Sep 18, 2020
You don't need a special occasion to open a bottle of Champagne, and sommelier / Champagne expert Todd Lipman explains why in this episode of Inside Wine Podcast.
Todd also gives you all the information you need to choose the right Champagne -- every time.
A few of the topics that are covered in this episode include:
- Non-vintage Champagne explained - and why it's where you should start when buying Champagne
- What makes vintage Champagne special, and what you should know before investing in, and enjoying it
- What factors to consider when deciding to put a Champagne in your cellar for aging or to drink it immediately
- The best ways to drink Champagne, including which vessel is best (you'll be surprised by what Todd uses when he takes a walk in the park!)
- How to properly open a bottle of Champagne, and why it shouldn't make a loud "pop"
- What a rodent has to do with opening Champagne (yes, rodent, that's not a typo)
- How to avoid a Champagne mishap
- Ideal food pairings with Champagne
- How and why you could drink Champagne from the beginning of a meal through the end
- Todd thoroughly explains which styles of Champagne can work with specific dishes
- Why the best pairing might be fried chicken topped with caviar
- Understanding the various styles of Champagne - from Brut, Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Extra Dry, Demi-sec, and Doux -- and how the French are messing with you by using some of these terms
- The three main grapes used in making Champagne and how they affect the flavor
- Explanation of "house style" and why you should pay attention to it
- and much more!
If you wondering why you should trust Todd Lipman, here are his credentials:
- Certified Sommelier since 2008
- 3-Time Winner of the Best Sommelier in Boston Award
- Former Wine Director and Current Senior Wine Advisor and Director
of Sommelier Programming for Nantucket Wine & Food Festival
- Wine Director of the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
- 23 years in the restaurant business (13 dedicated to wine &
beverage)
- Award-winning wine programs at Bistro du Midi in Back Bay and The
Boston Harbor Hotel (Boston’s waterfront)
- Most recently Sommelier-in-Residence at Craigie on Main in
Cambridge, MA
You can follow Todd on Instagram @toddlipman (https://www.instagram.com/toddlipman/)
Have a question, comment, or idea for an upcoming episode? Email me at joe@insidewinepodcast.com or leave a voicemail at 917-727-9242