This time of year men around the world are awakened to the fact that Valentines Day is upon them, usually by a well placed radio or television advert. Women, of course, have been aware of this fact since early January! So, under pressure from the loved one and from a barrage of advertising, there is only one real alternative. Crack open some bubbly!
The question is why do we have such an affinity to this superb liquid? Besides the obvious, “why not”, Champagne has for centuries portrayed elegance and wealth. Like many forms of alcohol, its origins can be traced back to a monk, none other than Dom Perignon. In fact, it was actually a British national, Christopher Merret, who documented the discovery of creating Champagne. This is just another arrow in the quiver to irritate the French!
The still wines from Champagne were traditionally used in the coronation ceremonies of Kings of France. It was only in the 19th century that the production of Champagne as we know it began in earnest. Before then the glass used would too often explode under high pressure, which did not bode well for romantic dinners in the day, or for the workers in the cellars. It was not uncommon for Champagne houses to don their cellar workers in heavy iron masks to protect them from glass shrapnel!
Champagne has been an incredible success in the world of marketing. As early as the 1800s Laurent-Perrier advertised its tipple as being the favourite amongst royalty. Well known houses of the time commissioned playwrights to write songs and poems extolling the benefits of bubbly. Different labels were sent to different countries, showing patriotic images to suit them, even during World War 1! The aura of romance and pure indulgence has certainly been cultivated by our society but the experience speaks for itself.
The whisper of a Champagne bottle as it opens, for the civilized amongst us, or the pop and shower of delicious liquid, for the formula one driver in us, both immediately excite the senses before the wine is even poured. Then, upon pouring the wine into beautifully elegant glasses, the sound of the bubbles, the vision of golden trails leading up the glass makes for an unsurpassed celebratory experience. So, when in doubt for Valentines Day, break open a bottle of great bubbly, whether it is one of South Africa’s superb Cap Classiques or a French Champagne. Next year you can take it to the next level by dusting off your old saber and opening a bottle using the sabrage method!
