A Lil' Wedding Bubbly

This past weekend I had the opportunity to be a bridesmaid in one of my best friend's wedding. Not only was it a privilege, but it provided me an avenue to extend my drinking habits, and with it being a celebratory time, it was only appropriate I do it with sheer sophistication and style.

Afterall, as a bridesmaid *slash* wino, it was my duty (ok, a wee bit of an expecation, too) to make sure I help the bride (and my fellow bridesmaids) celebrate with nothing but the finest. And that we did, which in turn meant... CHAMPAGNE FOR ALL!

Sure, I'm an avid fan of Moet (afterall, who can I deny that "White Star" quality?) and I lust for a special occation bottle of Perrier Jouet and the soft bubbles of a Veuve Clicquot. But more recently, I've also become a big fan of Champagne Pommery.

In past, I've opted for their POP bottles, since they are perfect for more everyday occasions since they are tailored to individual consumption, but for a big occasion like this, I needed a big bottle (or two) - big in taste, big in elegance, big in festivity! So naturally I tried out some of their alternative champagne options:

Evening #1: Rehearsal Dinner - Pommery Brut Royal
Following the rehearsal dinner, the ladies headed back to our hotel to do a little celebrating on our own without the boys (I mean, who really wants to share their bubbly?). We uncorked Pommery's Brut Royal which was pale yellow in color, but very fresh on the nose and with a clean taste that emobodied hints of red fruit, something I don't think I've ever noticed in any other champagnes that weren't rose blends.

The finish was very smooth with no dryness and bubbles that tingled the tongue. Overall, a lively style, but one that sort of opposes traditional heavy, dry champagnes. Chardonnay grapes from the Côte des Blancs are the primary contributors to that liveliness. Very different from night #2...
Cost: $35/bottle
Where to Buy: 67Wine.com


Evening #2: Wedding Toast - Pommery Brut Apanage NV
The group consensus was that the Brut Apanage was more enjoyable than the Brut Royal, and I would have to agree (although I didn't dislike the first bottle).

While most bottles of champagne are too light to stand up to food, the Brut Apanage can easily carry through a meal and compliment any menu, or easily fly solo. We toasted to the new bride before she headed down the aisle with a finely gold hued flute complete with a nose that teased the senses, fresh rose and citrus scents with more dryness on the palate.

Pommery Brut Apanage surely has its own personality compared to champagnes I've had in past. Perhaps its due to its unique aging process, where a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier (selected from Grand Crus because of their quality) are aged for 4 years, making it one of the longest-aged non-vintage champagnes available. What we were able to experience with a notable finesse and delicacy that left the palate comfortable pleased.

Cost: $50/bottle
Where To Buy: WineBuys.com


For more information, please visit http://www.pommery.com/.