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It is said that Champagne breakfasts were invented by Russian Nobles visiting France, who would party all night with the bubbly and wake up in the morning still wanting more.

Around the world, Champagne is the drink of celebration; to be splashed about in glitzy events or popped on behalf of life’s headiest victories. For the French, though, Champagne represents something else entirely. Champagne is the ultimate aperitif to excite the taste buds served by the wealthy and the middle class alike before guests sit down at the table. “There is a caste system in France.” says Jerome Philippon of Sommelier Selection, “It is tolerated because it helps preserve parts of our culture” he continued “obviously the more elite champagnes only really grace the glasses of the society’s upper crust, but serving Champagne or sparkling wine as a pre-meal libation cuts across all social classes, whether you are in weekending in a country house or in a small apartment in Paris.” “The good news is that many of France’s more reasonable Champagnes are truly excellent. You just need to know where to look” said Mr. Philippon.

Origin Unknown
The origin of the Champagne method is under debate between Russia and France, there is little argument that France perfected the art. The unique process introduces double fermentation: one to make wine, the other to make bubbles.

A Good-Time Bomb
At first the making of Champagne was quite hazardous, since it was made in standard wine bottles, which could barely contain the bubble gasses. There were numerous incidents of bottles literally exploding and setting off a chain reaction with other bottles in the cellar, often leading to injury and death for the unfortunates who were there at the time. It wasn’t until the invention of the thick, heavy-weight bottles that are now the hallmark of bubbly wine that Champagne became relatively safe.

Only in Champagne
Perhaps because it is considered the utmost drink, there has been a worldwide struggle for control of the word Champagne. Most of the wine growing world wanted Champagne to be only the description of the fermentation method to make wine bubbly, thus allowing other parts of France and even other countries to call their sparkling wines by the same name as the original. In France, however, they have a system called Appellation of Origin, which says that the name Champagne reflects a more than just a process, but the unique interaction with between the grower, the climate, the grape and the land. This philosophy is known as terroir and is considered by many as the real secret to French culinary prowess. Since most other countries have no concept of terroir the battle for control ran for decades reaching finally in favor of upholding the Appellation of Origin in the early 1990’s.

The Champagne Character
The Champagne region of France is divided into two sub regions; north and south. The north is where many of the world famous champagne brands come from. The Southern region is where a large percentage of the grapes come from, but is also home to some very talented family vintners, known for the most part only to the French. What these two regions have in common is a unique limestone soil which flavors the 3 grape varietals (pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay) used in making Champagne. The result is a smooth almost chalky taste that sets it apart from mere sparkling wine grown elsewhere. Two of the main variations to keep in mind are the BRUT, which represents the amount of sugar left over from the fermentation process, and whether there is a specific year printed on the bottle. It is a common practice to blend champagnes in order to gain consistency, but champagne grown in an exceptional year may be bottled as itself with a more unique character (and a higher price)

Drappier
Drappier is a prime example of a modestly priced Champagnes from the southern part of the region that deliver exquisite taste. Since 1808 the Drappier family has used its expertise in choosing limestone parcels with perfect sun exposure for its Champagnes. The result is unique, expressive and authentic. Sommelier Selection will import 3 varieties for the Philippines to enjoy.

For that needed respite: Rose Brut Val des Demoiselles
After battling the pressures in the office and battling the bottleneck traffic along EDSA, nothing could be more revitalizing than stretching in the couch while drinking a cool glass of Rose Brut Val des Demoiselles. The “saignee” method used in creating this 100% Pinot noir ensures an intensely refreshing bouquet of raspberries, blackberries and blackcurrants. Most importantly, this champagne’s perfect balance of acidity and maturity is so sumptuous that to making it the ideal respite after a long day.

For those casual conversations: Carte d’Or Brut- Non Vintage
Aiming to talk about something other than the weather? The sumptuousness of this non-vintage champagne Carte d’Or Brut can loosen up even the most reticent of tongues in no time. The grapes which comprise this libation come from 12 different varieties of crus, imbuing its blend of pear, spice and vanilla with unparalleled complexity and balance. This champagne’s long, powerful finish of spicy hazelnut is also the perfect ending for those engaging casual conversations.

For those shared moments of laughter : Blanc de Blancs Signature Non-Vintage
Moments of laughter embody the shortest of distance between two people, and what better way to celebrate renewed closeness than a bottle of champagne? Blanc de Blancs Signature Non-Vintage balance of minerality and delicacy is happiness in a bottle—you only have to smell its fresh flowery aromas and taste its refreshing mélange of vanilla, hazelnut and lemon to experience it.

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To learn more about French Wines or to have a taste of unique and authentic French Wine selections visit Sommelier Selection or call Sommelier Selection at telephone number +6328404211 or Telefax +6328929928. Sommelier Selection is the best wine and Champagne supplier in Manila.