Is Champagne Only for Celebrations?
- Posted on
- By David Samples
Question: Is Champagne only for celebrations?
Answer: No
Is Champagne Only for Celebrations?
Question: Is Champagne only for celebrations?
Answer: No
Many in the wine industry lament the perception that Champagne is for special occasions only. The truth, however, is that it’s meant to be enjoyed as an everyday wine under ordinary circumstances. Obviously worthy of extraordinary moments, Champagne is equally worthy of ordinary daily meals or a gathering with friends.
Champagne is extremely food friendly. “Champagne and other sparkling wines deserve a spot at the dinner table all year long. Most sparklers are characterized by vibrant acidity which help them cut through spicy meals, complement savory food, and elevate the simplest of dishes.” (Cypress 2016) Consider a Champagne with eggs benedict, frittatas, or smoked salmon at brunch. Other meals such as fried chicken, fish, sushi, and spicy Asian dishes beckon for Champagne. And Champagne elevates even simple charcuterie and soft cheeses.
We might consider patterning ourselves after the people who live in Champagne, France. “The Champenois enjoy Champagne just like any other wine. Over here, if you have friends over, you open that bottle of bubbly that’s already chilled. You can’t imagine serving anything else when you're entertaining or having an aperitif.” (Leminski 2024)
The elephant in the room is the price. It’s difficult to find a quality Champagne under $60 a bottle. More value and more interesting expressions can be found in grower Champagne, but these options aren’t inexpensive either. And that’s where other types of sparkling wine come into play.
A great alternative to Champagne is Crémant. “Crémant has the unique distinction of being both deeply appreciated by many wine professionals, yet stubbornly under the radar among most consumers.” (Freedman 2022) Basically, a Crémant is a French sparkling wine that comes from a region outside Champagne, but is made using the same methods of Champagne. Though it tends to be less expensive than Champagne, they are some of the best sparkling wines in the world.
One of my personal favorites is Albert Mann Crémant d’Alsace Extra Brut which costs $42 a bottle. Made of Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, and Riesling, it never disappoints with aromas and flavors of apple, peach, and brioche. And there are many other great examples at lower price points.
Additional affordable alternatives to Champagne include Cava, Prosecco, and Franciacorta. Raventos and Llopart rank among the favorites and can be purchased for $29 a bottle. If you want to try a quality Prosecco, I recommend looking for Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore on the label.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene is a hilly region in northeast Italy where outstanding Prosecco is made. One fine example is Bisol Jeio Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG which delivers exotic fruits enveloped in a creamy texture and costs $23 a bottle. Its big brother shows even greater complexity and costs only $30 a bottle.
Sparkling wine is for more than special occasions. It can be paired with an array of foods and is the perfect accompaniment to any social occasion. And because complex and thoroughly enjoyable sparkling wines can be found at many prices, they deserve a place alongside any ordinary wine purchase.
References
Cypress, Alicia. (2016, September 30). A Growing Champagne Trend Is Uncorking More Ways to Celebrate. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/09/30/495634854/a-growing-
champagne-trend-is-uncorking-more-ways-to-celebrate
Freedman, Brian. (2022, September 13). Why Crémant is the Unsung Hero of French Sparkling Wine. https://www.foodandwine.com/wine/cremant-guide
Leminski, Danika. (2024, August 9). In Champagne, Locals Aren’t Popping Bottles or Toasting with Flutes. https://www.foodandwine.com/drink-champagne-like-a-champenois-8690469