During the holidays and especially on New Year’s Eve, we love to get in the spirit with something bubbly in hand. Here are 3 things you may not have known about this festive drink:
1. Champagne was considered “inferior”
The Romans planted the first vines in the Champagne region of France in the 6th century and the result was still red wine, which was considered quite inferior to the wines of neighboring Burgundy.
The development of sparkling wine can also be traced to 17th century England where they had the technology to bottle drinks containing carbon dioxide and add sugar to cause effervescence. Though theses bubbles were widely regarded as a fault, the English were among the first to embrace wine that sparkled as a symbol of luxury.
At this time in France however, bubbly wine was still considered inferior. Even as winemaking techniques continued to evolve, “bubbly” or “devil’s wine” continued to be misunderstood and undervalued. Rather than trying to compete with Burgundy, the Champagne region made efforts to distinguish itself by focusing on sparkling wine, and the methode champenoise.
2. As methods of production changed, so did Champagne’s reputation
Although Benedictine monk and cellar master Dom Perignon didn’t actually “invent” champagne, he is credited with the innovation of using heavier bottles and cork stoppers to prevent explosion and increase the life of the sparkling wine. Successive regulations defined the terroir, the methods of production and the quality standards, and demand inevitably increased. Throughout the centuries, through times of war and times of prosperity, champagne’s reputation and mysterious qualities continued to be linked with good health, and with royalty and excess.
3. Champagne by any other name is not truly Champagne
The name Champagne is protected by French law, and can only be used by wines produced in the region. As tastes have changed, Champagne today is more commonly Brut, Extra Brut, or drier in style with much less residual sugar than its predecessors.
Whether it’s Spanish Cava, Italian Spumante, or any of the thousands of methode traditionelle sparkling wines produced around the world, the pop, ceremony and sparkle add that extra layer of special to any occasion.
One of the best places in Vancouver to enjoy a glass of bubbly or a champagne cocktail is Hy’s Steakhouse’s upstairs lounge. With an extensive selection to choose from and a weekday Happy Hour featuring 40% off bubbly, it’s the perfect place to find your favourite and get in the festive spirit.
But sparkling wine isn’t the only way to celebrate the holidays. Seasonal spirits add to the festive feeling, too. Hy's Vancouver has taken traditional cocktails and given them a holiday new twist.
Spiced Cherry Manhattan
Made with Jim Beam black bourbon and Sacred spiced sweet vermouth, this delicious take on a standard Manhattan has notes of allspice and an extra pop of seasonal flavour courtesy of cherry bitters and a branded cherry garnish.
Honey Hive (Egg) Nog
Starting with House-made egg nog and swirled with honey rum and spiced honey liqueur, this creamy delight is sure to get you in the holiday mood. Finished with fresh shaved cinnamon and star anise, it's almost too lovely to drink.
Visit Hy's at 637 Hornby Street, or hyssteakhouse.com.
