The pop of a Champagne cork signals celebration and indulgence. It’s the wine of choice for New Year’s Eve, a birthday party, or any special occasion.
Sparkling wine is produced in many parts of the world, including California. However, only wines from Champagne can be labeled as true Champagne.
1. Know Your Wine
There are a lot of different wines out there, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of choices. But don’t let this discourage you! Take it slowly, learn a little bit about each wine category and eventually you will discover which wines really appeal to you.
For example, if you are interested in Champagne, start by learning more about its history and production methods before diving into the different styles of bubbly. Then, when it comes time to buy champagne online, you’ll be ready to make an informed purchase.
Similarly, if you want to learn about red wines, begin by understanding the difference between Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. After that, you can move onto exploring a range of different wine types, from Pinotage to Zinfandel.
Another good way to learn about wine is to take a few notes each time you taste a glass and to keep track of your favorites. This will help you narrow down your search for the perfect bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine for New Year’s Eve.
In addition to a comprehensive wine glossary, there are also several wine-related apps and subscription wine clubs that can help you navigate the world of bubbles. These tools can be helpful for budding sommeliers, those preparing for wine exams and anyone who simply wants to enjoy confident wine knowledge.
2. Know Your Champagne
Champagne is one of the most versatile sparkling wines in the world, which you can buy at an online store like Grapeful wines online, making it a great choice for celebrating any occasion. A few clues on the label will help you choose the perfect bottle of Champagne for your next celebration.
The first thing to look for is the name of the Champagne House. This is usually the largest text on the label, and it indicates that the Champagne was produced in Champagne France by a house that adheres to the laws of the region. Champagnes can also be labelled with a year, which refers to the specific vintage that the grapes were grown in. However, this is not always present on Champagne labels, as winemakers often use a blend of different years to make their bubbly.
You can also find a lot of information on the Champagne label by looking at the small serial number that appears on the back. The first two letters of the serial number indicate a categorised production method that each Champagne producer must follow. A NM or N stands for a non-traditional production method, such as using a lower-quality wine from outside the Champagne region, and a VB represents the traditional Champagne method.
Another way to determine whether your Champagne is fresh is to look at the color of the wine. A good Champagne should be light gold in colour, while a Champagne that has gone bad will have a darker yellow or even brown color.
3. Know Your Bottle
Champagne can bring a sense of luxury and celebration to any occasion. It’s a perfect choice for New Year’s festivities, birthdays or even just for sipping on a weeknight. When you’re looking to buy a bottle of bubbly online, there are some things to keep in mind.
One of the most important things to know about Champagne is that it must be made in the Champagne region of France to be called Champagne (with a capital “C”). Sparkling wine made anywhere else, usually with the time-saving Charmat process, can’t call itself Champagne. If you want to ensure that the sparkling wine you’re buying is Champagne, look for the words “Methode Traditionelle” on the label.
Also, look for the year printed on the bottle’s label. If there’s a specific year listed, it means the wine was made with grapes from that particular year that the winemaker thought were exceptional. If you don’t see a specific year on the bottle, it doesn’t mean that the sparkling wine is inferior; oftentimes, winemakers blend different years to create a consistent flavor profile.
Finally, check the seller’s warranty and return policies before you buy Champagne online. You don’t want to end up with a bottle that you can’t enjoy or return for any reason. If you’re unsure about shopping with a specific seller, check out the reviews on their website or ask friends and family for recommendations.
4. Know Your Payment Method
One of the best parts about opening a bottle of champagne is the anticipation. Whether it’s Roederer Cristal or Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades, there’s always that moment when you peel back the foil and carefully unmuzzle the cork – a magical time before the bubbles begin to pop. It’s a moment to be savored, especially when you can shop champagne online and have it delivered right to your door via Drizly. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or just treating yourself, champagne can be enjoyed anytime. You just need to know how to buy champagne online and where to find it.
