Is Champagne Simply a Celebration Drink?
Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday, or an anniversary, champagne has long been associated with celebrations and festivities. The image and sound of a popping cork immediately put us in party mode, and it’s the drink of choice for everyone from newlyweds to champion sports stars.
However, learning more about champagne will see you discover Ruinart wines and other varieties, and you’ll soon come to realize that champagne is more versatile than people give it credit for. It’s not just a drink for parties and celebrations. Read on to find out more.
The History of Champagne
Champagne’s origins date back to sometime around the 5th century when the Romans planted vineyards in the Champagne region of France. Over the years, the wine was developed and improved upon. It started off as a pale still wine, before eventually becoming the sparkling wine we know it as today.
The story of how champagne got its fizz is an interesting one; it was an accident caused by cold winters in the north of France. The cold would stop fermentation, and when it started again a chemical reaction would cause bubbles to form, giving the drink the fizz it’s famous for today.
The Drink of Choice for Celebrations
Champagne quickly established itself as the drink of choice for high society. It would be served at celebratory events and for special occasions and was regarded as more sophisticated and opulent than a standard table wine.
Eventually, champagne was bestowed a level of religious significance; consequently, it is typically drunk to celebrate things like christenings and baptisms, and even to bless ships before they set sail on their maiden voyage.
For a long time, champagne was reserved for high society. However, in the late 1800s, the drink became popularized among middle and working-class people, but it never lost its status as the drink of choice for celebrations and festivities. Whether it’s a birthday, an engagement, a retirement event or a New Year’s Eve party, there’s a good chance a bottle of bubbly will be present.
Can Champagne be Paired with Food?
We often think of champagne as a drink that’s enjoyed by itself, either before or after a meal. While this is certainly a viable way to drink champagne, many people don’t realize that bubbly can in fact be paired with food.
However, only certain foods will pair with champagne, so it’s important that you select the correct combinations to make the most of this wonderful drink.
Classic champagne is the most versatile, it can pair with anything from steak and potatoes to chicken and citrus dishes. Dry champagne can pair with lobster or roast chicken, while sweet champagne can work well with some desserts or even certain kinds of seafood. Rose champagne is a versatile drink too, it can be paired with things like duck, fish, cured meats, or even pizza.
Conclusion
Champagne has long been a drink for celebrations. However, it has more uses than many people realize. Champagne can work wonderfully when paired with the right foods and can help to really elevate a meal and make it that bit extra special.
