Champagne season has finally begun. Be it a New Year's celebration, wedding toast, or quiet night in, champagne is sure to elevate any moment. But are you drinking it like a pro? For most, popping the cork and filling a glass seems simple enough, but enjoying champagne is more than just opening a bottle and pouring it into a glass. From how graciously the champagne has chilled to serving temperatures and pairing it with the appropriate foods, there are subtle nuances elevating champagne experience. Ever wondered how you get the most out of every sip? You're in luck. Here's your go-to guide on how to drink champagne like a true connoisseur.
Select the right champagne
First off, pick the right champagne bottle. Whether you get it from the corner store or order online, top quality does not necessarily go with the value. Do a little research or ask a sommelier and find a champagne that fits your taste and budget.
Store It Correctly
Storing champagne properly will ensure you enjoy the best taste from it. Champagne is sensitive to light and temperature, so it should be stored in a cool and dark place, ideally at about 10°C to 13°C. Always store the bottle horizontally to keep the cork moist, ensuring a good seal. Do not store the champagne in the refrigerator for an extended period since the constant vibrations can affect the bubbles of the champagne. You may only store it in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Serving
Champagne should be chilled to taste, not chilled to an icy temperature. It's so tempting to just keep the bottle in the freezer and let it chill real fast, but this will fade the flavours. Instead, go for 10°C. Chill a bottle in the refrigerator for at least three hours before serving. Alternatively, put it in an ice bucket with water if you're in a hurry and need it in about 30 minutes. But do not let it get over-chilled because then champagne cannot give out all its bouquet of flavours.
In-filling Pouring
Pouring champagne is an art. It begins by holding the bottle at a 45-degree angle, pouring slowly, in turn avoiding an overflow of bubbles. A pour at a time, with the foam allowed to settle before being topped into the glass, is advisable. It preserves the fizz and prevents too much foam from forming. With a steady slow pour, you'll be enjoying your champagne with every sip.
Use the proper glass
Though a flute is the most readily available drinking glass for most people to enjoy champagne, the experts advise using a wider tulip glass. This is because tulip glasses allow the bubbles to blossom and their aromas to concentrate and bring a flavourful taste to the palate. However, if you don't have tulip glasses handy, a wine glass will do. Use a coupe glass but avoid that since its wide surface allows the bubbles to leave too fast.
Hold the Glass Stem
Once you've poured your champagne, it's time to drink it with an elegant style. Instead of holding the glass by the bowl, hold the champagne glass by the stem. Then, your hand won't warm the champagne too fast, keeping it at the optimum temperature for as long as it takes. Drinking your champagne from a cold glass keeps its flavours fresh and refreshing.
Enjoy Every Sip
Drinking champagne is really an experience for the senses. Drink in the aromas before taking a sip. Let it sit in your mouth for a moment and let the bubbles do their little ballet on your tongue before swallowing. It is also part of the charm of champagne that it tastes light and effervescent. Savour every nuance of flavour, from fruitiness to slightly toasty notes sipped slowly.
Pair Champagne with Food
Champagne is very versatile; it goes very well with anything from seafood and cheese to fried foods and light desserts. For a real classic, try champagne and oysters or smoked salmon. If you're indulging, champagne pairs beautifully with French fries or fried chicken-the bubbles cut through the richness of fried food. For dessert, pair it with strawberries, macarons, or a light, citrus-based cake.
Experiment
Do not be afraid to experiment with different champagnes. Rosé is a completely different ballgame from Brut and Blanc de Blanc in terms of flavour profile. Feel free to play around, mixing and matching different combinations and see what works best for the champagne to enhance the food and vice versa. You will be surprised how this effervescent wine can work wonders whether you drink it over a casual brunch or for dinner.