Celebrating Global Champagne Day: A Toast to Bubbles and Elegance

Image courtesy of vbosica of Pixabay

Every year, on the third Friday of October, champagne lovers around the world raise their flutes to celebrate Global Champagne Day. 

This joyous occasion not only highlights the exquisite effervescence of champagne but also pays homage to the rich history and craftsmanship that goes into producing this iconic beverage. 

Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply enjoy a glass on special occasions, Global Champagne Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in the sparkling delight.

The Origins of Champagne

Champagne originates from the Champagne region in northeastern France, where the unique climate and soil conditions create the perfect environment for growing grapes. The region’s signature grape varieties—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier—are essential to producing the distinct taste and aroma associated with this sparkling wine.

The history of champagne dates back to the 17th century, when Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon began experimenting with blending different grape varieties and striving for consistency in quality. His efforts led to the creation of what we now recognise as champagne, and he famously said, “Come quickly, I am tasting the stars,” upon tasting his first bottle.

How to Celebrate Global Champagne Day

Raise a Glass: The simplest way to honour Global Champagne Day is to pour yourself a glass of your favourite bubbly. Whether you prefer a classic brut, a rosé, or a vintage champagne, each sip is a celebration of the craftsmanship involved in its production.

Explore Local Producers: While Champagne itself is a protected designation of origin, many regions around the world produce sparkling wines that are equally delightful. Consider exploring local vineyards or tasting rooms to discover unique sparkling wines from the UK or other regions, such as Prosecco from Italy or Cava from Spain.

Pair with Delicious Food: Champagne is incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairings. For a classic touch, serve it alongside oysters or caviar. Alternatively, try it with a cheese platter featuring soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with pairing champagne with spicy dishes—its acidity and bubbles can complement a range of flavours beautifully.

Host a Champagne Tasting: Gather friends and family for a champagne tasting party. Provide a selection of different champagnes or sparkling wines, and encourage everyone to share their thoughts on each bottle. This can be a fun way to learn about the nuances of flavour, aroma, and texture while enjoying great company.

Educate Yourself: Take the opportunity to learn more about champagne production. Consider attending a workshop or tasting event, or simply read up on the subject. Understanding the different styles of champagne and the methods of production can deepen your appreciation for this luxurious drink.

The Future of Champagne

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, the champagne industry is also evolving. Many producers are adopting sustainable practices, focusing on organic and biodynamic farming methods. This not only helps to protect the delicate ecosystem of the Champagne region but also enhances the quality of the grapes.

In addition, the rise of craft producers is making champagne more accessible and diverse than ever. Smaller, independent vineyards are experimenting with innovative techniques, leading to exciting new styles and flavours.

Global Champagne Day is a delightful reminder to savour the finer things in life. Whether you choose to celebrate with a glass of vintage champagne or a sparkling wine from a local vineyard, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and tradition behind each bottle. So, gather your friends, raise your glasses, and toast to the magic of bubbles this October! Cheers!

You can use Global Champagne Day to work out which Champagnes you can select for your Christmas festivities.

Affordable Yet Delightful Champagnes for Christmas Celebrations

When Christmas approaches, many of us start planning gatherings with friends and family, and let’s be honest, what’s a festive occasion without a glass (or two) of Champagne to toast to good health and cheer? 

But while Champagne adds that extra sparkle to the festivities, it’s often considered an expensive luxury. Thankfully, not all Champagnes need to break the bank. There are several affordable options that don’t compromise on quality, ensuring your Christmas party is still bubbly and bright.

Here’s a guide to some of the best low-cost yet drinkable Champagnes to make your Christmas merry without draining your wallet.

1. Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Réserve

Price: Around £30

Nicolas Feuillatte is one of France’s largest and most reputable Champagne houses. The Brut Réserve offers an excellent balance between fruitiness and acidity, with hints of apple, pear, and apricot. Its soft bubbles and elegant finish make it a perfect choice for a Christmas toast, and at around £30, it’s both classy and accessible.

2. Louis Delaunay Champagne Brut

Price: Around £20

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly bottle that still delivers the quintessential Champagne experience, Louis Delaunay Champagne Brut is a strong contender. Crisp and refreshing with citrus and floral notes, this Champagne brings an uplifting vibrancy to any gathering. It’s a great crowd-pleaser for those Christmas parties where you want to pop more than just one bottle without worrying about the cost.

3. Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne

Price: Around £25

Supermarkets have upped their game with their own-label Champagnes, and Tesco’s Finest Premier Cru is one of the best bargains on the market. Made from grapes sourced from premier cru vineyards, this Champagne has a fresh, zesty taste with a long, satisfying finish. It’s a winner for Christmas dinners, pairing well with festive dishes like roasted turkey or smoked salmon.

4. Lanson Black Label Brut

Price: Around £35

Lanson is a well-known and respected Champagne brand, and their Black Label Brut is a fantastic entry-level offering. With vibrant citrus and green apple flavours, a crisp minerality, and long-lasting bubbles, this bottle embodies the elegance of more expensive Champagnes but at a more affordable price point. A lovely choice for both casual sipping and toasting to the New Year.

5. Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Brut NV Champagne

Price: Around £23

Another supermarket gem, Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Champagne, offers excellent value for money. It’s made using traditional methods and provides notes of citrus and almond, with a creamy texture that’s a perfect complement to festive nibbles like cheese platters and canapés. At just over £20, it’s a budget-friendly option for a big Christmas bash.

6. Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut by Aldi

Price: Around £15

Aldi’s Veuve Monsigny Champagne has become somewhat legendary for its exceptional quality at an unbelievably low price. Made by the prestigious Champagne house Philizot & Fils, it’s crisp, light, and balanced, with fruity notes of peach and apple. At under £20, it’s a brilliant option for those who want to keep costs down but still serve something sparkling and special.

7. Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial (Mini Bottles)

Price: Around £16 for a 200ml bottle

While a full-sized bottle of Moët & Chandon may stretch the budget, their mini bottles offer a touch of luxury at a lower cost. These individual servings are perfect for a more intimate Christmas gathering or as a special treat for guests. Expect the same refined taste and classic Champagne style, but without the commitment of a large bottle.

Tips for Enjoying Champagne on a Budget:

Look for Non-Vintage (NV) Champagnes: Non-vintage Champagnes are made by blending wine from several years, which makes them more affordable than vintage Champagnes. They are still high-quality and perfect for everyday celebrations.

Supermarket Own Brands: Don’t shy away from supermarket labels like Morrison's, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or Aldi. These Champagnes are often produced by reputable houses and offer excellent value for money.

Opt for Cava or Prosecco: If you want to stick to an even lower budget, consider serving sparkling alternatives like Spanish Cava or Italian Prosecco. While they aren’t technically Champagnes, they still provide that celebratory fizz at a fraction of the price.

A Sparkling Christmas, Without the Splurge

Christmas is all about coming together and enjoying time with loved ones, and there’s no reason the cost of Champagne should get in the way of that. With the range of affordable yet drinkable Champagnes available, you can raise a glass (or several) this Christmas without breaking the bank. Whether you’re having a cosy dinner or hosting a lively party, these budget-friendly bottles will add sparkle and cheer to your festivities.

So, get those glasses ready and start celebrating! Cheers to a wonderful and bubbly Christmas!

Over the next few months That's Christmas will come out of hibernation

Yes, over the next few months That's Christmas will come out of hibernation and we will be bringing our readers all the latest news on Christmas gifting ideas, plus how to source items for delightful homemade Christmas gifts and trinkets.

That's Christmas will also be carrying news and features on Christmas season foods and drinks, plus Christmas-related foods and special seasonal drinks.

So please, watch this space!

And if you have news of a Christmas-related product or service that you would like to share with our readers, please email us at afj_uk@yahoo.com

Flowers still top Valentine lists

The latest user survey conducted by dedicated money-saving website DiscountVouchers.co.uk has this week revealed that the majority of Britons still rate the top Valentine’s Day gift to be flowers.

DiscountVouchers.co.uk regularly surveys its site users and this week reveals that the leading Valentine's Day gift is flowers, with 40% of respondents picking this. Next in the poll results was jewellery with 34% while the poll also showed that 9% of people prefer not to give any gift at all Valentine's Day.

The top ten Valentine’s Day presents uncovered by the voucher codes website poll were: 1. Flowers. 2. Jewellery. 3. Nothing. 4. Chocolates. 5. Champagne. 6. Lingerie. 7. Teddy bear. 8. Simple card. 9. Perfume. 10. CD.

For more information visit www.discountvouchers.co.uk

Enjoy Drinking Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte this Christmas

There is something that links Christmas and the festive season with Champagne, and it is true that almost nothing nothing puts you in the festive mood better than a glass of Champagne. A glass of good quality Champagne, that is.

Because you must make your selection carefully. Some Champagnes that are big on name and reputation are not so big when it comes to taste.

But this is, thankfully, not the case when it comes to Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte. And this year is a very special year for Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte and its many fans, for Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte is celebrating its 35th Anniversary this year and has released a limited edition bottle of Champagne to mark the occasion that will be perfect to toast with or to put under the tree this Christmas.

The festive look of the bottle alone makes this Champagne a perfect fit for the party season. Decorated with colourful stripes on a black background, the bottle is striking and could even make an exquisite collector’s item.

Inside the bottle is one of Nicolas Feuillatte’s most delicious Champagnes yet. Cellar Master Jean Pierre Vincent has created an elegant Champagne. In this limited edition bottle he has crafted a blend of three varietals: Pinot Noir (30%), Pinot Meunier (30%) and Chardonnay (40%), all aged for 5 years. The Champagne is straw-coloured in appearance revealing tremendous clarity and brightness.

To accompany the bottle, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte has also released a one of a kind canister and ice bag – the perfect trio to be delivered down your chimney this Christmas. 35th Anniversary products available at John Lewis and Vinopolis London. Bottle RRP: £29

The taste is exquisite and Cellar Master Jean Pierre Vincent has crafted a Champagne that will stand the test of time. We tried the Pinot Noir and it had a taste that is essential Champagne. It was clean and bright on the tongue, it had just the right amount of fizz and makes an ideal accompaniment for almost any type of food or a superb 'stand alone' Champagne for that special occasion party drink when one desires something special to celebrate Christmas, New Year, a special birthday or anniversary, or some other time that needs to be marked with something that tastes remarkably good and can help enliven the spirits.

If you only get one Champagne this year, you must make it Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte.