ComeFlyWithMe
Established Member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2009
- Posts
- 2,185
If you are talking vintage, even the same champagne will be different from year to year. You can have an average 98, then a stellar 2000 and 2002 (Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blanc comes to mind) so this makes it quite difficult to choose, although generally you will find the poorer vintages to be cheaper. They won't bring one out at all if the weather is really poor.
The problem, as with all wine, the chemistry in your mouth and on your palate is going to be entirely different to others. As a gross generalization, Women tend to prefer a sweeter wine like a Demi-Sec, Extra-Brut, or Rose, whereas men tend to prefer a less sweet Brut or Blanc de Blanc style. Saying that, I know many women who love Brut or Blanc de Blanc.
My biggest bug-bear in this country, although I dislike the NV, Moët is pronounced "Mow-ett" NOT "mow-wee".
If NV, my favorites are with others, the Billecart-Salmon is a great wine, Taittinger (note the extra 'i') is also exceptional and my top choice. People (ladies) go nuts over Verve Cliquot but I find it too sweet. Moët NV is rubbish IMO.
Unfortunately the price of champagne in this country prohibit everyday consumption for most, so I make a point of spending some time in France every year to make up for that
My tip : learn about what champagne really is, where its from, and what's in it. Champagne in French refers to the chalky soil in which the vines are grown, and is specific to that appellation in France. Anything outside that are is not Champagne, though you may think it tastes just as good. I'm a purist. I don't touch Australian sparkling as I find it entirely underwhelming. A Champagne as we know it (Brut) is always Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. A Blanc de Blanc (white wine from white grapes) is 100% Chardonnay.
All this talk makes me want to return to Epernay/Reims An excellent trip - even if just a quick day trip from Paris.
Drink many and drink often (within moderation), and you will find your taste quickly. It doesn't have to be expensive. When you are out, don't be afraid to try something by the glass if you don't want to commit to a full bottle. Then when you find one, like most things, it's cheaper by the dozen!
The problem, as with all wine, the chemistry in your mouth and on your palate is going to be entirely different to others. As a gross generalization, Women tend to prefer a sweeter wine like a Demi-Sec, Extra-Brut, or Rose, whereas men tend to prefer a less sweet Brut or Blanc de Blanc style. Saying that, I know many women who love Brut or Blanc de Blanc.
My biggest bug-bear in this country, although I dislike the NV, Moët is pronounced "Mow-ett" NOT "mow-wee".
If NV, my favorites are with others, the Billecart-Salmon is a great wine, Taittinger (note the extra 'i') is also exceptional and my top choice. People (ladies) go nuts over Verve Cliquot but I find it too sweet. Moët NV is rubbish IMO.
Unfortunately the price of champagne in this country prohibit everyday consumption for most, so I make a point of spending some time in France every year to make up for that
My tip : learn about what champagne really is, where its from, and what's in it. Champagne in French refers to the chalky soil in which the vines are grown, and is specific to that appellation in France. Anything outside that are is not Champagne, though you may think it tastes just as good. I'm a purist. I don't touch Australian sparkling as I find it entirely underwhelming. A Champagne as we know it (Brut) is always Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. A Blanc de Blanc (white wine from white grapes) is 100% Chardonnay.
All this talk makes me want to return to Epernay/Reims
An excellent trip - even if just a quick day trip from Paris.Drink many and drink often (within moderation), and you will find your taste quickly. It doesn't have to be expensive. When you are out, don't be afraid to try something by the glass if you don't want to commit to a full bottle. Then when you find one, like most things, it's cheaper by the dozen!
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