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If you ask me - a just-graduated chef who considers herself a wine lover - when it comes to wines, I’ll always agree with what the books say: White wines generally go well with fish, red wines match with a nice steak, and champagne? It’s the most versatile and refreshing wine that goes well with almost everything.
When I hear the word “champagne,” I automatically get in the mood for a celebration of something even better: romance. In French, le soupir amoreoux, or “loving whisper,” refers to the delicate “whisper” made while opening a bottle of champagne. Whatever the occasion, a chilled bottle of sparkling can make the moment even more memorable.
The main characteristic is its personality; this bubbly has aromas of peaches, white flowers and toasted bread.
You might know that the word “champagne” can only be used for those sparkling wines produced in the French region of Champagne, but actually many other countries and even other French regions proudly produce their own sparklings. (And, I must say, they certainly know how to!) Here I will suggest three sparklings I found excellent, after mandatory research where I was forced to try the different options available locally. (Poor me!) I chose varieties from different countries that were reasonably priced.
Sparklings are always classified by sweetness; this is marked in the labels. Starting from the most dry you have Extra Brut, or Brut; then you’ll start noticing the sweet hint beginning from the Extra Dry, then Sec, Demi-sec, and finally Doux (the sweetest).
A very nice and non-expensive option is the Millenium Rosé from Romania, sweet, full-bodied, with rich fruity aromas, like pineapple, peach, strawberries and apples. It has a perfect acidity that makes it fresh and perfect for these hot summer days. ($11 US.)
- Rumor has it that Marilyn Monroe once took a bath in the bubbly; it took 350 bottles to fill the tub!
- Scientists say there are about 49 million bubbles in an average 750ml bottle of champagne.
- Watch out! A champagne cork leaves the bottle at about 38-40 mph. but can pop out at up to 100 mph.
- A bottle of champagne contains about three times more pressure than a car tire – that bottle of bubbly has about 90 pounds of pressure per square inch.
- In 1988 in New York, the longest champagne cork flight in the world was recorded: 177 feet, 9 inches.
- Legend says the traditional champagne glass, or “coupe,” (a shallow, broad-rimmed goblet) was made in the shape of Marie Antoinette’s breast, using wax moulds.
Next is the Tittarelli Sparkling from Argentina, a very popular brand now available in Mazatlán. It’s great! The main characteristic is its personality; this bubbly has aromas of peaches, white flowers and toasted bread. It’s a well-structured and refreshing dry wine, and great value as well. ($16 US.)
Finally, I must mention the aussie Parri Estate Salmon Brut, named for its delicate pale salmon color. The dominant flavors of strawberries and toasted bread, followed by a creamy, smooth mouth-feel, with a fine and well-balanced dry finish, will make you forget about the temperature outside. ($24 US.)
Remember, you want your sparkling wine at the right temperature (from 6C to 8C), so chill it 2-3 hours in the fridge before consuming. Drink it during breakfast, lunch or dinner; as an aperitif, with your main dish or with dessert. That’s the beauty of champagne, it goes well anytime!
Salud!
Mariana Gomez Rubio, food lover and freelance chef…catering, courses, advice. Great interest in local culinary matters. Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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