champagne – the versatile wine

woman on wine with amy reiley As you know, I love my bubbles. And this time of year provides so many opportunities to celebrate with bubbles. That being said, I’m a firm believer that you don’t need a special occasion to break out the Champagne. In addition to being the signature beverage of celebration, Champagne is one of the most versatile wines and works brilliantly to make almost any meal that much more delicious. So whether it’s a holiday affair, New Year’s Eve or just Sunday supper at home, here are some unique and unforgettable Champagnes to sip away the chill in the air.

Rene Geoffroy
2002 Millesime Extra Brut
Although it’s bone dry, the wine manages to feel creamy. Its weight, hint of minerality and bread dough flavors make it an approachable yet exciting wine. This is the Champagne for those who love contradiction. Its a perfect wine for the kinds of parties that may get out of control–in a good way, of course.

A. Margaine
2006 “Special Club” Blanc de Blancs
This is a fairly full-bodied wine and a good choice for those who like their bubbly big. It offers a nice balance of masculine and feminine characteristics, like both dried flowers and slate on the nose. Yet it has the finesse of a gentleman or lady. Serve at an elegant affair from cocktails to brunch to afternoon tea.

Henri Billiot
“Cuvee Latiitia” Brut
A little-known Champagne, this is one of the most interesting bottles of bubbly you can hope to find this Holiday season. Pretty without being girlie, it offers generous baking spice notes, heady yeast and a trace of sweetness that sits on the mid palate. Think Christmas cookies and crackling fires.

Jean Lallement
“Reserve” Brut Grand Cru
A rather masculine kind of bubbly, it offers spice and tart apple skin flavor with a whiff of white pepper. It’s a strong, penetrating wine and one that is perfect for pairing with a meal. Pop the cork for a seductive dinner, quiet Sunday supper or New Years night for two.

Pehu-Simonet
Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru
I’ve always thought Champagne could brighten any occasion, but this wine is a positively instant mood elevator. One sip and I swear you’ll have a smile on your face. It’s floral, it’s mineral, it’s thirst quenching, but what it is more than anything is one happy wine. It is the kind of wine to guarantee your Holiday party will be the best on the block.

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