Dear Frens,

Christmas is round the corner. I think this is the best period in a year. Of course, those of us who are more discerning knows that Christmas is about Jesus Christ and not Santa.

Keeping with the party atmosphere I see no harm in talking about the bubbly drink that is served i many Christmas parties - Champagne or more accurately, sparkling white.

So many of my friends have been asking me about what is the difference between a Champagne and a sparkling white wine. So I think it is time to talk about this topic of Champagne.

Champagne is a sparkling wine produced by inducing the in-bottle secondary fermentation of wine to effect carbonation. It is produced exclusively within the Champagne region of France, from which it takes its name. While the term "champagne" is used by some makers of sparkling wine in other parts of the world, numerous countries limit the use of the term to only those wines that come from the Champagne appellation. In Europe, this principle is enshrined in the European Union by Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. Other countries, such as the United States have recognized the exclusive nature of this name, yet maintain a legal structure that allows longtime domestic producers of sparkling wine to continue to use the term "Champagne" under specific circumstances. So the term Champagne is protected for those sparkling wine made in the region Champagne according to a strict specifications.

I hope that clears up the confusion about what is Champagne. I think we have enough talks about Champage for the moment. What are the Champagnes for this Christmas? The most agressive promotion comes from Charles Heidsieck. This is selling about $50 in most supermarket. The ever popular Moet & Chandon is selling at $81.50 in major supermarkets. However, my friend Peter Dumortier, a Belgian swears by Veuve Clicquot. He said that people who really know Champagne in Europe always go for Veuve Clicquot. . After he treated us to a bottle, I am totally convince. This Champagne producer has an excellent story to tell but that will for another time. I think it is going at $90+

Cheers,

Sam