“Come quickly! I am tasting stars!”
—Dom Pérignon (allegedly) upon sipping his first Champagne

Ah, Champagne. The ultimate combination of elegance, joy, and the excuse you didn’t know you needed to break out your fanciest glassware. As we float into the season of parties, I thought it was the perfect time to toast one of my favorite wines.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, wedding, holiday party, or simply surviving a Thursday, Champagne has the magical ability to turn any occasion into something sparkly and special. Personally, just the thought of ordering a glass of Champagne makes me smile—and maybe even consider mild mischief.

What Is Champagne Anyway?

First things first: not all bubbles are created equal. Champagne refers to sparkling wines made exclusively in the Champagne region of France. If it’s not from there, it’s sparkling wine or perhaps goes by another name like Prosecco, Cava, or Crémant. Think of it as the wine world’s equivalent of insisting on “Kleenex” over “tissues.”

By law, Champagne must adhere to strict production standards, and it’s typically made from a blend of three main grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. These noble grapes work their magic in tandem to create the balance of crispness, richness, and bubbles we know and love.

Food Pairing: Because Champagne Deserves More Than Brunch

While Champagne shines as a standalone drink, it’s surprisingly versatile with food. Sure, it’s a brunch MVP, but let’s pop the cork on some other pairing ideas:

  • Smoky & Salty Foods: The acidity of Champagne cuts through salt and smoke like a pro. Feeling fancy? Pair it with caviar. Feeling snacky? Popcorn works, too.
  • Appetizers & Aperitifs: Those lively bubbles are appetite-starters, making Champagne the ideal pre-dinner drink.
  • Main Dishes: Yes, you heard me. Champagne can pair beautifully with dishes like swordfish, roasted chicken, or even fried chicken (a high-low combo that’s pure joy).
  • Egg Dishes: From quiche to shakshuka, eggs and Champagne are the brunch power couple we don’t deserve but desperately need.

Sparkling Trivia: Fun Facts About Champagne

Because what’s a bubbly convo without a few fizzy tidbits?

  • A Champagne cork can fly out of a bottle at speeds of up to 40 mph—faster if your aim is terrible.
  • The Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon is often credited with “inventing” Champagne. He didn’t technically invent it, but he did help refine the bubbly we love today.
  • There are roughly 49 million bubbles in a single bottle of Champagne, according to scientists who apparently had the best job ever.
  • The shallow Champagne coupe is rumored to have been modeled after Marie Antoinette’s breast. Pour one out for historical accuracy—or don’t.
  • The world’s largest Champagne glass, at nearly 7 feet tall, can hold the equivalent of 22 bottles. That’s a party waiting to happen.
  • Marilyn Monroe allegedly bathed in Champagne once. It reportedly took 350 bottles—talk about luxury skincare.
  • The Titanic’s official Champagne was Heidsieck & Co Monopole Blue Top. Some of the salvaged bottles were still drinkable, proving that Champagne really can age gracefully.

So, whether you’re popping a bottle for a grand occasion or just because it’s a chilly Tuesday night in Chicago, let Champagne add a little sparkle to your life. And remember, it’s not just a drink—it’s an experience. Cheers! 🥂