Champagne is the global image for celebration. It’s for New Year toasts, private dinners between loved ones, or parties, and yet can also spice up your mornings as mimosas. They can be served with desserts, or used to make cocktails. Make your own occasion. Champagne always adds a touch of class!
I love going to wine-tasting events, and it’s always a treat when I get to sample different champagnes and sparkling wines. Moët & Chandon was founded in France in 1743! I was amazed to find the winery is also co-owner of Hennessy and Louis Vuitton. The company even holds a Royal Warrant to supply champagne to Queen Elizabeth II. The French winery makes Dom Pérignon which is a vintage brand of Champagne. They are one of the world’s largest champagne producers; making around 26,000,000 bottles a year.
Today I’m proud to highlight Domaine Chandon, which was established in California’s Napa Valley in 1973 by Moët & Chandon. If your in the Napa Valley area stop by their restaurant Etoile for some fine dining and of course, champagne! Max, from Chandon was nice enough to send me a bottle of Blanc de Noirs to try. The champagne has a beautiful dark straw color and lots of bubbles. Both scent and taste are infused with hints of strawberry, cherry, and currant. Made from pinot noire it’s a light and airy sparkling wine that’s fruity yet dry. Would be great paired with a salmon dish.
Beyond popping the cork, here are some ideas to bring some sparkling goodness to any occasion.
Chandon Brut Classic with Green Apple Sorbet Cocktail
What You Need:
(Makes: 1 glass)
Green apple sorbet (1 Pint)
Chandon Brut Classic sparkling wine (1 bottle)
What to Do:
Place an ounce of sorbet at the base of a Champagne flute or other glass and top with the sparkling wine. The sorbet will slowly infuse into the wine, adding sweet fruitiness.
Blood Orange with Rosé Cocktail
For a spooky costume party, the spirit of the season comes alive with this
sweet yet dry mixture. The flavors are light and round with a fruity start
and bready end. It couldn’t be easier or more delicious!
What You Need:
(Makes: 1 glass)
Blood orange sorbet (1 pint)
Chandon Rosé sparkling wine
What to Do:
Simply place 1 ounce of the blood orange sorbet at the base of the glass and fill with
Chandon Rosé sparkling wine
Chandon Sparkling Wine comes in several varieties like Brut Classic, Rosé, or Blanc de Noirs and are available at most wine and spirits shops. Below are some stores that sell it in CT or go to http://chandon.com/locator/stores/ for a complete list.
Locasio Liquors-(Prospect), J&J Liquors-(Prospect), Valley Liquors-(Naugatuck), Liquor Super Store-(Waterbury)
*Note: Pints of artisan sorbets can be found at Whole Foods Market.