12/21/2023
16 champagnes and sparkling wines for your summer celebrations https://top.neotrends.today/p1GUdv
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The difference between champagne and sparkling wine, and 16 of the best to try
According to a professional.
By Dani Maher
Marilyn Monroe and Tom Ewell in Seven Year Itch | 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS
WHETHER IT’S ENJOYED in a coupe or a flute; at a wedding or a casual drinks catch-up; in summer or in winter; a glass of bubbles never goes astray. “I only drink champagne on two occasions,” Coco Chanel allegedly said: “When I am in love and when I am not.”
Sparkling may be one of the most versatile wine varieties on the market, with its complexity reaching deeper than a first glance may assume. And of course there’s the hefty debate between what can be classed as champagne and what is simply sparkling wine, and what the true difference between the two really is — so we turned to an expert to answer all our questions. Read on for everything you need to know about sparkling wine and champagne, including the best international and Australian variations to try.
What is the difference between champagne and sparkling wine?
If you’re unsure as to the real reason why some bottles of bubbly are referred to as champagne and others simply as sparkling wine, it comes down to the region in which the wine was produced, with “strict labelling laws” defining the two.
“Firstly, champagne is sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wines are champagne, as sparkling wine can only be called champagne if it comes from the famous wine region of Champagne France,” explains Dean O’Reilly, a champagne expert and Business Development Manager of Champagne for Moët Hennessy Australia.
“What makes champagne production unique in the large landscape of other sparkling wines is a longer conversation, but three major factors are the incredible wine region with its white chalk soils and mix of grape varieties, the craftsmanship into blending the different production styles, and the ‘bottle fermentation method’ for producing the fizz with the long maceration/ageing time required for each bottle produced,” he continues.
Champagne is SPARKLING WINE, but not ALL sparkling wines are CHAMPAGNE
Isabella Manfredi for G.H. Mumm’s Sydney Opera House 50th Anniversary Special Edition | DANIEL BOUD
Related: Best Australian red wines to gift or enjoy
Best champagnes to buy in 2023
1
V***E CLICQUOT Yellow Label Brut NV 750ml
1
FULL-BODIED, CRISP AND DRY CHAMPAGNE
V***E CLICQUOT Yellow Label Brut NV 750ml
Liquorland
$85
One of the most recognisable and adored champagnes around the world, V***e Clicquot’s Brut Non-Vintage is a perfectly luxe choice. Thanks to its careful combination of Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay grape varieties — and three years minimum ageing — it has a full body and a crisp, dry finish perfect for any special occasion.
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2
PIPER-HEIDSIECK Brut NV Champagne 750ml
2
LIGHT-BODIED AND DRY CHAMPAGNE
PIPER-HEIDSIECK Brut NV Champagne 750ml
Vintage Cellars
$65
One of the greatest value-for-money authentic champagnes available, Piper-Heidsieck offers surprising depth. Created by Regis Camus, eight time winner of ‘Sparkling Winemaker of the Year’ at the international Wine Challenge, it’s a clean, crisp, and light champagne that will never fail to impress.
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3
MOËT & CHANDON Brut NV Champagne 750ml
3
CRISP AND DRY CHAMPAGNE
MOËT & CHANDON Brut NV Champagne 750ml
First Choice Liquor
$60
A bottle of Moët will always impress. The champagne of choice for many, their Brut Imperial is an elegant balance of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes. Crisp and dry, it has notes of pears, citrus, and apple, making it a refreshing drop for any celebration.
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4
G.H. MUMM Cordon Rouge NV Champagne 750ml
4
FINE BEAD CHAMPAGNE
G.H. MUMM Cordon Rouge NV Champagne 750ml
Vintage Cellars
$70
Distinctively recognisable thanks to its cordon rouge or ‘red ribbon’ label, this champagne from G.H. Mumm has a fine bead — which, in non-connoisseur speak, means fine bubbles that create a smoother drinking experience. With hints of apple and citrus, year after year it is remarkably reliable and offers great value for money.
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5
BOLLINGER Special Cuvee Brut NV Champagne 750ml
5
COMPLEX AND VELVETY CHAMPAGNE
BOLLINGER Special Cuvee Brut NV Champagne 750ml
Vintage Cellars
$105
A special champagne designed to be shared with loved ones, Bollinger’s Special Cuvée has an aromatic complexity of ripe fruit and spicy aromas with hints of roasted apple, apple compote, and peaches. Velvety bubbles make for a luxurious drinking experience, and a subtle combination of structure, length and vivacity make it a truly special drop.
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6
DOM PÉRIGNON Brut Vintage 2012 with Gift Box 750ml
6
MEDIUM-BODIED, DRY, ULTRA-LUXE CHAMPAGNE
DOM PÉRIGNON Brut Vintage 2012 with Gift Box 750ml
Liquorland
$400
It doesn’t get more luxurious than a bottle of Dom. Perhaps the most famous champagne in the world, its price tag reflects its truly luxe quality — one to be treasured and enjoyed on the most special occasions. A sparkling bouquet of delicate fresh violets begins the experience, with the most delicate bubbles making it a delight to drink. Delicate yet complex, it lasts beautifully on the palate.
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7
PERRIER-JOUËT Blanc de Blancs 750ml
7
INVIGORATING BLANC DE BLANCS CHAMPAGNE
PERRIER-JOUËT Blanc de Blancs 750ml
Vintage Cellars
$140
Blanc de Blancs is a type of champagne produced entirely from white grapes — and Perrier-Jouët’s is a beautifully vivacious offering. Fresh, tangy and invigorating, with a mineral intensity on the finish, it’s a vibrant champagne to enjoy at any time.
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8
BILLECART-SALMON Brut Rosé NV Champagne 750ml
8
SMOOTH AND ELEGANT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE
BILLECART-SALMON Brut Rosé NV Champagne 750ml
Vintage Cellars
$168
If you haven’t tried a rosé champagne, this is the one to make your first. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier; it has a long, smooth and delicate palate. The finish is fresh with a hint of raspberry — beautifully romantic and refreshing.
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9
BOLLINGER R.D. 2008
9
LIVELY AND EXCEPTIONALLY COMPLEX
BOLLINGER R.D. 2008
Bollinger
$550
Composed of 71 per cent pinot noir and 29 per cent chardonnay, this 2008 vintage from Bollinger is a very special drop. Fermented entirely in oak barrels, the golden champagne offers aromas of marzipan, honey and bergamot. It has a rich mousse on the palate, with nots of acacia honey and hazelnuts followed by a variety of dried fruit scents. The complex champagne is hand-disgorged (disgorging being the act of removing the sediment after fermentation), for a truly unique drinking experience.
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10
G.H. MUMM Sydney Opera House 50th Anniversary Special Edition
10
SPECIAL EDITION BRUT
G.H. MUMM Sydney Opera House 50th Anniversary Special Edition
VNTNR
$75
In honour of the Sydney Opera House’s 50th anniversary, its official champagne partner G.H. Mumm have created the perfect tribute with this special edition of its Cordon Rouge. It comes in a gorgeous commemorative gift tin that pays homage to five decades of artistic innovation at the Opera House, allowing you to celebrate from home and toast to its continuing cultural significance.
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11
MOËT & CHANDON Tale of Light Trilogy Grand Vintage Collection 2015
11
ROBUST AND SLEEK
MOËT & CHANDON Tale of Light Trilogy Grand Vintage Collection 2015
Vintage Cellars
$140
In a celebration of luminescence, Moët & Chandon’s Cellar Master Benoît Gouez has unveiled three grand vintage champagnes as a trilogy: Grant Vintage Collections 2015, 2006 and 1999. The bottles speak to independent maturation periods with a common thread of particularly luminous summers to shape their flavours. The 2015 vintage, which is now available to purchase, anchors the collection — and is nicknamed “Luminous Morning” for the sun that contributed to its tender, ripe and sweet profile and quality. Truly dedicated connoisseurs can register their interest here to experience the trilogy of champagnes, and to be the first to know when the full Trilogy will be available to purchase — in a collectable wooden case, of course.
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Best Australian sparkling wines to buy in 2023
12
JANSZ Premium Cuvée Non Vintage Sparkling 750ml
12
CREAMY, FRUITY TASMANIAN SPARKLING WINE
JANSZ Premium Cuvée Non Vintage Sparkling 750ml
First Choice Liquor
$27 (RRP$30)
Hailing from Tasmania, this affordable sparkling wine is among the best in Australia. Honeysuckle and citrus scents join aromas of nougat, roasted nuts and a hint of strawberry on the nose; while on the palate, delicate fruits and creaminess fill the mouth.
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13
HOUSE OF ARRAS Brut Elite Sparkling NV 750mL
13
RICH AND BALANCED TASMANIAN SPARKLING WINE
HOUSE OF ARRAS Brut Elite Sparkling NV 750mL
Vintage Cellars
$55
Also from Tasmania, House of Arras’ Brut Elite has a brilliant clarity and ultra-fine, persistent bead. A rich and generous palate brings together flavours of lychee, glacé cherry, and truffle oil; and the perfect balance of dosage, acidity and structural tannins make for a remarkably elegant drinking experience.
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14
GRANT BURGE Sparkling Petite Bubble 750ML
14
BAROSSA VALLEY SOFT SPARKLING WINE
GRANT BURGE Sparkling Petite Bubble 750ML
Catch
$21.99
From the Barossa Valley’s Grant Burge winery, this sparkling wine is delicately crafted with beautifully fine bubbles. A subtle flavour and aroma makes for a refreshing drinking experience, with a hint of bouquet from the classic blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
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15
Croser NV 750mL
15
ADELAIDE HILLS CHARDONNAY
Croser NV 750mL
Vintage Cellars
$30
A blend of Croser’s current vintage with reserve wine from several older stores, this sparkling from the picturesque Adelaide Hills wine region showcases a showcase a rich, full blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
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16
PERSONALISED TRILOGY GRAND VINTAGE 2002, 2009, 2009 ROSÉ
16
THE TRILOGY
PERSONALISED TRILOGY GRAND VINTAGE 2002, 2009, 2009 ROSÉ
Moët & Chandon
$550
Celebrating maturity and freshness, this trilogy is sure to make for a perfect gift or collection keepsake. Heroed by Moët & Chandon’s 2002 Chardonnay, which stands with a smooth, solid and deliberate palate, and supported by the Blanc and Rosé 2009 Grand Vintage, this trio is as sophisticated in taste as it is in its look.
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What should you look for when buying a champagne or sparkling wine?
O’Reilly admits that there are plenty of factors that can be considered, but it is “always best to start with a purchase price in mind”. The next consideration, in his opinion, is the occasion.
“Champagne is the universal language for celebration and is the perfect complement to share with our happiest moments — especially Magnums,” he notes. “Champagne Rosé is perfect with food pairing and can be the star in many dining environments, as can sparkling wines as they are typically more affordable and offer brilliant aperitif drinking.”
Related: Best non-alcoholic wines, beers and spirits to enjoy
What are the different styles of champagne?
Within the umbrella of champagne, there are different varieties and labelling terms you may come across — for instance, you may see many labelled brut.
“Brut is a term on the champagne label to declare the wine dry in taste. The term extra brut means ‘extra dry’ verses the term sec or demi-sec which means sweet,” O’Reilly explains. “All the styles have their place, particularly when matched with food. For example, extra brut champagne and Sydney rock oysters or a demi-sec champagne with a baked pear mille feuille are all life changing champagne & food experiences.”
Where do the best sparkling wines in Australia come from?
In the culture of winemaking, terroir — the environmental factors which influence the character of a wine — is everything. Thus, according to O’Reilly, there are specific regions in Australia which are better suited to the creation of quality sparkling wines.
“High quality champagne and sparkling wines all have the one common thread, which is a high-quality grape resource,” he explains. “Champagne is a very cool climate area for wine production, and so are the best Australian regions. The key factor to cool climate viticulture is the long, slow grape ripening conditions that allow the fresh zippy acid retention that gives sparkling wine it’s refreshing aftertaste.”
“Cool climate Victoria, Tasmania and the Adelaide Hills are the perfect regions to explore.”
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How do you serve and drink champagne?
Though it can be something of a divisive question, with a plethora of answers, O’Reilly believes in a few core tenets of champagne enjoyment — related to the temperature, the glassware, and the foods with which they can be paired.
“Firstly, you must always drink champagne and sparkling wines chilled — not ice-cold as to harm your teeth, but ideally 10 degrees is the optimal temperature for all styles of sparkling,” he begins.
On the subject of glassware, O’Reilly notes that the classic long-stem flute may be elegant and ideal for social occasions, “but the small diameter of the flute doesn’t allow all the ‘wine’ complexity to meet the consumer”.
“A trend towards larger wine bowls made for grape varieties like riesling, chardonnay and pinot noir are now more commonly embraced by consumers and connoisseurs (particularly in at home consumption),” he continues. “These larger glasses allow more room for the deeper complexities in sparkling wine to emerge and display the true craftsmanship.”
And finally, when it comes to food pairing, he believes that there are plenty of options beyond canapés and seafood.
“The naturally high acidity allows for the wine to clean the palate of bold flavour like French fries (with aioli) or fried chicken, but also can work beautifully with delicate raw seafood like oysters and sashimi,” he says. “The rosé style has more power and weight (because of the red wine inclusion) and can match heavy dishes of confit or roast duck, or even Wagyu steak with reduction sauces.”
Is champagne a good birthday gift?
When in doubt, champagne always makes for a great birthday gift — as O’Reilly said, it’s the “universal language for celebration”. In fact, Moët & Chandon now ofter an exclusive birthday gifting service, which allows you to personalise a bottle of their iconic bubbles with a customised birthday message. And if you really want to go all out, the luxe birthday party delivery features a personalised bottle alongside branded glassware, a birthday cake, and balloons — hand-delivered by Moët’s champagne concierge. Find out more here.
The post 16 champagnes and sparkling wines for your summer celebrations appeared first on Harper's Bazaar Australia.
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16 champagnes and sparkling wines for your summer celebrations Published: Thu 21 December 2023 By Sator Tenet Harpers Bazaar In Fashion. tags: US World Fashion googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1 The difference between champagne and sparkling wine, and 16 of the best to t...
