Champagne - The Jewel of Sparkling Wines
Some helpful Champagne Educational Resources to help you serve it up with style!
CHAMPAGNE SELL SHEET
SERVING CHAMPAGNE
HOW TO READ A CHAMPAGNE LABEL
STORAGE OF CHAMPAGNE WINES
Selling, serving, reading the label, and storing champagne
Selling Champagne
- Know Your Product: Understand the types of champagne you’re selling, including the differences between Non-Vintage, Vintage, Rosé, and Prestige Cuvées.
- Target Audience: Identify your target market. Are they connoisseurs, casual drinkers, or buying for a special occasion?
- Educate Your Customers: Share the history, production methods, and unique qualities of each champagne.
- Tasting Events: Organize champagne tastings to introduce various styles and brands to potential customers.
- Upselling: Suggest pairings with food or occasions that might encourage a higher-end purchase.
- Presentation: Ensure the champagne is presented elegantly, highlighting its exclusivity and luxury.
Serving Champagne
- Proper Temperature: Serve champagne chilled, ideally between 8-10°C (46-50°F).
- Glassware: Use tall, narrow flutes or tulip glasses to preserve the bubbles and concentrate the aroma.
- Opening the Bottle: Remove the foil and wire cage, hold the cork and twist the bottle to open it with a soft ‘pop’, not a loud bang.
- Pouring: Tilt the glass and pour slowly to preserve the bubbles, filling the glass about two-thirds.
- Handling the Bottle: Always hold the bottle by the base, not the neck.
Reading a Champagne Label
- Producer Name: Identifies the maker or brand.
- Champagne Type: Look for terms like ‘Brut’, ‘Demi-Sec’, or ‘Rosé’ which indicate the sweetness level.
- Vintage: If present, shows the year the grapes were harvested.
- Appellation: Should always say “Champagne”, indicating it’s from the Champagne region of France.
- Alcohol Content: Usually expressed as a percentage.
- Special Terms: Words like ‘Réserve’ or ‘Prestige Cuvée’ suggest a higher quality or special production method.
Storing Champagne
- Cool, Dark Place: Store bottles horizontally in a wine cellar or a cool, dark area at a consistent temperature (10-15°C or 50-59°F).
- Avoid Vibration: Keep away from sources of vibration like washing machines or loud speakers.
- Humidity: Maintain a moderate humidity level to keep the cork from drying out.
- Duration: Non-vintage champagnes are best consumed within 2-3 years of purchase, while vintage champagnes can be stored for 5-10 years or more, depending on the quality.
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