The champagne industry, as represented by Laurent-Perrier, has experienced a surge in sales during the first half of the fiscal year despite lower consumer prices, particularly for its sought-after brands. This increase, amounting to a 23% rise in net sales by the end of September, has been driven by robust demand outside of France. Laurent-Perrier's president, Michael Boulaire, has interpreted these figures as signaling the onset of a new growth period for the industry, suggesting that...

Preparing for a party where champagne plays a central role can be an intricate and time-consuming process that blends complexity with fun. Extra care should be given to seemingly minor details that are easily overlooked amidst the allure of this sophisticated beverage. One critical aspect often missed is the initial treatment of the glasses. Improper handling of glassware can lead to a significant misstep, affecting the champagne's effervescence and overall enjoyment. This is especially true...

In a stunning revelation, a diving team uncovered a cache of what may be the world’s oldest drinkable champagne from a shipwreck near the Aland Islands, Finland. Among the findings are believed to be over 100 bottles of early Veuve Clicquot, dating back to the era of Louis XVI. This discovery could rewrite the history of vintage champagnes, as it appears to dethrone the 1825 Perrier-Jouet, previously held as the oldest. The champagne's excellent preservation within the sea's depths has...

The St Pancras Grand Restaurant, Oyster and Champagne Bar, nestled in the Upper Concourse of St Pancras International in London, epitomizes British luxury and has become a celebrated spot among champagne enthusiasts. Its notable for its magnificent and historical ambiance, which is highlighted by Europe's longest bar and stunning architecture visible from nearly any position within the venue. The restaurant offers a rich selection of seventeen different styles of champagne always available by...

The latest innovation from Veuve Clicquot is a mustard yellow, petite fridge, ideal for transporting even the most delicate champagne bottles with ease and elegance. Despite its small size, this fridge, complete with a handle, dazzles with its extraordinary style, making it a perfect Christmas gift for champagne enthusiasts. Its design not only ensures safe and stylish transport but also promises to be a conversation starter at holiday gatherings, merging practicality with the luxury expected...

Champagne, a symbol of elegance and refined taste, has inspired craftsman Isaac Reina to create an accessory that matches its prestige. Reina, a noted Parisian designer with roots in Spain and collaborations with Perrier-Jouët, has designed a bespoke travel bag exclusively for the Belle Epoque champagne bottle. This limited edition bag, one of just 40 pieces, combines durability with luxury, featuring a pea-green interior, space for two glasses, and a champagne notebook, making it an...

Champagne Salon epitomizes the elegance and fervor of the 1920s, offering a luxurious drinking experience. This unique champagne boasts a fine, persistent mousse and a creamy, long finish that delights the palate with a symphony of saline and bergamot flavors, followed by notes of vanilla, dried fruits, and butter, all culminating in a refreshing burst of grapefruit and fig. The champagne's exceptional quality and character are credited to the singular vision of Aimé Salon and the distinctive...

Champagne is not only for toasts but also serves as an excellent base for a variety of delightful cocktails. The Champagne Charlie cocktail, with roots dating back to 1851, is a testament to Charles-Camille Heidsieck's efforts in popularizing champagne. It combines the bubbly with De Kuyper Apricot Brandy for a classic fruity taste. Another famous concoction is the Kir Royale, a beloved pink cocktail that mixes champagne with De Kuyper Crème de Cassis. Typically served in a flute glass, the...

The 2002 harvest was particularly favorable, marked by warm days and cool nights, yielding Chardonnay grapes from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards that had high sugar content and an alcohol potential of around 10.5%. This excellent starting material promised the development of a supple champagne, characterized by long aromatic notes from the Chardonnay and rich fruit flavors from the esteemed Pinot Noir. The combination of these qualities ensured that the champagne developed a distinct...

FINE Champagne Magazine, established in 2008, serves as a beacon for champagne enthusiasts seeking the latest updates in the champagne industry. Available for a digital subscription at £60.00, the magazine offers comprehensive coverage on all things champagne-related. Readers interested in both digital and paper subscriptions can find more information and sign up through their official website. Beyond its role as a magazine publisher, FINE also provides a wealth of resources through its...

Champagne enthusiasts understand the importance of selecting the right dessert to complement the unique characteristics of their favorite drink and maintain the ambiance of the event. Fruit puddings, such as rice or plum pudding, are classics that pair well with champagne, following a simple rule: the sweeter the dessert, the sweeter the champagne should be. For romantic occasions, strawberries are perfect, especially with very sweet champagnes like the Italian Asti Spumanti. For family...

Immersing yourself in the world of Champagne grape varieties is a captivating sensory journey, where each variety - Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier - reveals its unique characteristics and contributes to the richness of the blends.The gentle hills of the Champagne region harbor the secrets of this art of blending, where vines stretch as far as the eye can see and each grape variety, with its distinct nuances, plays a crucial role in the creation of this sparkling wine. From the...