface, allowing the bubbles to lazily float up, maximizing enjoyment.