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Which champagnes marked history?
Certainly, France is a country full of history, but champagne has marked history with a capital H. From totalitarian regimes, including several centuries where the people were enslaved to the many kings, to the 5th republic, water has flowed under the bridge, but champagne remains a symbol of the sacred passages of the history of France, and elsewhere. So, which champagnes marked history? Indeed, all the labels of great champagne houses have their past, their history or their legend. Some have marked the history of a nation, here are the champagnes which marked history. In England, Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister during the Second World War, fell in love with…
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Who are the faces behind the great champagne houses?
The great champagne houses are known throughout the world for their quality and prestige. Often sabered to celebrate great occasions, champagne is the alcohol synonymous with parties par excellence. If you have ever wondered who are the founders behind these prestigious houses, I invite you to discover it in my article! Who are behind the success of the great champagne houses? Veuve Clicquot is one of the oldest champagne houses, founded in 1772. The brand is named after its founder, Philippe Clicquot, and his wife, Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin. In 1805, the widow Clicquot took over the reins of the company after the death of her husband and became one of the…
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What’s going on in the champagne world right now?
What’s new in the planet champagne at the moment? When you say champagne, you say celebrations. Between the different fashion week, the end of the year celebrations that are approaching, all occasions are good to open a good bottle. Considered as a luxury product in its own right, let’s take a look at the different spheres that have gravitated around Champagne this year. So what are the great houses that have been in the spotlight lately? Champagne and gastronomy Let’s start with the house of Ruinart. It seems that the latter has decided to open a restaurant and champagne bar ephemeral, Maison 1729. Indeed, the house has invited several chefs…
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Who are the Ice Saints and what do they represent?
The Ice Saints are part of weather folklore in areas of the Northern hemisphere and are associated with the period in late spring between May 11 and May 13 when there is often a cold snap of chilly weather in the evenings. This dip in temperature usually brings night frosts and often catches people by surprise just when they think summer is coming. The cold evenings often fall on the feast days of St. Mamertus, St Pancras and St. Servatius which has earned them the title – the Ice Saints. Talented winemakers are particularly vigilant around this time so they can prepare for and reduce potential damage to grapevines. Ice…
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Champagne soup: the best recipe
What is champagne soup? The original recipe for champagne soup is a little different from the one we know today. It is a traditional French recipe that dates back to the 19th century. It also included white wine, cognac and sugar. At that time, it was served hot and was considered a main course. Today it is made with champagne, cointreau, lemon juice, raspberry syrup and garnished with whole raspberries. The soup is served cold and is also popular as a cocktail. It is offered in bars and clubs in Paris for special occasions such as birthdays or parties. The preparation of the champagne soup is relatively simple. All the…
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Where can champagne be made?
Dear champagne lovers, While champagne wine is known throughout the world, the terroir from which it is made is much less well known. And as you may know, champagne wine is recognized as A.O.C. The appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) allows to link a product to a geographical area and subjects it to rules of production and elaboration. A product recognized as AOC is therefore the expression of a link between a production and a land, all implemented and perpetuated by the know-how of men. You are wondering what are the rules to respect to obtain an AOC? where is the champagne made? And what equipment is necessary for the elaboration and…
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Vinous champagnes: what are the differences with other champagnes?
Dear champagne lovers, Consumers often tend to forget that champagne is first and foremost a wine. To say that a champagne is vinous may therefore seem paradoxical, and yet the term vinous champagne is used to characterize certain champagnes. I am regularly asked what is considered a vinous champagne, what are the differences with other champagne wines and when is the best time to serve it. The vinous champagne has its own characteristics, I will reveal them to you. Follow me! What is a vinous champagne? The vinous champagne is a wine produced from perfectly ripened grapes, vinified and dosed to the strict minimum. This champagne has the characteristics of…
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The art of bottling
What does “bottled at the property” mean? This article looks at the definition “bottled at the property” or “estate bottled” and explains what it means. Wine labels contain a wealth of information, in a limited space and it is important for you to understand what it all means as a consumer. It’s interesting and useful to find out exactly what the terms mean and it can really help you make an informed decision when choosing wine, which will lead you to a greater appreciation. Wine labels are strictly regulated and definitions on the labels must meet specific legal criteria. “Bottled at the property” or “Estate bottled” means that 100% of…
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How to fight against frost damage in the vineyards?
Frost damage is a major source of anxiety for wine producers in European vineyards every spring. While grapevines can withstand cold temperatures down to -15 °C while they lie dormant in winter, early spring is the period when vines are at their most vulnerable. During this natural period of growth, tender, new buds, susceptible to frost damage are most likely to wither and brown. Discover the significance of land and environment on the production of Grande Charte Champagne.This article considers the different types of frost conditions, their effects and the measures wine producers can put in place to mitigate their impact on grapevines. What are the different types of frost?…
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Champagne’s conservation
Dear Champagne lovers and enthusiasts, One of the first things you need to learn about champagne is that it is quite a fragile wine. Storing good champagne inadequately will significantly impair its quality. Good champagne storage is important and involves respecting certain conditions. Have you just bought or are planning on buying a large quantity of champagne, and are wondering how to store it? Or are you maybe not sure how to store champagne once you’ve opened the bottle? Read on to discover how important it is to store good champagne properly. So, how do you store your champagne so that it can be enjoyed to its fullest potential? As…
