CHAMPAGNE CONNOISSEUR by Simon Parkinson
Champagne … Through the eyes of an Englishman in West Kirby !
“ Come quickly , I ’ m drinking the stars !” - Dom Pérignon may have never actually uttered those immortal words , but every sip of Champagne is as mystical and wonderful from the first glass to the last , and that quote sums up the experience poetically .
In fact , Dom Pérignon , contrary to popular belief , did not invent / create / stumble across Champagne . His part in its history is not inconsiderable , but we the British have something to shout about , we have made several important contributions to the development of Champagne over the years .
Christopher Merret , an English Physician and Scientist made observations on the addition of sugar to wine and the resulting secondary fermentation ( the process by which champagne gets its bubbles ) almost 50 years before Dom Pérignon used that method . Merret ’ s observations lead to a greater understanding of how sparkling wines behave and how best to refine them . Merret made an even more important contribution some years later , together with Sir Robert Mansell , they were able to perfect the production of glass bottles that would be strong enough to withstand the pressure exerted on it by sparkling wines , something the French were unable to achieve , and in fact , still use the British design today .
Perrier-Jouët , in an attempt to make his Champagne more popular in Britain , didn ’ t add any sugar to his 1848 vintage , instead labelling it as ‘ Brut ’, a style that proved be so popular it is still produced today and for most producers is their ‘ House ’ style . Our scientists , our glass producers and our palates all influenced Champagne in to the drink it is today .
Bollinger NV Brut
Bollinger is the very epitome of fine Champagne for me , it has elegance yet power , its enjoyable and always leaves you wanting more . Champagne houses use 3 different grapes to achieve there desired style , 2 of these varieties , Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier , are red with the white grape Chardonnay being the third . Each grape brings a unique characteristic to the wine , Bollinger ' s famously rich style its all down to its blend of Pinot Noir ( 60 %) with Chardonnay coming in at 25 % and Pinot Meunier 15 %, it is the Pinot Noir that gives this champagne its beautiful richness , providing a wonderful spice on the nose . The palate is full of brioche and subtle hints of apple and pear . Served as an aperitif with canapés of cheese or smoked salmon , this Champagne screams class and sophistication .
Deutz Blanc de Blanc 2008
Blanc de Blanc is a style of champagne that only uses white grapes and is therefore 100 % Chardonnay . It is also a vintage Champagne as denoted by the year meaning it is made up of a single years harvest . Vintage Champagnes are made to age , they age very well and can command a much higher price than their none vintage alternatives . This champagne has a wonderful mouth feel , there are biscuity notes and a lovely fresh citrus acidity , this is really good value champagne and it will age very well .
22 28 wirrallife . com