Santa Barbara Wine Tasting

No matter which part of the civilized world you may live in, you’ve undoubtedly heard of the world’s most storied wine: Champagne. The name has been synonymous with greatness, achievement and quality down through the ages, ever since monk and cellar master Dom Perignon first starting bottling it in the 17th Century.

Champagne is generally used to celebrate special events such as a major milestone, a victory of some sort, and to toast the bride and groom on their wedding day. It can be enjoyed as an aperitif, served with the main dish or desert. This distinctive sparkling wine has been an integral component of sports celebrations since Moet et Chandon, the famed France winery, began providing their Champagne to celebrate the winners of Method 1 Grand Prix events. The whispering sound created when opening a bottle of Champagne is called “le soupir amoureux” or “loving whisper”. A single-edged sword, termed a “sabre” has been used in quite a few events to open Champagne bottles with impressive ceremony.It also has a special name: “sabrage”. The expression is also used for simply breaking off the top of the bottle.

Developed in the historic province in the northeast of France, the wine takes its name from the region in which it is made, situated about one hundred miles east of Paris. The unique quality of this sparkling wine has driven legislations to protect its identity and distinguish it from the feeble imitations that in the past cavalierly appropriated the noble name, “Champagne.” The name itself actually means “open country,” and is of course prominently imprinted on the label of all Genuine French Champagne. The name “Champagne” is strictly protected by law to ensure the top quality and style that distinguishes it from all other sparkling wines.

Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay are the three different grapes used to make Champagne. Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are classified as “dark grapes”, while Chardonnay is classified as a “bright white grape”. The wine is produced by inducing the in-bottle secondary fermentation to create carbonation. In the secondary fermentation, it is bottled with a blend of yeast and fresh glucose known as “liqueur de triage”. As carbon dioxide is created as a byproduct of fermentation, the the wine is made “bubbly”.

The variety of the Champagne and degree of sweetness is indicated on the label. Some Champagnes are a blend of a variety of grapes and vintages, creating an aesthetically pleasingly complex taste. “Blanc de noirs” is a France expression meaning “white of blacks”. It is a white colored Champagne made exclusively from the dark grapes.

Champagne is considered a “sparkling” wine that is hailed for the duration of special occasions or celebrations of achievements. Though considered a type of sparkling wine, Champagne is distinct from all other sparkling wines due to its exceptionally high quality and appraisal. Most Champagne houses make both vintage and non-vintage versions of their wares, but vintage Champagnes are only produced in the most favorable years.

Discover the best brands of the best wine in the world: champagne de prestige – champagne pas cher – champagne grand cru

Speaking of great wine, Santa Barbara County is another fantastic wine making region. If you’re interested in going on a wine tasting tour in the Santa Barbara Wine Country, click on the Santa Barbara Wine Tasting link to visit our home page.