The festive season is upon us, which means more celebrations.
If you’re planning to host a get-together with friends and family, you may want to pop a few bottles of champagne.
After all, champagne launches ships, seals deals, marks love affairs and brings people together in friendship and festivities.
At the Absa Champagne in Africa Festival that we recently attended at the Polo Room in Inanda Club, we learnt more about bubbles and how to pair them.
For example, champagne is better paired with oysters. After swallowing a spicy oyster drizzled with a zest of lemon, you need to wash it down with a glass of crisp champagne.
The top five champagnes for your celebrations this festive season:
Besserat de Bellfon
It comes in six flavours. Depending on your taste, you can either go for Brut NV, Brut Rosé, Blanc de Blncs, Millésimé Vintage 2008, Brigitte Bardot or 1843.
Jacquinot & Fils
This brand has three ranges, but the most famous is the Private Cuvée which is made of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. The other two are the Blanc de Noir and the Blanc de Meuniers.
Mailly
If you’re looking for something with a fruity taste, then the Mailly Grand Cru Brut Reserve is for you. It is blended with green apple and citrus notes, offering a crispy, fizzy taste.
Lanson
The brand has several spoils, including the Brut Black Label, Brut Black Label Magnum, White Label NV, Vintage 2009 and Vintage 2009 Magnum.
Philipponnat Royale Reserve Brut
Blended with 65% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 5% Pinot Meunier the Royale is best reserved for big occasions like Christmas or New Year’s Eve. What makes it best is that it is aged for three years for the best taste, instead of the required 15 months.