Bonjour Bon Vivants! Today we are here to talk about the bubbly stuff — champagne.
You may be more inclined to buy the familiar labels, the ones that suggest a fine effervescence at a reasonable cost. The orange label is synonymous, perhaps, with affordable luxury. We are here to dispel that thought — to let you know that artisanal champagnes are what the true champagne experience is really all about.
Passion vs. Popularity
The Moets and Veuves may be flying off the shelves, yet these affordable luxuries can hold no cork compared to the boutique blends. The larger labels can produce millions of cases a year, using grapes from hundreds of vineyards throughout the Champagne region. The boutique houses, however, rarely make more than 5,000 cases a year. As a result the artisanal champagnes are superior, with much more discerning tastes.
A Local Champagne Connoisseur
Southport’s Ruth Franz, who headed the marketing departments of several wine and spirit brands, experienced a champagne ephiphany on a business trip to Paris. It was there, when she had her first sip of boutique champagne, that she became hooked. Ruth founded Henri’s Reserve to share all that she learned with the people back home.
Ruth learned that champagnes, like wines, differ from region to region and vineyard to vineyard. She learned that while the larger houses have a consistent “style,” they lack the thrilling, original characteristics of the estate grower. These effervescent wines stand out because of the painstaking care, passion and authenticity of small, family-owned houses. These bubbly beverages come from the finest vineyards. The Artistry of these makers is distinctive, individual, and incomparable. There is a varied range of Champagne styles, and most of these are very affordable!
Ruth explains that “the boutiques are the new darlings of the sommeliers and wine critics because of the passion and authenticity of the small, family owned champagne houses. The artistry of the winemaker stands out.” Each Champagne is uniquely individual due to the legacy, craft and philosophy of each wine maker. No two are quite the same.
Boutique champagnes have an incredible variety of flavors, textures and complexities. They are floral, fruity, spicy and intense. They are toasty and mineral driven. These nuances are lost in the larger labels. The nuances of the boutiques champagnes are much more prevalent than those found in the so-called more popular varieties.
Ruth is a firm believer that champagne should be enjoyed all the time and not saved for special occasions. “Champagne is so misunderstood.” Many people do not realize that champagne is wine and therefore why is it only served at celebrations? Why is it served as an aperitif before a meal, but never with a meal when it goes so well with food?
The next time you want a glass of champagne; don’t wait for a special occasion. Serve it at your next luncheon, brunch or dinner party. Or do as the Europeans do and enjoy it après ski, at book club, on date night, between the sheets, at polo or croquet, on lazy summer afternoons, while out sailing, with take-out (Chinese, Indian, Sushi, Thai) at your Holiday dinner, on Valentine's Day or whenever your party needs a pick-me-up. In other words, drink it in whenever, wherever. Let go of your preconceptions about champagne and enjoy it.
Do stop by and visit Henri’s Reserve for a much more in depth and entertaining champagne education.
Henri's Reserve
34 Southport Place
Southport, CT 06890