Why you need to drink Champagne this Holiday Season
The holiday season is undoubtedly just one big excuse to celebrate, in my opinion, and I typically find myself opening some of my best bottles of wine to get into the holiday spirit. I never need an excuse to open a bottle of Champagne, but if you’re someone who looks for special occasions to open some bubbles, then this holiday season is the perfect reason to pop open your favorite bottles… or pick one of my favorites – Champagne Taittinger!
Not only is Champagne incredibly food friendly, but I’m pretty sure it’s scientifically proven to boost your mood. Ok, I don’t have the data to back that up, but have you ever been in a bad mood while drinking Champagne? I know I haven’t! Champagne is the traditional go-to for New Year’s Eve celebrations, but I’m here to remind you that your Thanksgiving / Hanukah / Christmas / any holiday that you celebrate this time of year should call for your favorite Champagne!
What makes Champagne different than other sparkling wines? Well, a number of things. First of all, Champagne can ONLY come from the Champagne region of France. If it’s not from there, it’s not Champagne.
In addition to the location of where the grapes are grown and the wine is produced, Champagne may only be produced with a handful of types of grapes in the region for its base. The most widely used grapes include: Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, but may also be blended with Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Petit Meslier and Arbane.
What else is different? Well, the way Champagne is actually made! Champagne is made with a process called Méthode Traditionnelle or “The Classic Method.” Essentially, grapes are picked and fermented into a still wine, bottled, and then undergo a second fermentation in the bottle. The trapped CO2 gas is what gives the wine its bubbles. While other regions and types of sparkling wine may use the Traditional Method, Champagne has some of the strictest regulations and some of the highest quality product.
One of the reasons I love Champagne Taittinger so much is because it is one of the last remaining family-owned and operated Champagne Houses, and if you’ve been following along my wine journey for a while, you know I love when a winery has a rich history and family ties. The family has been managing the Champagne House for nearly a century, and they’re currently running the business with three generations of family members at the helm. Clovis Taittinger said “Champagne is the best way of saying ‘I love you’ in any language,” and I tend to agree with him. As my husband and I celebrate our first holiday season as a married couple, we’ll be enjoying a bottle of Champagne Taittinger’s Nocturne Rosé Champagne.
Thank you to Champagne Taittinger for sending this my way!
