The season of popping bottles is only beginning. No longer reserved solely for holidays, champagne can be savored anytime of the year, especially when one is looking to cool off after bearing sizzling spring mornings and steamier summer afternoons. The French wine is a luxurious gift for the taste buds, a welcoming surprise for patrons seeking class over forgettable evenings at watering holes. A crisp, bubbly with sudden notes of ripe, luscious fruit is a rare find, especially when there are hundreds of them to choose from. Upon the arrival of New Year’s Eve, we explored affordable sparklers that range from Italian Processo to Spanish Cava. However, what if you wanted to party like an A-lister for one night this season and was willing to drink the wine of stars? Aged and perfected until the final drop, we discovered one champagne that’s meant to be cherished like liquid gold.
Inside a patent black box holds the famous Armand de Brignac, rated the number one champagne in the world. After experts tasted over 1,000 samples of cuvees, vintages, and non-vintages, the elite wine from the small French village of Chigny-les-Roses reigned supreme. From its dazzling gold bottle that shines like a rare jewel, to its light lemon hue, a glass of Armand de Brignac is certain to delight even the pickiest drinkers. While Armand de Brignac comes in Rose and Blanc de Blancs, we fell in love with the Brut Gold cuvee. One sip is filled with a union of spices, pears, and floral, along with a hint of smokiness for a touch of sophistication. The champagne, nicknamed “Ace of Spades” by rapper Jay-Z for its insignia on the bottle, is favored by celebrities, including Alex Rodriguez, Wisin y Yandel, and Aventura. For social drinkers, how does only create a priceless glass from the world’s most exclusive wine on the market?
The “Perfect Pour” is designed by Philippe Bienvenue, the Director of the Cattier Chateau in France where Armand de Brignac is created. He provided this step-by-step guide on the “Perfect Pour” that anyone can master with ease:
Creating the Perfect Pour:
1) Armand de Brignac Champagne should be chilled to 48 degrees.
2) Remove foil and place thumb on top of the cork.
3) Undo the cage while keeping your thumb on the cork.
4) With a white cloth, twist the cork slowly. Keep your thumb lightly on top of the cork.
5) Cork should make a “fute” sound (not a “pop” sound) when opened.
6) Hold the bottle of Armand de Brignac at the bottom to maintain the chilled temperature of the Champagne.
7) At a 30 degree angle, pour slowly into a Champagne flute.
8) Pause at ¼ of the flute.
9) Pour again, slowly.
10) An Armand de Brignac Champagne flute should be filled 2/3 of the way.
