A TASTE OF CHAMPAGNE

“Come quickly, I am tasting the stars.”

This is what Dom Pierre Pérignon said when he tried his invention. He was drinking Champagne. It is such a special drink that it is a must in all types of celebrations (who does not want to taste the stars?) From a small event like a proposal, where you can splurge on the most expensive champagne of the world, to a wedding or company event of hundreds of guest, where you can enjoy a good brand of bubbly.

Your lovely assistant wants to give you some rough information on this special drink, that is, which one it is the best, the most expensive, the prettiest bottle for a party…she hopes to help you a little bit decide which one to chose for your next celebration.

Dom Pérignon is considered the best wine in the world.

Claudia Schiffer for Don Perignon

Dom Pérignon was chosen as the official Champagne for the wedding of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles. Magnums of Dom Pérignon Vintage 1961, the year Diana was born, were served on the day. Limited number of this Champagne were later released to commemorate the occasion, which now sell for an average price of 3000 euros a bottle.

However, this champagne was beaten in 2009 by another one! Armand de Brignac Brut Gold Rated the number one Champagne in the world, by the world’s most respected wine critics and sommeliers who conducted a blind-tasting of more than 1,000 brands. The results were published in Fine Champagne Magazine.

Armand de Brignac Brut Gold Rated

This Champagne together with Krug, Dom Perignon, Piper-Heidsieck (Marie Antoinette’s favorite), Roederer Cristal, Bollinger and Billionaire Champagne are among the priciest (together with their Rose versions). The one on top of them all, that is, the most expensive single bottle of Champagne in the world is a limited edition bottle designed by Alexander Amosu: Goût de Diamants (Taste of Diamonds). It cost aprox 1.500.000 euros. Made from 100% Grand Cru grapes, it is produced at the 8-hectare, family-owned, Champagne Chapuy in Oger.

Goût de Diamants (Each bottle is finished with a brilliant cut Swarovski Crystal)

The separation between the prestige cuvees from the less expensive offerings of champagne houses is that “Tête de cuvée” Champagnes are made from the finest vineyards (premier cru and grand cru) and only during the best vintage years. To ensure the quality of the fruit, grapes are often handpicked and sorted. In addition, prestige cuvées spend more time aging, resulting in greater complexity and integration. The cost goes up also with the packaging, luxurious and exclusive bottles.

Regarding aesthetics, the Moet Ice Imperial, from Moet & Chandon, comes in a beautiful white bottle, perfect for summer events and summer weddings! This is the only champagne where you can put ice in your glass.

Moet Ice Imperial

Another beautiful bottle for a garden or vintage event is the Belle Epoque Perrier Jouet Champagne.

Belle Epoque de Jouet Champagne

As for quality Champagne with a good price tag for big celebrations, we recommend:

Laurent Perrier

Duval Leroy Premier Cru. Claire Morgan picture for The best of you.

And remember!

For cocktail hour, receptions and for toasts offer a Blanc de Blancs champagne. This means “white from white”, which literally reflects ‘white wine from white grapes’, and are typically made of 100% Chardonnay grapes. Blanc de Blancs are the most light and most elegant of champagnes.

Brut champagne goes well with most startes and main dishes (not with steak!!) and Brut Rose with mainly seafood.