Start Pouring... It's Champagne Day 2019!

As if we need another reason to open a bottle of Champagne, Champagne Day is quickly approaching. October 18 is the designated 24 hours during which every lover of this iconic sparkling wine has been given official permission to open that bottle (or bottles) you’ve been saving. Let’s celebrate by attending any of the events worldwide mentioned here, sharing your pictures and videos on social media channels (be sure to use the hashtags #ChampagneDay and #ChampagneOfficiel) and opening a fabulous choice!

But don’t forget. Champagne is ONLY from the Champagne region of France.

You’ve never visited Champagne? Neither have I! Champagne, winner of Wine Enthusiast’s Region of the Year Award in 2018, is ready for us, though! Located about 90 miles northeast of Paris, hillside homes and underground cellars dot the landscape in the four main growing regions: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, Côte des Blancs, and Côte des Bar. These regions are in the northernmost zone for vine cultivation and continental and oceanic influences abound. Often, debilitating winter frosts, vast amount of sunshine in the summer, cool temperatures, and consistent rainfall are elements that affect each harvest. I encourage you to discover more at the official Champagne website by clicking here.

Still wondering which bottles of Champagne to choose? I have two ideas.

Last week, I had the pleasure of dining at NoMi Kitchen as a guest of the Park Hyatt Chicago. The first wine poured was a glorious Champagne Pierre Moncuit Delos Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs (around $50) and as it was poured, I was already impressed – those bubbles! Of 100% Chardonnay grapes hand harvested from select parcels on chalk and limestone soil within the Grand Cru of Les Mesnil-sur-Oger, persistent mousse in this single vintage Champagne were absolutely beautiful to behold in the glass. Balanced and expressive notes of bright citrus, apricot, pear, pineapple, lemon, cream and brioche were lifted by racy acidity. The lingering finish was exceptional especially when paired with East and West coast oysters on the half shell.

For elegance, sophistication and a bubbly addition to any occasion, find a bottle of Champagne Palmer & Co Brut Reserve NV ($60), sent to me as a sample. Palmer & Co was established in 1947 by seven growers. Wines are produced from 415 hectares of vineyards across forty crus of which 50% are classified as Premier Cru and Grand Cru (20% more than the average Champagne House). Considered their flagship wine, the Brut Reserve NV is from distinctive Premier and Grand Cru vineyards in Montagne de Reims; 35% of the blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier includes reserve wines that offer a round mouthfeel and mature palate profile.

Bright aromas of stone fruit including apricot and pears, green apple, nuts and baked brioche were enticing as they wafted from the glass. On the refreshing palate, brilliant mousse was followed by elements of citrus, stone fruit and a hint of spice on the palate. Incredibly balanced, I paired this delightfully chic wine with sushi and ceviche for an exceptional beginning to a memorable evening.