Sparkling Celebrations begin with Bubbles!

Is there anything more romantic than a glass of sparkling wine raised to
toast a glowing bride and groom? Tiny bubbles elegantly cascading up the
side of a flute, heartwarming sentiments being expressed by loved ones and
the delicate clink of crystal say celebration like nothing else.

However, selecting the right bubbly for your wedding can be quite
overwhelming and daunting. A trip to Martin Wine Cellar can make shopping
for bubbly a sparkling experience. First it?s important to understand the
basics of Champagne.

While the term Champagne is often used in a generic sense, true Champagne
must be produced from grapes grown in Champagne, France, which is 90 miles
northeast of Paris. Bubbly produced any where else is in fact sparkling
wine and can not legally be labeled Champagne. Sparkling wines are made in
many countries including Italy, the United States, Australia, Spain, South
America among others.

While a true Champagne must come from Champagne, France, many sparkling
wines are made in the same manner of Champagne which is stated on the label
as ?methode champenoise.?  Look for this when selecting a sparkling wine as
they are most often sparkling wines of better quality.

Champagne begins its life the same was wine does with pressing of the
grapes, storage of the juice in tanks (usually stainless steel), racking to
remove sediment, blending then bottling. But, unlike still wine, Champagne
undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle, which gives the wine its
effervescent, bubbly character.

All Champagne uses three grapes, which can be done in combination or
exclusively from one grape. Chardonnay is the white grape used, while Pinot
Noir and Pinot Meunier are the two red grapes. A wine made from 100%
Chardonnay is called a ?blanc de blancs? while a wine made from all red
grapes is labeled ?blanc de noirs?. Typically a ?blanc de blancs? has a
light, fresh, fruity character while a ?blanc de noirs? is full-bodied,
rich and round.

?Non-vintage? Champagne is blended every year to show a consistent house
style and by law must be aged for a minimum of one year in bottle. Most
non-vintage Champagne is a blend of two or three different vintages.

A ?vintage? Champagne is a blend of wines from one single year, which will
be clearly marked on the label. These are finer, older, more expensive and
will also be influenced by that years harvest. Only great years are
declared vintage years, therefore ?vintage? Champagne will not be produced
every year. By law they cannot be sold until three years after harvest,
however the top producers prefer to give them at least five years in
bottle.

The top of the line Champagne made by each house is called their ?tete de
cuvee.? Moet & Chandon was the first to produce a deluxe Champagne when
they created Dom Perignon in 1921. Made from the finest wines from the best
years, most upscale houses make this prestigious bubbly that is usually
very expensive and sold in an ornate bottle.

Rosé Champagnes posses a beautiful pale pink color and although many think
they are sweet they are in fact quite crisp and dry. A ?rose? can be made
by either adding a touch of red wine or by the traditional method in which
red grape skins are left in contact with the juice for a day or two giving
the juice its lovely pint tint.

Martin Wine Cellar has been your wine and food expert for over 55 years and
has a knowledge, friendly staff to help you select the perfect bubbly for
your perfect day.

A few top brands to consider are Gruet a delicious and affordable sparkling
from New Mexico, Pierre Sparr Marquis de Perlade, a rich, creamy bubbly
made in Alsace, France and Roederer Estate from California which is created
by the makers of the renowned Roederer Cristal,

Cheers!