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demand in the transcontinental country as well . Her breakthrough in manufacturing remained a secret for years , much to competing houses ’ chagrin .
While it has been a long time since the widow cracked the code and created a sparkling wine that people were clamoring to find , neither Champagne ’ s prominence nor its popularity has faded over the years . Hotel Bennett , Salamander ’ s luxury hotel on King Street in Charleston , South Carolina , boasts an elegant , pink-hued bar named Camellias , perfect for a light bite in between meals or a slice of the signature cake after a night out . It serves numerous bottled and by-the-glass Champagnes and cocktails and the bar offers luxury with an approachable feel . Camellias has an extensive list of entrylevel bubbles to the high-end grower Champagnes .
Camille James , the lead bartender in Camellias , was inspired by the bar ’ s floral namesake in the creation of its signature drink , the “ Pink Perfection .” She started by producing a light and refreshing prickly pear puree with just the right amount of sweetness , paired with the hotel ’ s locally distilled vodka . St . Germain adds the perfect light and airy notes of elderflower and the drink is topped with high quality Champagne ’ s effervescence and colorful edible flowers , capturing the delicate style of Camellias perfectly .
In addition to creative new ways to enjoy Champagne , part of the beverage ’ s current appeal is due to a resurgence in trends of the past . “ Vintage in Champagne is back , just like it happens in fashion ,” says Jose Curci , resort manager at Salamander Middleburg , in Virginia . “ Beverages follow trends just like culture .” The resort changed its glassware to
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maximize the flavor of the sparkling wine ; instead of more familiar flutes , it drew on the education from Champagne growers and now uses 1950s-style coupe glasses . The shape of the glass allows for the aroma of the sparkling wine to develop further , bringing out the true flavor while also reducing interference from the bubbles .
Salamander Middleburg mirrors its locally sourced food movement with its choice in sparkling wine , Greenhill Winery ’ s blanc de blancs . Made exclusively from white grapes with flavors of crisp green apple , pear , lychee and minerals , the blend is created just a few miles down the road in Northern Virginia ’ s wine country . It ’ s even included in the rooms ’ minibars , for guests to access easily .
Champagne differs from other sparkling wines such as Italian proseccos and Spanish cava based on the region in which it is produced . In order for a beverage to be true Champagne — a designation granted by the Comité Interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne , an organization associated with the French government that is responsible for protecting the name and reputation of the term — it must be grown only in the Champagne province in northern France , in the chalky limestone subsoil that keeps the vines watered throughout the year . The area ’ s harsh , wet climate gives the wine unique characteristics , though the traits still vary from house to house .
Joyful occasions , formal or casual , are all more jubilant with Champagne . Whether picking a certified Champagne or enjoying a crafted sparkling wine , the ritual of popping the cork and sharing a toast makes any event seem more noteworthy .
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YOU WANNA PEACH OF ME Noelle Verrusio shares the recipe for this fan-favorite drink served inside Camellias , the Hotel Bennett ’ s signature champagne bar . The cocktail is loosely based on an Aperol Spritz , a summer classic . Once known as an “ Italian sunset in a glass ”, the hotel ’ s version might be more akin to a southern summer sunset served in a swanky spot .
2oz fresh peach puree 2oz Aperol 1 / 2oz fresh squeezed lemon juice 3oz champagne
Start by carefully filling a wine glass with crushed ice , and carefully layer the peach puree , Aperol , and lemon . Champagne is poured slowly over the top , and the drink is carefully stirred to incorporate all the flavors . Garnish with a hefty slice of orange and a few edible flowers and you ’ ve got a peach of drink you won ’ t soon forget .
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SALAMANDER 2023 I 23 |