Champagne

Author: Complete Editions, translated by Liu Yanli
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Excerpt Reading: [Luxury Enjoyment] The Joy of Champagne
"He can make the Statue of Liberty pale, he can make the Capitol disappear in my heart forever—as long as he stops touching my exciting champagne." —Claudia Schiffer said this about her fiancé, David Copperfield, in the same breath.
A masterpiece from the soil, perfected by the wisdom of a genius winemaker, Champagne has become the perfect beverage for any occasion and mood. It is the morning pick-me-up, the fatigue reliever, the way to pass time when bored, and the celebrator of countless fine nights. To suit different occasions, manufacturers have chosen bottles of varying sizes. There is a 1/4 bottle (sometimes 20cl) specifically for a quick morning pick-me-up, a half bottle (37.5cl) for intimate moments with close friends, and a full bottle (75cl) that can fill six large glasses, perfect for a pre-meal appetizer for four. Sizes vary, catering to all needs. A two-bottle set is ideal for a four-person banquet. To display luxury and grandeur, there are four-bottle sets with a capacity of 104 ounces, as well as rarely seen extra-large bottles, such as the 12-bottle and 20-bottle sets with a capacity of 10 quarts each. Champagne should be served chilled but not too cold—hours in the refrigerator are sufficient, followed by 30 minutes in an ice bucket.