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It is a little known fact that Champagne in its original form used to be a lot sweeter than the flavor with which we are familiar today. Any of us who have tasted champagne for the first time may well have been surprised with how bitter it was at first taste, before the flavors resolved themselves into the more subtle after notes. This was undoubtedly the reaction that was had by the customers of Perrier-Jouet in London in 1846, when instead of sweetening it he simply decided to export it as it was. Clearly, the people who it was served to decided that they rather enjoyed the different taste because in 1876, “Brut” champagne was created as a designation, and a large amount of the champagne that is drunk in Britain to this day is Brut champagne.
Champagne is a drink that is associated with celebration and luxury. Whether telling the truth or not, what champagne tells an assembled crowd about the person drinking it is that they are a success and that they have earned the entitlement to the luxury that they are enjoying. Perhaps most children’s first understanding of champagne will come from the practice of sportsmen who have just won an event – usually a motor race – and to celebrate, spray the contents of the bottle all over one another, the crowd and anybody who gets close enough. As time goes on and we get older, we begin to wonder why they do not just keep it in the bottle and enjoy it, and if they cannot be bothered with that just send it to us. This lasts for as long as it takes to realise that these guys could go out and buy another hundred or so bottles with the money they have just won.
The French wine maker Philippe Prie makes a very tasty and very affordable champagne that you will not want to spray into any crowd or at anyone who you have just beaten in a race. Instead you will want to enjoy it for what it is – a very drinkable champagne that has much to recommend it. Philippe Prie Brut Champagne is available from any good online wine stockist, and may well be on the shelves at your local liquor store. Certainly the owner will know of it, so why not as about it?
Philippe Prie Brut Champagne retails in some places at a price of approximately $32 – that is a great deal less than some of the better known brands – but belies that low price with a taste that compares favorably with a good many more expensive makes of champagne. Experts describe its taste as being full flavored, with a fragrance of stone fruits and an array of rich creamy aromas. The Prie family have been growing wine since 1737, and what they have not learned in that time is really not worth knowing. This Philippe Prié Brut champagne is made from a blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay.
Caterina Christakos is a published author and wine aficionado. Take a tour of the wines of the world here:
http://www.wineclubsworldwide.com/International_Wine.html
