International Champagne Day!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, October 26th, 2011
Did you know that this Friday is International Champagne Day?
Image: Ivanova Inga/Shutterstock
In preparation of the big day, here are some facts about champagne:
-Champagne is a region in France (including the towns of Rhiems, Ay, and Epernay) where the first sparkling wine was made.
-Champagne is now synonymous with all sparkling wines, but should technically only be used for sparkling wine made with grapes from the Champagne region of France.
-A 1970 bottle of Dom Perignon sells for around $2,500.
-Basement climate cabinets are the best places to store champagne.
-Champagne contains antioxidants that are beneficial in reducing the risk of heart problems or strokes.
In honor of Champagne Day, Friday, October 28, Marcel’s in D.C. is offering a French tasting of three specialty champagnes paired with three extravagant hors d’oeuvre.
The champagnes are: Jacquesson Cuvee 734 from Dizy-Champagne, Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve from Mareuil-sur-Ay-Champagne, and Michel-Arnould Brut Rose Grand Cru NV from Verzenay-Champagne.
For the food, Chef Robert Wiedmaier will be serving Quail Egg on Toasted Brioche, Kumamoto Oyster with Champagne Mignonette, and Potato Blini with Smoked Scottish Salmon and Crème Fraîche. All of the hors d’oeuvre will also include Osetra Caviar, one of the most prized caviars in the world.
There will also be champagne experts on hand to speak about the champagnes.
Prices of the tastings are $100 for champagne and food, or $29 for champagne only at the bar. Marcel’s also has over 40 different kinds of champagne on their menu, so if you still want more, no worries there. To RSVP, call 202-296-1166.
Marcel’s is located at 2401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
And if you’re not up for shelling out the cash, please, at least honor Friday’s big day by popping open a bottle of bubbly at home.
-Julia Harbo
Tags: caviar, champagne, DC, dom perignon, french, Gut Check, international champagne day, julia harbo, Marcel's, Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Magazine, NoVA, nova magazine, Robert Wiedmaier, tasting, weekend