Also Known As

French Drink, Chianti, Madeira, Sparkling Wine.

Description

Champagne is a type of wine made by secondary alcoholic fermentation of wine leading to the process of carbonation. The bottle is corked and allowed to mature for at least 3 years for good results. Most champagne is a blend of 3 grapes namely Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, which are either white or the dark skinned red wine grapes. The level of sweetness depends on the dosage of sugar added after the secondary fermentation. Since it is extensively prepared in Champagne region of France, hence it is named so.

How To Select

There are different types of champagne prepared, depending on the type of grape used. For eg; Blanc de blancs, Rose Champagne, Prestige cuvé, etc. Champagne is mostly fermented in two sizes of bottles, standard bottles (750 ml, and magnums (1.5 lt), magnums being thought to be of higher quality. The majority of Champagne produced is non-vintage or rather, multi-vintage blends. Vintage Champagne is also produced, and considered as most prestigious and expensive wine.

Culinary Use

· Champagne is a luxurious french drink , served in special champagne glasses in parties or celebrating special events. Champagne is much more versatile than a single wine to use.
· Strawberry Champagne sauce can be served with food cakes. Mix champagne with strawberry puree, little lime juice and sugar to taste. It can be an accompaniment with thick slices of toast, or fruits or can be put as topping over cheese cake.
· Any Champagne Fruit Soup could be made. For Eg : Melon Soup , Mix melon puree to champagne. Add diced melon , sliced mint leaves and little minced chillies as per the spice required.
· Champagne can be served with meat accompanied with a cabbage salad.
· Champagne can be converted into champagne vinegar and topped on salads to be savored with seafoods or even with fruits.

How To Store

It is ready for drinking shortly after you purchase it , or with proper storage it will even improve with age. It should be chilled to 8- 9 'C beore serving. It is recommended that champagne be stored not more than 4 years, but vintage champagne can be stored longer, since is made from exclusive crops. Store it in a cool dark place upto 50'F, although frequent fluctuations and extreme temperatures will alter the quality. It can be stored for several days once opened , but the flavor and carbonation will diminish. Commercial corks are available to reseal the bottle.

Health Benefits

· Moderate consumption of champagne has neurologic health benefits.Studies show that presence of antioxidants polyphenols present in champagne prevent deterioration of brain cells due to oxidative stress.
· It also helps brain cope with the trauma of stroke attack, Alziemer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.
· Red wine is said to benefit the heart due to presence of antioxidants
· White wine is considered good for lungs.