The art of tasting Champagne

Ah, Champagne! There’s nothing quite like it, is there? The mere thought of this exquisite bubbly elixir is enough to make my heart skip a beat. But what makes Champagne so special? Is it the bubbles? The taste? The aroma? Well, the answer is all of the above. And that’s precisely why, my dear reader, in this chapter, we’ll be discussing the art of tasting Champagne.

Before we dive into the details of Champagne tasting, let’s first discuss the sensory experience of this luxurious drink. Champagne, like all wines, is experienced through our senses: sight, smell, taste, and touch. But with Champagne, there’s an additional sense that comes into play, and that’s sound. The pop of the cork, the fizz of the bubbles, and the clinking of the glasses all add to the sensory experience of Champagne.

Let’s start with sight. The colour of Champagne can vary depending on the type and age of the wine. Generally, younger Champagnes will have a paler colour, while older Champagnes will have a deeper, more golden hue. When you pour Champagne into a glass, take note of the bubbles. Are they small and fine, or large and coarse? The size of the bubbles can indicate the quality of the wine. Smaller bubbles are a sign of a higher quality Champagne.

Now, let’s move on to the smell. Aroma plays a critical role in the tasting experience, and Champagne is no exception. Swirl the Champagne in your glass to release its aromas. Take a deep sniff and try to identify the different scents. Does it have a floral aroma, like jasmine or honeysuckle? Or does it have a more fruity aroma, like apple or pear? Maybe you detect a hint of toasted bread or brioche. The scent of Champagne can vary depending on the type of grapes used and the winemaking process, so don’t be surprised if you pick up different scents in different Champagnes.

Next, let’s talk about taste. Take a sip of Champagne and let it linger in your mouth. What flavours do you taste? Is it tart and acidic, or does it have a more fruity, sweet flavour? Can you detect any nutty or toasty flavors? Try to identify the different flavours and note how they change as the Champagne sits in your mouth. The acidity of Champagne can range from crisp and refreshing to creamy and buttery, depending on the wine’s age and winemaking process.

Finally, let’s talk about touch. The mouthfeel of Champagne can range from light and effervescent to rich and creamy. The bubbles play a big role in the mouthfeel of Champagne, so pay attention to their size and texture. You may also notice a slight astringency or bitterness in some Champagnes, which can add to the wine’s complexity.

Now that we’ve covered the sensory experience of Champagne let’s move on to the importance of proper tasting technique. Tasting Champagne is an art form, and to truly appreciate its complexities, you need to use the correct technique. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Start by chilling the Champagne to the appropriate temperature. Generally, Champagne should be served between 8-10°C (46-50°F). If the Champagne is too warm, the flavours will be more pronounced, and the bubbles will be less lively.
2. Open the bottle carefully, making sure the cork doesn’t pop out too quickly. Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle and twist the cork slowly until you hear a gentle hiss. This will help to release the pressure slowly, preventing the cork from flying out of the bottle.
3. Pour the Champagne into a clean, dry glass. Hold the glass at an angle and pour the Champagne slowly down the side of the glass to preserve the bubbles. Fill the glass about two-thirds full.

4. Take a moment to observe the colour and the bubbles in the Champagne, as we discussed earlier.
5. Swirl the Champagne gently in the glass to release its aromas. Take a deep sniff and try to identify the different scents.
6. Take a sip of Champagne and let it linger in your mouth for a few seconds. Try to identify the different flavors and note how they change as the Champagne sits in your mouth.
7. Take note of the mouthfeel of the Champagne. Is it light and effervescent, or rich and creamy? How do the bubbles feel in your mouth?
8. Repeat steps 5-7 a few times, taking small sips of Champagne and giving yourself time to fully experience and appreciate its complexity.

Now that you know how to properly taste Champagne, let’s discuss some tips for identifying key characteristics in different Champagnes.

1. Sweetness: Champagne can range from very dry to very sweet, with the most common levels being brut (very dry), extra brut (extremely dry), and demi-sec (semi-sweet). Look for the term “dosage” on the label, which will indicate the level of sweetness.
2. Acidity: Champagne is known for its high acidity, which can range from crisp and refreshing to creamy and buttery. Look for wines that balance their acidity with other flavours, like fruit or toast.
3. Fruitiness: Champagne can have a wide range of fruit flavours, from citrus and apple to more exotic fruits like mango or pineapple. Look for wines that highlight these flavours without being too overpowering.
4. Toastiness: Champagne can also have a toasty, brioche-like flavor, which comes from the secondary fermentation process. Look for wines that have a nice balance of toastiness and fruitiness.
5. Age: The age of the Champagne can also affect its flavour profile. Younger Champagnes tend to be more fruit-forward, while older Champagnes can have more complex, nutty flavors. Look for the term “vintage” on the label, which indicates that the wine was made in a single year and aged for a minimum of three years.

In conclusion, tasting Champagne is a sensory experience like no other. With its complex aromas, flavours, and mouthfeel, Champagne is a wine that demands to be savoured and appreciated. By following the proper tasting technique and paying attention to key characteristics like sweetness, acidity, fruitiness, toastiness, and age, you can truly appreciate the beauty and complexity of this luxurious drink. So the next time you pop open a bottle of Champagne, take your time, use your senses, and savor every sip. Cheers!