Why save one of the world's most famous and delicious wines for a celebratory event only? I mean, Winston Churchill drank Pol Roger morning, noon and night according to some accounts and he managed to steer a nation through a long and terrible conflict. "Well, he could afford it" one might argue and it would be a sound argument.
Of course I don't literally mean we should all drink Champagne every single day, because most of us simply don't have the extra income for such things. BUT.....many of us appreciate good wine and will spend over $40 on a bottle of Californian or Burgundian Chardonnay for example without considering the possibility of buying Champagne instead.
One very good reason it should be considered next time you go to Vendome, apart from the fact that it tastes so good is, is it's such a excellent and versatile food wine and pairs with many dishes, from nicoise or avocado and asparagus salad to linguini and clams or simply with oysters, a perennial classic.
Champagne possesses vibrant acidity which cuts through rich and fatty foods and surmounts high acid ingredients such as tomatoes or vinegars in salad dressing. There are also plenty of desserts it can pair with such as lemon shortcake or meyer curd tart to name but two.
Of course Champagne is synonymous with good times, congratulations and celebrations but I don't think one needs a special occasion to open and enjoy a bottle. Perhaps all that is needed is some good food and good company. Hopefully you get that on a regular basis.
A votre sante!
Graham Roby
A.K.A. The Bubbly Brit
