With 2010 fast approaching I though it opportune to suggest the perfect drink to bring in the New Year. What else but Champagne! Made from one or more of three grapes, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, Champagne is one of the world’s greatest wines and unquestionably the greatest sparkling wine. The region of Champagne has been making wines for over 2,000 years but it was only in the 17th century with the help of monks that bubbles first appeared in Champagne. Since then, the world has fallen in love with the alluring bubbly wines of Champagne. This New Year, whether you are a super successful career person or aspire to be, there are compelling reasons why you should drink Champagne. Here are some intriguing stories on the famous women and men who have made and loved Champagne to share with family and friends as you welcome the New Year.
Widows of Champagne
If you are a working woman who competes with men and excels in business then certain Champagnes must be part of your New Year celebration. Why? Because some of the earliest and most famous business women of Europe were the widows of Champagne. Not only did they compete in what was then very much a man’s world, but their accomplishments far exceeded the men of their time. The most famous woman of Champagne was the widow Cliquot. In 1805 at the age of 27 her husband died and left her with a baby and a small and struggling Champagne house. Despite having no prior business experience, she discovered new ways to make Champagne and pioneered new markets. By the time of her death in 1866, Veuve Cliquot was one of the biggest and most successful businesses in Champagne. To honor this great woman, try the refined and stylish vintage La Grande Dame, Champagne made in her honor. Another accomplished widow of Champagne was Louise Pommery who in 1858 at 39 years old took over control of the Pommery winery. Among her accomplishments is developing one of the first truly Brut or dry styles of Champagne. The esteemed Champagne houses of Laurent Perrier and Roederer were also run by accomplished widows who brought their companies to new heights of success and prestige. Another role model for the modern business woman was the widow Lily Bollinger who took control of the great Champagne house Bollinger in 1941. World War II (1939-1945) devastated many Champagne producers but through the fortitude and sagacity of the widow Bollinger her business not only survived but thrived. I’m a huge fan of the Bollinger, Special Cuvee, one of the very best non-vintage Champagnes.
Manly Celebrations
Champagne is not only for women, in fact many of the great men of history adored Champagne. Winston Churchill was said to drink Champagne on a daily basis and left us with several memorable quotes. In World War I, he addressed the English troops by saying “Remember gentlemen, its not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne!”. He also echoed an earlier quote on Champagne by Napoleon declaring “In victory we deserve it, in defeat we need it”. Napoleon another Champagne lover actually said, “I drink Champagne when I win, to celebrate; and I drink Champagne when I lose, to console myself”. Churchill’s favorite Champagne was Pol Roger and they named one of their wines after him, the robust vintage Champagne, Winston Churchill Cuvee. Napoleon was said to have favored the Champagnes of Moet & Chandon. One of my favorite quotes on Champagne was made by the famous English writer and poet John Meynard Keyes who said shortly before he died, “My only regret in life is that I did not drink more Champagne”. Another legendary writer, F. Scott Fitzgerald, stated, “Too much of anything is bad, but too much Champagne is just right”. The favorite Champagnes of many literary giants have been Taittinger, a producer that emphasizes style and grace over power. The beautifully balanced Taittinger Prestige Rose Brut and slightly sweet Taittinger Nocturne may not make you a great writer but they will definitely embellish your holiday celebrations. I wish all readers a very happy 2010 enlivened by the exquisite bubbles of Champagne!
