Champagne

Champagne has a specific character that isn't universally appealing and I respect that. Some people find the complexity on the palate overwhelming. Served with a splash of water it's at its most polarising — full flavour, no hiding. For those it clicks with, the payoff is enormous. I'm firmly in th…

Took a bottle of Champagne to a dinner party where nobody had thought much about it before. Served it chilled after the meal and it sparked a genuine conversation. The balance between sweetness and bite did the work — once people noticed it they couldn't stop asking questions. There's something sat…

I resisted Champagne for a long time based on a bad early experience. Then a friend insisted I try a properly made version served neat and everything changed. The finish I'd missed the first time was suddenly the point. Been drinking it regularly for about six months now and find myself actively se…

I drink Champagne roughly once a week and have done for 4 years. Not a connoisseur, just someone who enjoys it consistently. Served chilled after work it provides a reliable wind-down that nothing else quite replicates. The balance between sweetness and bite is comforting in its familiarity. I'm no…

Quality Champagne sits at the premium end of my drinks budget and that's fine — it's an occasion drink for me. Served on the rocks at the right moment it's hard to beat. The depth of flavour on a well-chosen bottle is extraordinary. That said, the price variation in this category is wild. You absol…

Tried this Champagne on recommendation and it's a solid choice without being exceptional. Served in a proper glass at room temperature as suggested. The finish is present but not as pronounced as in more premium examples. For regular drinking it's good value. For a special occasion I'd go a step up…

One of the things I love about Champagne is the regional variation. The same category produced in different parts of the world tastes completely different. The smooth aftertaste shifts dramatically depending on origin, and served on the rocks those differences are most apparent. If you've only trie…

I've been a Champagne drinker for years and this category never gets old. The depth of flavour you get from a well-made Champagne is genuinely hard to explain to someone who hasn't tried it. I tend to drink it in a proper glass at room temperature and find that's when it shows its best character. T…

Something I've noticed with Champagne: the season changes the experience significantly. In summer in a proper glass at room temperature it's lighter and more refreshing, the nose sitting differently in warm weather. In winter the same drink served the same way feels richer and more substantial. I n…

I expected more from this Champagne given the price point and the hype around the category. Served as a long drink with ice as recommended. The finish was underwhelming compared to bottles at half the price I've enjoyed. The premium end of this market has a lot of marketing attached to it that does…