A glass of bubbly tops a night with good food, good friends and good times. A glass of bubbly tops a night with good food, good friends and good times. But the toast of the wine world can accompany more than just a special occasion. Champagne and its sparkling cousins make a perfect match for many cuisines, from breakfast omelets to soups or a juicy burger with fries. “Champagne & Sparkling Wines: Beginners Guide to Wine” gives insight into how winemakers developed that signature fizz and which winemaking regions and methods influence its various styles. Sommelier Eric S. Crane guides you on pairing food with these gems, how to serve and store them and label distinctions to note when you’re ready to buy.
Excerpt from the Book:
“Sparkling wines are made all over the world, so how do you find the right wine for you? There are certainly wines similar to Champagne that are made in many countries. Even in France, some of the wines made using the Traditional Method are as good as some Champagnes. For example, a number of wines produced in France are labeled as "Crémant." These wines follow stringent guidelines for production and thus may be great values. The Loire Valley makes a tremendous amount of sparkling wine that may likewise be a real find.”
Includes:
1.Understanding Champagne and Sparkling Wines
1.1Basics of Winemaking – Past and Present
1.2Grape Attributes
1.3Styles of Champagne and Sparkling Wine
2.Choosing the Right Sparking Wine
2.1The Label
2.2Factors That Contribute to the Flavor Profile of Champagne
3.Serving and Enjoying Sparkling Wines
3.1Glassware
3.2Serving Temperature
3.3To Decant or Not to Decant?
3.4Wine Storage
3.5Pairing Food With Champagne and Sparkling Wines
3.6Getting’ Fizzy With It!
About the Author:
Eric S. Crane, a Georgia native, is the director of training and business development for Empire Distributors Inc. He has achieved the title of certified wine educator from the Society of Wine Educators and the title of advanced sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Eric also serves on the board of directors for the Guild of Sommeliers. As Empire’s director of training, he regularly teaches classes on wine and spirits to his company as well as to the public. His spare time finds him enjoying his family or with his nose in either a book or a glass of wine.
Excerpt from the Book:
“Sparkling wines are made all over the world, so how do you find the right wine for you? There are certainly wines similar to Champagne that are made in many countries. Even in France, some of the wines made using the Traditional Method are as good as some Champagnes. For example, a number of wines produced in France are labeled as "Crémant." These wines follow stringent guidelines for production and thus may be great values. The Loire Valley makes a tremendous amount of sparkling wine that may likewise be a real find.”
Includes:
1.Understanding Champagne and Sparkling Wines
1.1Basics of Winemaking – Past and Present
1.2Grape Attributes
1.3Styles of Champagne and Sparkling Wine
2.Choosing the Right Sparking Wine
2.1The Label
2.2Factors That Contribute to the Flavor Profile of Champagne
3.Serving and Enjoying Sparkling Wines
3.1Glassware
3.2Serving Temperature
3.3To Decant or Not to Decant?
3.4Wine Storage
3.5Pairing Food With Champagne and Sparkling Wines
3.6Getting’ Fizzy With It!
About the Author:
Eric S. Crane, a Georgia native, is the director of training and business development for Empire Distributors Inc. He has achieved the title of certified wine educator from the Society of Wine Educators and the title of advanced sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Eric also serves on the board of directors for the Guild of Sommeliers. As Empire’s director of training, he regularly teaches classes on wine and spirits to his company as well as to the public. His spare time finds him enjoying his family or with his nose in either a book or a glass of wine.
