Many of us like to celebrate New Year’s Eve with festivities that include champagne, but very few of us drink enough to know much about it. Although it is a wonderful and food-grade wine, suitable for whatever occasion wine is appropriate, it often remains shrouded in mystery, and as the New Year approaches, people often start asking questions about it. . Here are five of the most common questions I hear.
1) What is the difference between French champagne and other champagne?
This is a common question with an easy answer. All champagne is from France. There are other wonderful sparkling wines from other areas of the world, but they taste different even if they say “Champagne” on the label. However, you can celebrate the New Year or any other event with any kind of sparkling wine you want, or even a beer or non-alcoholic drink.
2) Can I open Champagne before midnight?
I’m amazed at how often this question is asked, but of course it can. You can open a bottle whenever you want. I usually have a drink with dinner on New Year’s Eve and another at midnight, but you decide. There are no more rules than drinking responsibly.
3) How much do I need to spend?
If you are buying real things, you will spend around $ 30 or more. If there is a guy you know and like, you can get it or ask for recommendations at the wine store. You can buy very good non-French sparkling wine for much less. For example, a good bottle of Spanish cava will cost you between $ 15 and $ 20 on average, sometimes less.
4) Is expensive champagne worth it?
If you are an experienced, yes, absolutely. However, if you have just come of age, have never had a drink and want to buy a bottle of Dom Perignon, you are wasting your money. But first some bottles of less expensive but excellent sparkling wines.
5) How cold should it be served?
In general, most are served too cold. Cold ice is too cold. I like to put it in the fridge for a few hours and then take it out for about 30-45 minutes before popping the cork. As you drink it, it will get even hotter and the flavors will also open up, and if it gets too hot for your liking, you can put an ice on it briefly.