When planning to celebrate a special occasion, one often wonders which champagne to choose. Faced with the plethora of houses and winegrowers’ champagnes on offer, it can be a tricky decision to make, especially since prices can vary significantly.
For the past seven years, an international competition has set out to compare the world’s sparkling wines and identify the best ones. The competition was launched by British author, Tom Stevenson, recognized as the leading specialist of champagne.
More than 1,000 sparkling wines from all over the world were blind-tasted. And in this latest round of judging, the jury of professionals didn’t just choose a winning champagne. Their palates paid tribute to a rare vintage, the Dom Ruinart rosé 2004 with “the supreme world champion trophy.” Not only is this label a member of a family that counts only 20 vintages since its creation in 1966, but it is also in a magnum.
This detail is actually highly significant because it is the most suitable capacity to develop the complexity of a champagne. In its 1.5 liter bottle, the wine is less subject to rapid temperature changes, which can drastically damage the quality of the drink. It is also worth noting that the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships has put the spotlight on rosé champagne and sparkling wine, still regularly perceived — wrongly — by many wine lovers as less-worthy wine.
Now this competition has rehabilitated this drink, with this production based on chardonnay and pinot noir vinified in red. This originality however comes at a cost: €600 (over P34,800). JB
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