CELLAR CLUB
HAPPY NEW YEAR! By Jeffrey Cohen, Wine Specialist
As we ring in 2022, let us all give thanks for being here and saying goodbye to another challenging year, 2021. This edition will speak on Sparkling Wine and Champagne. I always remind staff and friends that Champagne is a place in France, that happens to produce incredible Sparkling Wines. The great thing about Sparkling Wines in general is they are the most versatile in pairing with foods. I can’t think of a single item that you can’t pair with Sparkling Wine. The bubbles just do their thing. I use this regularly: “If you can pair eggs and toast with Bubbles, then anything will pair well!” This whole year I have heard about the shortages that were coming our way, due to horrible crops over the 2021 vintage in Champagne. After doing my research, it is true that in early April there were devastating frosts causing damage to many of
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the country’s vineyards. September 6 marked the opening of “Champagne season.” The Compté Champagne — the appellations’ official trade association — announced that as much as 60% of the region’s yield might have been already lost due to the bad weather conditions. Specifically, the Compté Champagne says that 12 days of frost in early April cut yields by 30% and were followed by persistent rains that probably claimed another 25%-30%. Making matters worse, the region was also hit by a few hailstorms damaging over 1,200 acres. So, let’s backtrack to the beginning. What exactly is Sparkling Wine? All Champagne is Sparkling Wine but not all Sparkling Wine is Champagne. I think we have that covered. In the traditional method, also known as Méthode Traditionnelle or Méthode Champenoise, there are three grapes allowed to be in Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The
