Why January is Perfect for Champagne Enthusiasts

As the clock strikes midnight and the first glimmer of January emerges, there’s no better way to embrace the new year than with a glass of Champagne. A quintessential symbol of celebration, Champagne isn’t just for clinking flutes at New Year’s Eve parties – it’s a year-round delight. January is the perfect time to explore its nuances, discover new houses, and indulge in exquisite pairings. This year, we spotlight three stellar producers: Guy Charbaut, Paul Déthune, and Lucien Collard, who bring their unique artistry to every bottle.

What is Champagne?

Champagne is a sparkling wine produced exclusively from grapes grown in the Champagne region of north-eastern France. It is renowned for its elegant effervescence, complex flavours, and prestigious reputation. The term “Champagne” is legally protected, and only wines made within the delimited Champagne region and following strict production methods can bear this prestigious name.

Champagne is a unique beverage with a rich history dating back to the 17th century. It is produced through a labor-intensive process that involves two fermentations, the second of which occurs in the bottle, creating the iconic bubbles. The primary grapes used in Champagne production are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, each contributing its distinct characteristics to the final blend.

The Champagne region is divided into several sub-regions, each with its own terroir and unique expressions in the wine. The most famous areas include the Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs, and the Vallée de la Marne. These regions are further divided into Grand Cru and Premier Cru villages, reflecting the quality and reputation of the grapes grown there.

The production of Champagne is a complex and tightly regulated process, overseen by the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC). From grape growing and harvesting to pressing, blending, and aging, every step is carefully monitored to ensure the highest quality and consistency. The resulting wines are a true expression of the Champagne terroir, exhibiting a range of flavours from crisp citrus and green apple to rich brioche and toasted nuts.

Guy Charbaut: The Essence of Elegance

Nestled in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Guy Charbaut crafts Champagnes that balance sophistication with approachability. Known for their terroir-driven wines, the house specializes in single-village Champagnes that exude minerality and freshness. Their Premier Cru Brut Rosé is an excellent choice for January – its vibrant red fruit notes make it a delightful pairing with salmon tartare or roasted beetroot salad.

Guy Charbaut’s commitment to quality and heritage ensures every sip tells a story. Start your year by exploring their lesser-known cuvées, such as their Blanc de Blancs, which pairs elegantly with briny oysters or creamy goat cheese.

Paul Déthune: Tradition Meets Innovation

Hailing from Ambonnay, a Grand Cru village, Paul Déthune represents Champagne artistry at its finest. This family-run house combines traditional methods with sustainable viticulture practices, producing wines that are both expressive and eco-conscious. Their Brut Prestige is a standout, with rich, nutty notes balanced by bright citrus.

For a luxurious January pairing, try Paul Déthune’s Blanc de Noirs with duck breast in a cherry reduction or a truffle-infused risotto. These wines are perfect for those who appreciate depth and character in their Champagne.

Lucien Collard: A Rising Star

A relative newcomer but already a name to watch, Lucien Collard champions Pinot Noir-driven Champagnes from Bouzy, another Grand Cru gem. His minimalist approach in winemaking allows the purity of the fruit and the chalky terroir to shine.

Lucien Collard’s Brut Nature is an exceptional choice for January. Its crisp, bone-dry profile cuts through the richness of a cheese fondue or tempura prawns, making it a versatile addition to any winter feast. For something more opulent, his vintage Champagnes pair seamlessly with caviar or lobster thermidor.

Food Pairings to Warm Your Winter

January often calls for hearty, comforting dishes, and Champagne is more than capable of rising to the occasion. Here are some inspired pairings:

• Guy Charbaut Blanc de Blancs: Perfect with seafood dishes like scallops in a citrus beurre blanc.
• Paul Déthune Blanc de Noirs: A dream with roasted duck breast.
• Lucien Collard Brut Nature: Matches beautifully with sushi, sashimi, or even vegetarian dishes like mushroom risotto.

Tips for Pairing with Different Styles

When pairing Champagne with food, it’s essential to consider the style of the wine. Here are some tips:

• Brut (dry) Champagne: Pairs well with savoury dishes, such as seafood, cheese, and appetizers.
• Demi-sec (off-dry) Champagne: The slightly sweeter profile complements dishes with a touch of sweetness, like fruit-based desserts or spicy Asian cuisine.
• Rosé Champagne: The fruity notes in rosé Champagne make it a great match for dishes with berry or cherry flavours, as well as charcuterie and cured meats.
• Vintage Champagne: With its complex flavours and higher acidity, vintage Champagne can handle richer dishes, such as grilled meats or creamy sauces.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and the best way to find your perfect pairing is to experiment and discover your personal preferences.

Champagne News for 2025

This year, sustainability continues to take center stage in Champagne. Many houses, including Paul Déthune, are embracing organic practices and reducing their carbon footprint, ensuring that the region’s iconic sparkling wines remain as environmentally friendly as they are delightful.

The 2025 vintages promise to be exceptional, thanks to the favourable growing conditions of 2024. Wine critics are already speculating that the upcoming releases from producers like Lucien Collard could redefine the benchmarks for quality.

Champagne for Celebrations, Gifting & Special Occasions

Champagne has long been the beverage of choice for commemorating life’s most joyous moments and milestones. From weddings and anniversaries to birthdays and graduations, the pop of a champagne cork signals the start of a celebration. Its effervescent bubbles and crisp, elegant flavour make champagne the perfect pairing for times of revelry and togetherness.

For gifting, few presents are as universally appreciated as a fine bottle of champagne. Whether for a loved one, business associate, or treasured friend, champagne conveys a message of sophistication, luxury, and warm wishes. Presented in its iconic bottle, adorned with a golden foil, champagne is a gift that delights upon arrival.

A glass of champagne adds a touch of sparkle to any gathering, encapsulating the joyful spirit of any season.

When selecting champagne for a celebratory occasion, consider the unique flavour profiles of different houses and cuvées. For a classic, well-rounded champagne with notes of brioche and citrus, reach for a Brut from a renowned producer. If you prefer a richer, more indulgent style, seek out a Blanc de Blancs or Vintage cuvée, which often showcase complex nutty and toasted flavours. And for an extra-special treat, splurge on a prestigious Tête de Cuvée or Prestige Cuvée, the crème de la crème of champagne.

Champagne Tasting and Serving

Glassware

The proper glassware is essential for fully enjoying the aromas and flavours of fine Champagne. The ideal glass should be tall and slender, with a bowl shape that tapers slightly at the top. This design helps concentrate the wine’s delicate bouquet towards the nose while allowing ample room for the effervescence to develop. Classic Champagne flutes or tulip-shaped glasses are perfect choices. White wine glass could be used for more experienced noses for an extraordinary aroma experience, especially with the vintage Champagnes and their unforgettable aroma bouquet.

Serving Temperature

Champagne is best served chilled, but not overly cold. The ideal serving temperature is between 47°F and 53°F (8°C and 12°C). At this range, the wine’s complexity and nuances can truly shine. If served too warm, the flavours may taste flat and the effervescence subdued. Conversely, if too cold, the aromas and flavours will be muted.

Opening and Pouring

When opening a bottle of Champagne, care should be taken to avoid sudden pressure changes that could cause excessive foaming or loss of effervescence. First, remove the wire muzzle while keeping the cork secured. Even better and more secure is to start opening a bottle of Champagne with a wire muzzle still on the cork unwired holding it firmly. Next, drape a clean cloth over the cork and slowly twist the bottle while holding the cork firmly in place. This method allows for a gentle release of pressure.

When pouring, tilt the glass at a slight angle and pour slowly, allowing the Champagne to flow gently down the side of the glass. This minimizes foaming and preserves the delicate bubbles. Fill the glass no more than two-thirds full depending on the glass, leaving ample room for the aromas to develop.

Tasting Notes

As you sip your Champagne, take note of the delicate yet complex flavours and aromas. Look for notes of citrus, stone fruits, brioche, and toasted nuts. The effervescence should be lively and persistent, with a fine, creamy mousse. The finish should be long and lingering, with a pleasant dryness and subtle minerality. Savour each sip, allowing the flavours to unfold and evolve on your palate.

Vintage Champagnes

Vintage Champagnes are produced from grapes harvested in a single exceptional year and are considered the finest and most prestigious expressions of a Champagne house. These wines are made only in the best years, when the quality of the grapes is deemed outstanding enough to warrant a vintage designation.

Vintage Champagnes are aged for a minimum of three years, but many top producers extend this aging period significantly, sometimes for over a decade. This extended aging allows the wines to develop greater complexity, depth, and nuance, resulting in a more profound and layered drinking experience.

Vintage Champagnes are typically richer, more concentrated, and more structured than their non-vintage counterparts. They often exhibit a broader range of flavors, including notes of brioche, toasted nuts, honey, and sometimes even truffle or mushroom aromas. These wines also tend to have a longer aging potential, with the ability to evolve and improve over many years in the cellar.

When it comes to appreciating vintage Champagnes, patience is key. These wines benefit greatly from decanting, which allows them to breathe and fully express their complexity. It’s also recommended to serve vintage Champagnes slightly warmer than non-vintage bottles, around 55-60°F (13-16°C), to better appreciate their nuances.

Collecting vintage Champagnes can be a rewarding pursuit for wine enthusiasts. These wines not only represent the pinnacle of Champagne production but also serve as a time capsule, capturing the unique character of a specific year and terroir. Building a vintage Champagne collection requires patience, knowledge, and a well-controlled storage environment to ensure the wines age gracefully.

Exploring the Champagne Region: Top Houses, Tastings, and Attractions

The Champagne region of France is a world-renowned destination for wine enthusiasts and travellers alike. With its rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and historic villages, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and gastronomic delights. In this section, we’ll explore some of the top champagne houses to visit, the best tasting experiences, and the must-see regional attractions.

Top Champagne Houses to Visit

Guy Charbaut Champagne

Nestled in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, Guy Charbaut Champagne is a family-owned estate that has been producing exceptional champagnes since the 19th century. Known for their commitment to sustainable viticulture and traditional methods, Guy Charbaut offers a range of champagnes that showcase the region’s terroir. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the historic cellars, followed by tastings of their award-winning cuvées.

Paul Dethune Champagne

Paul Dethune Champagne is a boutique producer located in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay. With a focus on quality over quantity, this family-run estate crafts champagnes that are both elegant and complex. Visitors can participate in intimate tastings led by knowledgeable staff, where they’ll learn about the unique winemaking techniques and the nuances of each cuvée.

Lucien Collard Champagne

Lucien Collard Champagne is a hidden gem in the Montagne de Reims region. This small, artisanal producer is renowned for its commitment to sustainable practices and its innovative approach to champagne-making. Visitors can explore the historic cellars, witness the traditional riddling process, and savour a range of champagnes that showcase the diversity of the region’s terroirs.

Champagne Tasting Experiences

Beyond visiting individual champagne houses, the region offers a variety of tasting experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in the world of champagne. From guided tours of prestigious estates to intimate tastings in charming villages, there’s something for every champagne enthusiast.

One of the most popular experiences is the “Champagne Trail,” a self-guided tour that takes you through the heart of the region, stopping at various producers for tastings and cellar visits. For a more personalized experience, consider booking a private tasting tour with a knowledgeable guide who can tailor the experience to your preferences.

Regional Attractions

While champagne is undoubtedly the star attraction, the Champagne region offers a wealth of other cultural and historical attractions that are worth exploring.

The city of Reims, with its stunning Gothic cathedral and the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Saint-Remi, is a must-visit destination. Here, you can learn about the region’s rich history, including the coronation of French kings and the pivotal events of World War I.

For those interested in art and architecture, the charming villages of Hautvillers and Épernay are home to beautiful churches, medieval ruins, and picturesque streets lined with half-timbered houses.

Nature lovers can explore the rolling hills and vineyards on foot or by bike, taking in the stunning landscapes and stopping at quaint villages along the way.

The Rise of Sustainable and Innovative Champagne Production

The world of Champagne is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by a growing emphasis on sustainable practices and a renewed appreciation for unique grape varieties. As we look ahead to 2025, the region is poised to embrace a future that celebrates its rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Sustainable viticulture has become a central focus for many Champagne producers, driven by a desire to preserve the region’s delicate terroir for generations to come. Producers are adopting eco-friendly techniques, such as organic and biodynamic farming, reducing their carbon footprint, and promoting biodiversity in their vineyards. This commitment to sustainability not only safeguards the environment but also enhances the quality and authenticity of the wines.

Alongside this eco-conscious shift, a new generation of winemakers is rediscovering the potential of lesser-known grape varieties. While the traditional triumvirate of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier remains the backbone of Champagne, adventurous producers are experimenting with forgotten grapes like Petit Meslier, Arbane, and Framboisier. These unique varieties offer a tantalizing glimpse into the region’s rich viticultural history and promise to introduce a whole new spectrum of flavours and complexities to Champagne.

Emerging producers are also making their mark, challenging the established order with their innovative approaches and bold styles. These trailblazers are pushing the boundaries of Champagne production, embracing unconventional techniques and challenging long-held traditions. From experimental blends to unique aging methods, these newcomers are redefining what Champagne can be, captivating the palates of connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.

As we look to 2025 and beyond, the future of Champagne promises to be an exciting one. The region’s commitment to sustainability and innovation will continue to shape its evolution, ensuring that each bottle represents not only a celebration of the past but also a glimpse into the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.

Why Champagne in January?

The sparkle of Champagne isn’t just about the bubbles – it’s a mindset. Starting the year with a focus on Champagne allows you to embrace moments of joy, elegance, and indulgence even in the quieter months. Whether you’re hosting a winter soirée, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or seeking a post-holiday pick-me-up, Champagne is your versatile companion.

Raise a Toast

In 2025, let Champagne January be your excuse to sip, savour, and celebrate. Explore the remarkable offerings from Guy Charbaut, Paul Déthune, and Lucien Collard, and elevate your palate with exceptional food pairings. Cheers to a year filled with sparkle and sophistication!

At Our Sommelier, we believe that gifting a fine bottle of wine or a premium spirit should be as exquisite and memorable as the experience of uncorking it. That’s why we’re proud to introduce our Premium Gift Packaging Service, designed to elevate your wine and spirit gifting to a whole new level of elegance and thoughtfulness.

Our Sommelier is a leading importer and purveyor of fine wines based in Blackheath, London. With a curated selection of wines sourced from prestigious vineyards around the globe and is dedicated to delivering unparalleled quality and sophistication to discerning clients and corporations.