Champagne & Sparkling Wine for the Holidays December 18, 2008

Champagnes and sparkling wines are ideal candidates for sipping during the holidays, and the range of options and prices in this category are enormous. Join us for a primer in choosing Champagnes and sparkling wines, and learn to taste the difference between truly magnificent sparklers and all the rest. Learn how Champagne is made and then compare it to similarly made sparkling wines in a blind tasting. You'll assess non-vintage, vintage, rose, blanc de blancs, blanc de noir, and others. Along the way, we'll discuss ideal serving temperatures, how to predict the dryness of sparkling wines, and compare the traditional method of production with other processes. This course will offer selections to fit various budgets and suggest imaginative choices to enliven your festivities. Instructor: Christine Dart.