C: Is for the French Bubble Connection

Prior to the French ambassador speaking out against war, good Champagne was considered to be only French. After that incident the french market suffered a loss due to their outspokenness. Sometimes American's can be petty and they even for a brief moment called French Fries, American Fries. Since then the French have been trying to improve their PR image. This week The French Embassy Trade Office launched the first French Bubble event. Members of the trade met with producers of sparkling wines from all over France: Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Loire, and Rhone to display their wares.

Ayala, owned by Bollinger, the brand favoured by James Bond as well as Patsy and Eddy of TV's Ab Fab fame, Cuvée Rosé Nature, a pink champagne has no added sugar and is around 65 calories. I personally liked the Brut Majeur which has 8 grams of sugar. Much more palatable! The pricing isn't bad either it's around $39.

Another winner H. Blin producing high caliber, award-winning Champagnes. The French are constantly dispelling the myth that Co-op's can't turn-out fine quality fizz. Dry, rich, fresh and fruity with the flowery elegance of ripe Pinot Meunier. Well-balanced with good, lively acidity. From the vineyards in the Marne Valley. All the growers tend their vines with passion, and it shows! Yields are restricted and grapes are carefully selected to maximize flavour and character. The winery's virtuosity lies in their use of Pinot Meunier grapes that, though difficult to handle, produce splendid flavours that give the wine a rich, fast maturing style. What makes them a winner at this event was their packaging.

My 3rd choice was CAVES DE BAILLY from Burgundy, France. 60% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay & 20% Aligote, hand picked from 20+ year old vines, and aged in 12th century quarries makes this a winner. With a hint of of pear & pippin apples, there's a touch of toastiness, along with flavors of almonds as well. What makes this even more of a choice is that it can be bought for under $20 making champagne affordable. Champagne is no longer a luxury except in the enjoyment and that is a F.A.C.T.