The real party champagne: from Ruinarts blanc de blancs to a vintage Dom Perignon
While both Dom Perignon and Ruinart are esteemed champagne brands, they possess distinct characteristics. Dom Perignon, owned by the renowned Moet & Chandon Champagne, is a pinnacle of luxury, renowned for its intricate flavours and elegant effervescence. As part of the LVMH company, they prioritize pure opulence. Dom Perignon stands as a prestigious vintage champagne, aged for a minimum of 8 years and crafted from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Contrastingly, Ruinart represents an exclusive champagne house known for its emphasis on Chardonnay grapes rather than blends. As one of the oldest champagne houses, Ruinart has earned a reputation for producing champagnes with a delicate and refined taste.
What is the reason behind champagne's association with luxury?
Champagne has long held a prestigious status, synonymous with opulence and exclusive gatherings like weddings and New Year's Eve celebrations. Several factors contribute to this association.
Firstly, the production process of Champagne is arduous and time-intensive, rendering it more costly compared to other wines. This laborious method adds to its perceived value and exclusivity.
Secondly, Champagne boasts a rich historical connection with royalty and the upper echelons of society. Throughout Europe's history, the aristocracy and royalty indulged in Champagne, elevating it as a symbol of affluence and social standing. This historical association further enhances its reputation as a luxury indulgence.
Lastly, Champagne's effervescence and distinctive flavor profile create a jubilant and festive drinking experience, contributing to its widespread adoption for special occasions. The lively bubbles and unique taste of Champagne are often described as exuberant and joyful, making it a popular choice to enhance celebratory moments.
The Exclusive Champagne Bottle: Ace of Spades
Armand de Brignac is a luxury champagne brand renowned for its exceptional quality and exclusivity. Notably, they craft their distinctiveness by expertly blending three grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. This meticulous selection contributes to their exclusivity and exceptional character. These grapes are carefully sourced from some of the Champagne region's finest vineyards to ensure excellence.
In addition to its exquisite content, Armand de Brignac boasts a unique bottle design known as the Ace of Spades, which sets it apart. Larger than the standard champagne bottle, this distinctive packaging serves as one of their distinguishing features.
Furthermore, the Ace of Spades champagne has gained immense popularity and achieved a celebrity status due to its appearances in music videos, movies, and notable events. This heightened exposure further adds to its allure and reputation as a luxury icon.
The one and only Pommery Champagne
Pommery Champagne distinguishes itself as a smaller, family-owned company. Among their renowned champagnes, three stand out: Pommery Brut Royal, Pommery Brut Rosé (a delightful pink champagne), and the exquisite Pommery Cuvée Louise. The latter represents their most premium offering, aged for over seven years to perfection. Pommery also presents visually captivating champagne bottles such as Pommery Blue Sky and Pommery Millésimé.
The Art and Caution of Sabering Champagne
Sabrage, an intriguing practice, involves opening a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine by striking its neck with a sword or another flat, sharp object. To execute this technique, hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle and strike the neck precisely where it meets the base of the cork using the blade. The forceful blow should result in the cork and the top of the bottle propelling off dramatically. However, it is crucial to exercise caution during sabering, as the cork and potential glass shards can pose a risk of injury.
