Invest a few dollars in a champagne stopper for this champagne, and serve it for two occasions. First, sip it with caviar on New Year’s Eve. The wine is a pale tan-yellow with tiny bubbles in the glass, and there’s a hint of bread aroma to begin the experience. It’s mild on the palate with a burst of yeast and toast in the finish. Then, save the rest of the bottle for New Year’s Day: the flavors blossom when it’s been open for a day (tightly stoppered and refrigerated, of course).
Recommended as a light classic for the aperitif course, before a meal. – BSE
WHO: Perrier-Jouët
WHAT: Pinot Noir with Chardonnay (12-14% reserve wines)
WHERE: Champagne, France
WHEN: non-vintage
HOW MUCH: $44 (media sample)