It so happened that the most important dates and especially solemn events are usually celebrated with champagne. Moreover, it is impossible to imagine a New Year's table without this drink. But often, instead of real champagne, ordinary sparkling wine is purchased, which is significantly inferior to it in its taste.
Instructions
Step 1
Real champagne is produced in the French province of Champagne. Only three varieties are used for this - Pinot Noir, Pinot Menion and Chardonnay - with the use of a special technology. Otherwise, it is generally accepted that the wine is made according to the champagne method. Therefore, the inscription "Champagne" on the label most likely means that the wine is prepared according to the champagne method. Try to get bottles labeled "Champagne".
Step 2
Pay attention to the manufacturer. The most famous are Nicolas Feuillatte, Louis Roederer, Pommery, Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot-Ponsardin, Ruinart, Laurent-Perrier, etc. However, the cost of their products will be quite high.
Step 3
On the label, you can see the level of quality of the drink, which also affects its cost. For example, the inscription "champagne sans annee" means that this is champagne without a specified harvest year. Sugar content information is often also found here. This method is the most common among wine producers. Most often, it is this kind of champagne that is found on the shelves. The indication "champagne millesime" says that the drink is aged for at least three years and was made in a certain year from grapes of the same harvest. This is the so-called vintage champagne. If you see "cuvee de prestige" or "cuvee speciale", then keep in mind that this is the most expensive and rare champagne of the best berries, produced in compliance with all technologies.
Step 4
Also, the label must contain information about the color of the drink. It can only be white and pink. Moreover, the production of rosé is only 1% of the total production of wine. A drink made from white Chardonnay grapes always has the inscription "Champagne Blanc de blancs", from the red variety Pinot Meunier or Pinot Noir - "Champagne Blanc de noirs", and on a rose made from a mixture of white and red wine, they indicate "Champagne Rose" …
Step 5
It is equally important to indicate the sugar content in the drink. This information must be on the label. Its content per liter of wine divides champagne into six groups. Accordingly, the higher this figure, the sweeter the drink.
Step 6
It should be borne in mind that champagne must be bottled in dark glass. Otherwise, the drink will turn yellow and take on a bitter taste. The stopper can be cork or polyethylene. However, the first is considered to be more suitable because it seals the bottle more tightly, preventing air infiltration. Bottles closed with such stoppers should be stored horizontally. This is necessary in order for the drink to wet the cork, thereby preventing it from drying out.
Step 7
Good champagne always has a pleasant color, it is transparent and sparkling, forming a light, delicate foam. The wine poured into glasses in a minute is filled with small, equal-sized bubbles. The taste of the drink should be harmonious with a long and pleasant aftertaste.
