Through my childhood and early teenage years, my version of Champagne that was served at our special family occasions was always sparkling cider and sometimes sparkling wine. It really wasn’t until I moved out here to Vancouver that Russ introduced me to true champagne.
You really don’t know what you are missing until you try a true champagne. The flavour, the colour, and the carbonation all seemed to be enhanced.
On our trip 2 years ago to Paris, we took a tour of Reims France (wiki), the home of Champagne, and got to tour a couple of champagne wineries, Piper Heidseick and Moet and Chandon. We of course didn’t get to visit our favourite champagne house – Veuve Clicquot founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot-Muiron.
There is just something special about drinking Veuve, the flavour is subtle, the carbonation and the colour all add to the enjoyment. Veuve (as with most champange) is made with a blend of 3 grapes – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier.
Yes the cost is expensive compared to sparkling wine made in North America, but I don’t think you match the flavour true champagne from France brings. Since last week I celebrated 7 years of being in Vancouver, Russ and I shared a wonderful bottle of the bubbly. Champagne that is drunk for any occasion and even by itself is good in my books.
A toast to Veuve Clicquot – May you never stop producing heaven in our mouths!
Some fun links I’ve found regarding Veuve Clicquot products: