Hosting Champagne Day at Crush Wine Lounge

Crush Wine Lounge asked me to host a Champagne Day event for them on Friday, October 26. Attendees tried four of Crush's top-selling Champagnes served with paired hor d'oeuvres while learning about Champagne- the region, the method and the wines. Early arrivers started with an alternate sparkling made in a different way so as to be prepared to compare when the tasting began.

The line up for the evening included:

• NV Henriot Blanc served with mini crab cakes
• 2006 Louis Roederer Brut Rosé served with seared tuna
• NV Bollinger “Special Cuvee” served with roasted chicken and chutney
• 2004 Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque Fleur served with grilled shrimp

Of particular interest to this group:

• Champagne's long history to protect the ownership of its name- Since 1887.
• The cellars made from old Roman chalk quarries under the cities of Epernay and Reims.
• The rumors of scandal surrounding Dom Perignon.
• The riddling process as developed by Nicole Barbe Ponsardin aka Veuve Cliquot.
• The different ways to produce Rosé Champagne- the one we tasted was made via the Saignée method. 

At the event's end, guests were treated to another pour of their favorite Champagne from the line-up to enjoy with a cheese tray and freshly baked cookies. Each guest also received a painted Perrier-Jouet Fleur glass to take home.

This event is the first in a new quarterly series of educational tastings that Crush will be offering. Stay tuned for the upcoming schedule.