Champagne is synonymous with celebration, a golden elixir that elevates moments into memories. Yet, behind its shimmering bubbles lies a grape that quietly crafts the essence of many prestigious Champagnes—Chardonnay. Known for its elegance, finesse, and brightness, unveiling Chardonnay shows it is a pillar of champagne, a grape that imparts depth and aging potential to…
Educational
The Indomitable Spirit of Women in Champagne
With International Women’s Day on the horizon, this year’s theme, “Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress,” strikes a chord that resonates through the rolling vineyards of Champagne. It’s a realm where the narrative isn’t just about the wine—it’s about the women whose ingenuity and resilience poured foundation into the very industry we celebrate…
Discovering the Timeless Elegance of Meunier: A 1955 Champagne Revelation
Champagne connoisseurs and enthusiasts, prepare to have your perceptions transformed. Today, I share with you an enigmatic journey—a tasting that challenged the very foundations of champagne lore. My encounter with a 1955 Blanc de Meunier from the storied cellars of Champagne Demière unveiled a truth long veiled by the mists of tradition. The narrative has…
12 Champagnes for Christmas Cheer
With only a few shopping days left until Christmas, it’s time to think about which champagnes you will choose for your Christmas Cheer! Here are 12 ideas to suit every budget.
The magic under the stairs – or Mindfulness Part 2
I recently wrote about the joy and anticipation of being offered a bottle of 1986 Moet et Chandon that had been long forgotten under the stairs of a Queensland suburban home. Would magic emerge from under the stairs? Since this whole exercise was about appreciating what is actually in the glass we are drinking, I…
Are you champagne ready for New Year’s Eve?
Are you champagne ready for New Year’s Eve? Me neither, but don’t worry – there is still time! Here is a last-minute check list to make sure you make the most out of the evening and that your champagne is enjoyed in the best possible way. Choose champagne for your New Year’s Eve It may…
When Louis met Jacques
Let me tell you a little story about the night Louis met Jacques. That’s Louis Roederer and Jacques Bollinger, just to be clear. Louis Roederer (1809 – 1870) and Jacques (Jacob) Bollinger (1803 – 1884) were actually contemporaries, but this is not a story about them meeting for a sneaky drink on a Friday night…
Scarily Good Champagne for Halloween!
Blanc de Noirhahahahaha! We have the Celts to thank for the Halloween tradition. 2000 years ago, they believed that at the end of summer a kind of portal opened up between the spirit world and the earthly world which meant that all kinds of ghosts and ghouls were roaming the earth. So they threw big…
