With all due respect to the many beautiful cavas, proseccos, cremants and assorted other bubblies made using the methods of the Champenoise, New Year’s Eve wouldn’t have quite the same pizazz — for me — without hearing a cork or two, or three, popping on the real thing.
That’s Champagne, my beverage of choice on what typically is the most uptown night of the year. Often imitated but seldom eclipsed, Champagne offers unsurpassed sophistication — and glitz — in a glass.
That’s the subject of my Creators Syndicate column this week as I take a look at several Champagnes that impressed me over the past year, including a couple of knockout bubblies from the San Diego International and Critics Challenge wine competitions.
Of course, certain Champagnes can be quite expensive (such as the incredibly delicious Henriot 1998 Brut Millesime at $95) so I made sure to single out a couple of my affordable favorites!
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