Champagne is one of the most luxurious and celebratory drinks in the world. It is known for its bubbly texture and crisp flavour, making it a favourite for many people, especially during special occasions. Here are three interesting facts about champagne that you may not know:
- Only sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France can be called "Champagne."
Champagne can only be called Champagne if it is produced in the Champagne region of France, which is located about 90 miles northeast of Paris. The name "Champagne" is protected by law, which means that only sparkling wine produced in this region using specific methods can bear the name. The method used in producing Champagne is known as the "Méthode Champenoise" or "traditional method," which involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle to produce carbon dioxide and give the wine its characteristic bubbles.
- The pressure inside a Champagne bottle is about six times the pressure of a car tire.
Champagne is known for its effervescence, which is due to the high pressure of carbon dioxide inside the bottle. The pressure inside a Champagne bottle can be as high as 90 pounds per square inch, which is about six times the pressure of a car tire. To prevent the bottle from exploding, Champagne bottles are designed to withstand this pressure. In fact, Champagne bottles are typically thicker and heavier than regular wine bottles, which is why they are often referred to as "heavyweights."
- The first Champagne glass was designed to prevent people from spilling their drinks.
The Champagne glass, also known as the Champagne flute, was not originally designed to showcase the wine's bubbles or aroma. Instead, it was designed to prevent people from spilling their drinks. In the 17th century, Champagne was served in wide, shallow glasses that were prone to spilling. To solve this problem, a French glassmaker named Claude-Alexandre Lallement designed a tall, narrow glass with a long stem that would keep the Champagne from spilling while also showcasing the wine's bubbles. This design has become so iconic that it is now associated with Champagne itself.
In conclusion, Champagne is not just a delicious and celebratory drink, but it is also steeped in history and tradition. From its protected name to its high pressure and iconic glass, Champagne is a fascinating and unique beverage that has captured the hearts of many people around the world