Champagne Archives | Palate Press

3 min read

Dry January is a convenient concept. It allows us to assuage the guilt we have about over-indulging during the Holidays – and during the rest of the year, for that matter. Every January, many people suddenly attempt to drink no alcohol at all for a whole month. For a variety Read More

Champagne Updated: Celebrating a Sustainable Region

Becky Sue Epstein

Features

3 min read

CHAMPAGNE IN HISTORY For centuries, Champagne producers were focused on one thing: inspiring us to drink Champagne. Then they were forced to change. A few decades ago, the world shifted, and instead of being concerned about their one little corner of the earth, Champagne producers became aware that every aspect Read More

Meditation Wine-Tasting?? A New Experience with Champagne Henriot Blanc de Blancs

Becky Sue Epstein

Wine Reviews

2 min read

Searching for calmness in these times, when I heard about “meditation tasting” from the folks at Champagne Henriot, I immediately decided to try it. Then it occurred to me I might already be pretty relaxed if I was sipping champagne. But what if meditation-tasting (aka “meditasting”) could make things better? Read More

Last Minute Wine Gift: The Champagne Saber You’ve Always Wanted

Becky Sue Epstein

Features

1 min read

For the gal (or guy) who has everything: the Champagne Saber. Looks too pretty, but I tried it out and it works. Admit it. You’ve always wanted to saber Champagne. This is the most dramatic way to "open" a Champagne bottle. And while you’re screwing up your courage use it Read More

2013 Rotari Brut Trento DOC Blanc de Blancs

Becky Sue Epstein

Wine Reviews

1 min read

A delicate yet substantial sparkling wine. After the first fermentation, this wine is finished in the bottle, as they do in Champagne. The wine is also made with chardonnay grapes only, as is Champagne’s “blanc de blancs.” But this sparkler is produced in the north of Italy, in the Dolomites; Read More

California’s Champagne Affair

Roger Morris

Features Wine Spotlight

7 min read

Can California wineries make Champagne? Of course they can! Over the past three years, at least four California wineries have started doing so. Before I get sabered by a regiment of WSET candidates for dealing in alternative facts, let me hasten to add that these Californians are making their signature Read More

What We’re Drinking – NV Schramsberg Vineyards “Mirabelle” Brut Rosé

David Honig

Wine Reviews

1 min read

When people tell me "I don't like bubbles" I slap them until they go away. Who doesn't love bubbles? Bubbles have been fun since we were babies. First there were bubble baths, then blowing bubbles, the bubble gum, and then, finally, we grow up and we get to drink BUBBLES! Read More

“Unprecedented development rate” leads to ripe, early harvest in southern Champagne

Caroline Henry

Features Wine Spotlight

6 min read

The unique terroir of the Côtes des Bar expresses itself well in this vintage. The 2015 harvest has drawn to a close in Champagne and overall everybody is very happy with the results. The hot summer boosted the ripeness levels, and in the end brought forward the harvest dates by Read More

WHAT IS DRY JANUARY – And Why Doesn’t It Work?

Champagne Updated: Celebrating a Sustainable Region

Meditation Wine-Tasting?? A New Experience with Champagne Henriot Blanc de Blancs

Last Minute Wine Gift: The Champagne Saber You’ve Always Wanted

2013 Rotari Brut Trento DOC Blanc de Blancs

California’s Champagne Affair

What We’re Drinking – NV Schramsberg Vineyards “Mirabelle” Brut Rosé

“Unprecedented development rate” leads to ripe, early harvest in southern Champagne

2018 Notturno Drei Donà Romagna DOC Predappio Sangiovese

2019 Jordan Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County

2018 Ghost of a Chance Wines “Gangster of Love” Red, Sierra Foothills

2020 One Flock Sauvignon Blanc

2020 One Flock Red Wine, California