On learning that Marilyn Monroe was reputed to have taken a bath in 350 bottles of Champagne, I didn’t know whether to cry or blush at the thought. Did you know that the “saucer” shaped glass is a Champagne icon associated with a celebrity sex symbol. The Champagne coupe is often claimed to have been modeled on the shape of the breast of a French aristocrat, often cited as Marie Antoinette or Madame de Pompadour both busy little bees in French society. Ian Fleming’s fictional spy character James Bond is portrayed as a frequent drinker of Champagne prestige cuvées. In fact, a count of over 22 Bond films reveals 35 occasions on which the character was portrayed drinking Champagne, of which 17 were Bollinger, preferably Bollinger R.D., and 7 were Dom Pérignon. To add just a little bit more history, Champagne became, in effect, a major symbol of France. During World War II, the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, once motivated the British forces with the claim “Remember, gentlemen, it’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne. That’s all I would have needed to get me going. And in closing on this bubbly little narrative, the humorist Mark Twain once commented, “Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right.”
With that as my preamble to a little bit of heaven, here are but just a few suggestions from around the world, as you begin to stock up for the holidays. This year there’s a lot to drink to and yes, a lot to salute goodbye and good riddance as well!
Jacob’s Creek Blanc de Blancs Brut Cuvee NV, Australia
A special cuvée, made from 100 per cent chardonnay, and better than the more usual blended bubbly from JC. It will appeal to fans of soft, rounded, less-fierce fizz.
Champagne Les Pionniers Brut NV, France
Young, breezy and very fresh champagne at a decent price – you can’t ask for more than that. This is in the snappy, whistle-clean aperitif style rather than rich and food-worthy, so chill it for a spot of glass clinking before your Christmas meal.
Asda Extra Special Vintage Champagne Brut 2002, France
The words ‘Asda’ and ‘champagne’ might not seem like bedfellows, but open your mind. This is a wonderful vintage release from a good year, full of toasty, buttery richness and with a dry, satisfyingly full-flavoured finish. I served it to some friends with a smoked-salmon starter, and it went down a storm we didn’t bother with dinner.
Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut, California
Reviews say it’s easy to mistake the California-made Roederer Estate NV Brut for fine French Champagne, partly because it’s made using techniques developed by top French producer Louis Roederer. Experts say this wine’s… expandbouquet of cherry and apple gives way to flavors of citrus and spice. Adding to its appeal are wide availability, low price and a long finish.
Aldi, France
The rather stylish looking Philippe Michel 2008 Crémant du Jura is an excellent choice is you want to serve a crowd coming over. Just tell them “Of course Aldi is Champagne! Where do you the Jura is located?” Excuse yourself and leave quickly.
Tesco Cava Brut NV, Spain
The value of the year with astounding quality and easily the best bargain bubbly widely available this Christmas. Lemon peel and apples combine to give a dry but distinctive palate, the bubbles are a mass of small, vivacious beads and the finish has a biscuity, bready note.
Joy, Iron Horse Vineyards, California
Joy! is a new Sparkling Cuvée from Iron Horse, produced only in magnums and aged 10 to 15 years on the yeast in the bottle. With a couple of friends, a magnum is hardly a challenge!
Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV, France
Heidsieck champagnes are pretty darn fine and deliver a beautifully crafted bubbly that contains a hefty dollop of mature ‘reserve’ wine in the blend.
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut NV, France
Critics agree that Nicolas Feuillatte Brut NV Champagne is an excellent value. Although not as refined or elegant as vintage Champagne, non-vintage Champagne really showcases a winery’s house style, and costs less. In the case of Nicolas Feuillatte, the house style is said to be fairly light and delicate, and a great complement to party foods. This is one you easily stock up on.
Note: If your credit card feels unwanted from lack of use, may I suggest R and L Legras Cuvée Exceptionelle St-Vincent 1990, Old vine Grand Cru Chardonnay (beware, you will never drink just any old Champagne after this.)
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!