Champagne occupies a very special place in the hearts of people around the globe. It is used to celebrate anything of importance, and some would say the mere mention of the word ‘Champagne’ is enough to lift the spirits of folks of all ages and in all walks of life. There are of course many other sparkling wines that try to emulate the effects and taste of this globally famous French drink, but few, if honesty is brought to bear, really match it.
As a gift, it is hard to be bettered. Champagne remains one of the most expensive drinks you can buy – and this fact alone makes any recipient feel very special indeed. This Gallic favourite is an event from start to finish. As soon as the elaborate bottle is brought out, gasps of delight are sure to be heard soon after, drawing smiles from young and old before the familiar ‘pop’ is heard.
But the when the pop is heard, the fun really begins. Some would say that the moment the bubbly starts shooting from the neck of the bottle in a frothy white spume is a little too connected to Freudian symbology, but whatever subconscious thoughts it sparks in the drinker, the whole process fills everyone with joy.
Then there is the process of managing to get most of the drink into glasses rather than on the floor. This is a difficult thing to do, but one that often brings a great deal of hilarity too. Bubbles, bubbles everywhere – but not a drop to drink? Hopefully this is not the case, given the very special price tag that comes along with this very special drink.
And it comes from France, of course, the nation that holds the good life up as being one of the most important aspects to living on Earth. Good wine, good food, pleasant surroundings. It is these things that are somehow embodied in Champagne – now drunk not only by the fun loving French but by British, Americans, Australians, Germans and any other country you care to mention.
Because of the thousands of tiny bubbles you find in Champagne, the alcohol hits your system very quickly, which is why, perhaps, when people see a champagne bottle – there is a period of fun that everyone knows will last a fairly long time. You have to be careful though, as Champagne can make you feel drunk very quickly and if you’re not used to drinking it, it can come as quite a surprise.
From sports stars to pop stars to films stars – all the way along to normal people celebrating special occasions, Champagne remains an instantly recognisable way to add a special shine to parties of all kinds. The grapes used in the production of this famous drink are mainly the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. It is normal for countries that produce comparable sparkling wine to disallow the word Champagne from being used on bottles – although given the power of the word, some do try.
