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The very best champagne for every occasion
All the bottles to buy now – plus, the modern rules for enjoying a glass
As Oscar Wilde once said, "pleasure without champagne is purely artificial," but how should you consume this most decadent of drinks? And, most importantly, which bottle is truly the best?
Really, one could argue that there's practically no time at which a glass of champagne isn't appropriate – but with Mother's Day fast approaching, followed by a summer season packed full of events, there's no better time to ensure you're familiar with the finer points of drinking fizz (as well as the tried-and-tested bubbles to buy).
You might already know how to pour a glass elegantly and which brands you prefer, but there are also a few rules of champagne etiquette with which you should familiarise yourself before you pop any corks. To make sure you're fully appraised, we spoke to Daniel Brennan, brand director at Laurent-Perrier, for his advice.
Leave flutes and coupes in the cupboard
The shape of your glass is more important than you may imagine – it actually affects the aroma and flavours. The bowl of a tulip-shaped champagne glass best enhances the smell of a champagne, allowing the scent to develop to its fullest.
Store it well
"Champagne should be stored in a well-chilled environment at a temperature of around 6 to 10°C," says Brennan. "The bottles are best stored on their side, and should be kept away from bright or artificial light."
Make it a magnum
When the occasion calls for a grand gesture, only a magnum will do. The equivalent of two regular bottles, a magnum is perfect for four or six guests to share – and makes for a bit of a show-stopper, too.
Perfect your pour
"When serving, start by pouring a little champagne into each glass to allow the bubbles to settle," explains Brennan. "Once you’ve added to all glasses, return to the first and its foam should already have settled, making the champagne less likely to froth. Do not tilt the glass, it’s not a beer! Simply pour the champagne gently down the inside of the glass for the perfect serve."
Pair it properly
According to Brennan, the first thing to consider when pairing champagne with food is to look at the levels of sweetness and salt in your menu. "When accompanying sweet dishes, champagne can taste bitter and less fruity, so it's best to match dessert with an even sweeter champagne."
"Salty dishes do the opposite and make champagne taste fruitier, as well as balancing out the acidity of the drink. For instance, a classic shepherd’s pie really brings out the pronounced summer berry flavours in Laurent-Perrier’s Cuvée Rosé."
Tweak the temperature
"The important thing to remember is that the chilling temperature determines the rate at which bubbles in a champagne are released," says Brennan. "For this, I’d recommend a chilling temperature of 4.5 to 7˚C. If the champagne is too cold this will slow down the bubble formation and could impair the aroma and taste. However, champagne should not be opened at room temperature as the wine will quickly froth up and go flat, which is not ideal when hosting."
Open with care (and a little drama)
Two easy tips for successfully opening a bottle of champagne: always keep your thumb firmly on the cork once the muselet (wire cage) is off, and always twist the bottle not the cork. This will ensure the cork eases off without any spillage.
Explore demi-sec
Sec and demi-sec champagnes are great wines to serve with dessert. Their level of sweetness always comes with great freshness, which is a specific champagne trait. A good bottle will really lift the end of a meal (and get guests ready for dancing).
Consider your lipstick
And finally, a tip that may surprise you. The oil in lipstick can kill the mousse (the light foamy head that forms after pouring a glass), so be wary of re-applying before you welcome your guests if you want to enjoy your bubbles at their best.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect aperitif in the sunshine or something extra-special to celebrate with, we've identified the best champagnes to have on stand-by (or, choose from our edit of rosé champagne or English sparkling wine).
The very best champagne to indulge in this season
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