Extra Matter

New Year in the New World

Last night we popped a bottle of bubbly; not champagne but California sparkling wine. And yet, I went to bed puzzling about the labelling restrictions around true Champagne, so convincing had the bottle been. I swear I had seen the word “Champagne” on the bottle.

I was wrong.

Labels of Chandon sparkling wine

Whatever it was, it was a bit sweet for my taste, despite being labelled Brut. And it raised a couple of additional questions for me.

What’s the difference between méthode traditionelle and méthode champenoise? Not much, but enough.

What was the justification for dropping the “Moët &” when the company established in California? I’m guessing a very expensive consultancy suggested it, and I’d love to understand the reasoning.

Anyway, Happy New Year.

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