For a delightfully different theme, try a dinner using a bit of the bubbly as an ingredient in each course, from salad to dessert, using some of these featured recipes . A Little History Champagne is a sparkling wine, full of effervescence, named for the northeast region of France around the cities of Reims and Epernay. True champagne only comes from this specific area. This sparkling wine became very popular at the French court, and soon became the drink of choice for special occasions worldwide. Sparkling wines from other regions are known as spumante in Italy, Sekt in Germany and vin mousseux in other French regions.
French champagne is normally a blend of chardonnay , pinot noir , or pinot blanc grapes.
It is this method that makes champagne so expensive, because it is labor-intensive. Some sparkling wines are now made in the United States and labeled as Champagne, so be sure and check the vineyard to see if you are getting true French champagne. US laws do not preclude vineyards labeling domestic sparkling wines as Champagne , but true connoisseurs will not touch any champagne not coming from the northeast region of France. Chill champagne to between 39 and 50 degrees F., two hours before serving. Here you'll find my handpicked collection of recipes from my cookbook collection.