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SOMM&SOMM

Category: Champagne Drinks

  • Wine & Spirits of the Zodiac

    Wine & Spirits of the Zodiac

    A Cosmic Guide to Your Perfect Pour.

    We love finding connections between personalities, traits, styles, and experiences with the various expressions of wine and spirits. This passion has been on full display in our recent articles The Artistry of Wine, An Intricate Dance Between Poetry and Wine, and Sipping the Notes. Exploring how flavors, textures, and aromas intertwine with personality and emotion is a journey that never ceases to fascinate us.

    Pearson Scott Foresman, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

    The stars have guided sailors, farmers, and romantics alike, but have you ever let them guide your wine or cocktail selection? Astrology has long been associated with personality traits, fortunes, and fate, so why not extend that celestial insight to our drink choices? With the Chinese New Year recently celebrated, there’s a fascinating parallel between Western zodiac signs and the symbolic significance of the lunar calendar. Both systems influence celebrations, personality interpretations, and even what flavors we gravitate toward.

    The zodiac in a round dance around the world, from Les etoilles animées, by J.J. Grandville, 1847, coloured engraving

    Let’s journey through the twelve astrological signs, uncovering their origins and pairing each with a wine or spirit that perfectly complements its traits. Plus, we’ve included an interactive cocktail recipe for each sign—because the best way to embrace your celestial self is with a perfectly paired drink in hand.

    Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) – Ambitious, Disciplined, and Refined

    Wine Pairing: Bordeaux – Structured, elegant, and built to age.
    Spirit Pairing: Scotch – Complex, refined, and timeless.
    Cocktail: The Classic Capricorn (inspired by the Rob Roy)
    Ingredients:

    • 2 oz Scotch
    • 0.5 oz sweet vermouth
    • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
      Stir with ice and strain into a coupe. Garnish with a cherry.

    Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) – Innovative, Free-Spirited, and Unique

    Wine Pairing: Orange Wine – Unconventional, thought-provoking, and distinctive.
    Spirit Pairing: Absinthe – Visionary, artistic, and ahead of its time.
    Cocktail: The Electric Aquarius (inspired by the Corpse Reviver #2)
    Ingredients:

    • 1 oz absinthe
    • 1 oz elderflower liqueur
    • 2 oz tonic water
      Build over ice in a highball glass and garnish with a lemon wheel.

    Pisces (February 19 – March 20) – Dreamy, Romantic, and Intuitive

    Wine Pairing: Riesling – Lush, poetic, and expressive.
    Spirit Pairing: Lavender Gin – Ethereal and enchanting.
    Cocktail: The Mystic Mermaid (inspired by the Bees Knees)
    Ingredients:

    • 2 oz lavender gin
    • 0.5 oz lemon juice
    • 0.5 oz honey syrup
      Shake with ice and strain into a coupe. Garnish with edible flowers.

    Aries (March 21 – April 19) – Bold, Fiery, and Adventurous

    Wine Pairing: Zinfandel – Robust, spicy, and energetic, just like Aries.
    Spirit Pairing: Mezcal – Smoky, intense, and unapologetically bold.
    Cocktail: Spicy Aries Smash (inspired by the Mezcal Mule)
    Ingredients:

    • 2 oz mezcal
    • 1 oz lime juice
    • 0.5 oz honey syrup
    • 2 slices jalapeño
    • 2 dashes orange bitters
      Muddle jalapeño in a shaker, add all ingredients, shake with ice, and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.

    Taurus (April 20 – May 20) – Sensual, Earthy, and Indulgent

    Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon – Luxurious, full-bodied, and grounded.
    Spirit Pairing: Cognac – Refined and complex with deep, earthy undertones.
    Cocktail: Velvet Bull (inspired by the Brandy Alexander)
    Ingredients:

    • 1.5 oz Cognac
    • 0.5 oz crème de cacao
    • 1 oz heavy cream
    • Grated nutmeg for garnish
      Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with grated nutmeg.

    Gemini (May 21 – June 20) – Playful, Curious, and Witty

    Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp, zesty, and ever-changing.
    Spirit Pairing: Gin – Botanical, versatile, and endlessly creative.
    Cocktail: The Gemini Spritz (inspired by the French 75)
    Ingredients:

    • 1.5 oz gin
    • 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur
    • 2 oz sparkling wine
    • 1 oz soda water
      Build in a wine glass over ice, stir gently, and garnish with a lemon twist.

    Cancer (June 21 – July 22) – Nurturing, Sentimental, and Comforting

    Wine Pairing: Chardonnay – Warm, inviting, and soothing.
    Spirit Pairing: Rum – Sweet, nostalgic, and full of depth.
    Cocktail: The Cozy Crab (inspired by the Painkiller)
    Ingredients:

    • 2 oz aged rum
    • 1 oz coconut cream
    • 0.5 oz lime juice
      Shake with ice and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with grated cinnamon.

    Leo (July 23 – August 22) – Charismatic, Bold, and Regal

    Wine Pairing: Champagne – Effervescent, luxurious, and always the center of attention.
    Spirit Pairing: Bourbon – Strong, commanding, and unforgettable.
    Cocktail: The Golden Lion (inspired by the Gold Rush)
    Ingredients:

    • 2 oz bourbon
    • 0.5 oz honey syrup
    • 0.5 oz lemon juice
    • Champagne top-off
      Shake bourbon, honey syrup, and lemon juice with ice, strain into a coupe, and top with Champagne.

    Virgo (August 23 – September 22) – Practical, Detail-Oriented, and Sophisticated

    Wine Pairing: Grüner Veltliner – Crisp, precise, and refreshingly complex.
    Spirit Pairing: Vodka – Clean, structured, and classic.
    Cocktail: The Meticulous Martini (inspired by the Vodka Martini)
    Ingredients:

    • 2 oz vodka
    • 0.5 oz dry vermouth
    • 2 dashes orange bitters
      Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lemon twist.

    Libra (September 23 – October 22) – Charming, Balanced, and Sophisticated

    Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir – Elegant, harmonious, and effortlessly balanced.
    Spirit Pairing: Amaretto – Smooth, sweet, and socially engaging.
    Cocktail: The Libra Harmony (inspired by the Amaretto Sour)
    Ingredients:

    • 1.5 oz amaretto
    • 1 oz lemon juice
    • 0.5 oz simple syrup
    • Club soda
      Build in a highball glass over ice and top with club soda. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

    Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) – Intense, Mysterious, and Passionate

    Wine Pairing: Syrah – Deep, smoky, and enigmatic.
    Spirit Pairing: Amaro – Dark, brooding, and complex.
    Cocktail: The Dark Scorpion (inspired by the Black Manhattan)
    Ingredients:

    • 1.5 oz amaro
    • 1 oz rye whiskey
    • 0.5 oz black walnut liqueur
      Stir with ice and strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange peel.

    Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) – Adventurous, Free-Spirited, and Optimistic

    Wine Pairing: Malbec – Bold, vibrant, and full of life.
    Spirit Pairing: Tequila – Fun-loving, daring, and celebratory.
    Cocktail: The Wanderlust Paloma (inspired by the Paloma)
    Ingredients:

    • 2 oz tequila
    • 1 oz grapefruit juice
    • 0.5 oz lime juice
    • 0.5 oz agave syrup
    • Club soda
      Build over ice in a highball glass and top with club soda. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
    Photo by Tahir Osman on Pexels.com

    A Toast to the Stars

    Whether you’re an assertive Aries sipping a Spicy Smash or a dreamy Pisces enjoying an ethereal lavender gin ‘tini, the zodiac offers a celestial guide to enhancing your drinking experience. While astrology and wine pairings may not be scientific, they are undeniably fun—so why not embrace the cosmic influence on your next drink choice? Cheers to exploring the stars, one sip at a time!

    Which zodiac pairing is your favorite? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to tag us on social media with your cosmic cocktails!

  • Champagne Unveiled: A Journey through Bubbles, Elegance, and Celebration

    Champagne Unveiled: A Journey through Bubbles, Elegance, and Celebration

    Champagne, often synonymous with celebrations and luxury, stands as the epitome of sparkling wine craftsmanship. Originating from the picturesque Champagne region in France, this effervescent elixir has woven itself into the fabric of joyous occasions worldwide. As a professional sommelier and wine educator, I invite you on a journey to discover the nuances of Champagne, explore its historical roots, distinguish it from other sparkling wines, and indulge in the art of serving and toasting.

    Champagne Vineyards

    Historical Roots of Champagne

    The captivating tale of Champagne’s origin dates back to the 17th century. Legend has it that the Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon discovered the method to capture the bubbles in wine, turning a potential winemaking disaster into a delightful revelation. While this story adds a touch of romance to the narrative, historical records attribute the development of the traditional method of sparkling wine production to multiple contributors in the Champagne region.

    In the early 19th century, Champagne houses such as Veuve Clicquot and Moët et Chandon played pivotal roles in refining the méthode champenoise, which involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle. This technique became the hallmark of Champagne production, distinguishing it from other sparkling wines.

    Distinguishing Champagne from Other Sparkling Wines

    While Champagne is the undisputed star, various other sparkling wines offer distinctive profiles and styles. Prosecco (created using the Charmat Method), hailing from Italy, is known for its fresh and fruity character. One of our favorite sparkling wines from Italy, also made using the traditional method (metodo classico), is the Lombardy region’s own Franciacorta. Spain’s Cava, crafted using the traditional method, exhibits citrusy and toasty notes. The German Sekt often showcases a delicate sweetness, while English sparkling wines gain recognition for their quality, influenced by the cool climate and chalky soils.

    What sets Champagne apart is the rigorous production standards outlined by the AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) regulations. Grapes, primarily Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, must come from the Champagne region, and production follows strict guidelines to ensure consistency and excellence.

    Photo by JESHOOTS.com on Pexels.com

    Tips on Serving Sparkling Wine for the Holidays

    As the holiday season approaches, serving sparkling wine with finesse can elevate the festivities. Here are some tips to enhance your sparkling wine experience:

    1. Temperature Matters: Serve Champagne chilled, ideally between 45°F to 48°F (7°C to 9°C). An ice bucket filled with water and ice is an excellent way to keep it at the perfect temperature.

    2. Choosing the Right Glassware: Opt for a flute or tulip-shaped glass to preserve the effervescence and concentrate the aromas. The narrow design helps maintain the bubbles and showcases the wine’s complexity.

    3. Gentle Pouring: To preserve the bubbles, pour sparkling wine down the side of the glass. Hold the glass at an angle and let the liquid glide gently into the flute.

    Popular Champagne Cocktails and Recipes

    Champagne isn’t confined to celebratory toasts; it’s a versatile libation that can be crafted into delightful cocktails. Here are a few popular recipes to elevate your Champagne experience:

    1. Classic Champagne Cocktail:

    Ingredients:

    •    1 sugar cube
    •    Angostura bitters
    •    Champagne
    •    Lemon twist (for garnish)

    Instructions: Soak the sugar cube in a few dashes of Angostura bitters. Drop the cube into a Champagne flute. Pour chilled Champagne over the sugar cube. Garnish with a lemon twist.

    2. French 75:

    Ingredients:

    • 1 oz gin
    • 0.5 oz simple syrup
    • 0.5 oz lemon juice
    • Champagne
    • Lemon twist (for garnish)

    Instructions: Shake gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice with ice. Strain into a Champagne flute. Top with Champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.

    3. Mimosa:

    Ingredients:

    • 2 oz orange juice
    • Champagne

     Instructions: Pour orange juice into a Champagne flute. Top with chilled Champagne.

    Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

    Proper Approach to a Classic Champagne Toast

    A Champagne toast is a timeless tradition that brings people together in celebration. To ensure a memorable and elegant toast, consider the following:

    1. Selecting the Right Champagne: Choose a quality Champagne that suits the occasion. A brut or extra brut is a safe choice for toasting, offering a balance of sweetness and acidity.

    2. Chilled to Perfection: Ensure the Champagne is appropriately chilled. A cold glass of bubbly is not only refreshing but enhances the effervescence.

    3. Hold the Glass Correctly: Grasp the Champagne flute by the stem to prevent the transfer of heat from your hand to the wine. This helps maintain the ideal serving temperature.

    4. Raise, Clink, and Sip: Raise your glass, make eye contact, and gently clink glasses with others. Take a moment to express your sentiments before taking a sip.

    Let us raise our glasses high in celebration of this joyous moment. Here’s to love that knows no bounds, to friendships that stand the test of time, and to the adventures that await us in the coming years. May our hearts be filled with gratitude, our days with laughter, and our glasses with the effervescent elixir of life. Cheers to the past, the present, and the future – may it be as sparkling and delightful as the bubbles dancing in this champagne. Cheers!

    Gregory Dean, SOMM&SOMM

    In conclusion, Champagne is a beverage of celebration, history, and craftsmanship. From its humble beginnings in the Champagne region to its global acclaim, this effervescent wine continues to captivate enthusiasts. Whether sipped on its own, blended into cocktails, or used for toasts, Champagne remains a symbol of elegance and festivity, enriching moments both grand and intimate. 🥂