Champagne

Winner of the 2018 James Beard Foundation Cookbook Award in "Reference, History, Scholarship" Winner of the 2017 André Simon Drink Book Award Winner of the 2018 International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) Cookbook Award for "Wine, Beer & Spirits" From Peter Liem, the lauded expert behind the top-rated online resource ChampagneGuide.net, comes this groundbreaking guide to the modern wines of Champagne--a region that in recent years has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in the wine-growing world. This luxurious box set includes a pullout tray with a complete set of seven vintage vineyard maps by Louis Larmat, a rare and indispensable resource that beautifully documents the region’s terroirs. With extensive grower and vintner profiles, as well as a fascinating look at Champagne’s history and lore, Champagne explores this legendary wine as never before.

The authors of the international bestseller Wine and War chronicle the untold dramatic history of Champagne from the 13th century through the crucibles of two world wars to the 21st century Throughout history, waves of invaders including Franks, Visigoths, Burgundians, Merovingians, Barbarians, Alamanshave swept across the verdant region of Champagne in southern France. Yet this region, which historians say has suffered more invasions, battles, and wars than any other place on earth, is also the birthplace of the one ingredient that above all others epitomizes joy: champagne. Gallant Harvest tells the fascinating, little-known story of champagne, the world’s favorite wine. Don and Petie Kladstrup share how a sparkling beverage that was the toast of Belle Epoque society not only survived the bloodbath of World War I, but grew even more popular in the war’s wake. Thorughout they introduce gutsy, larger-than-life characters determined to preserve their land and their grapes; vintners for whom champagne is not only their heritage and livelihood but a part of their souls and the soul of their nation.

There’s never been a better time to get into Champagne! Both the region of Champagne and its wines have always been associated with prestige and luxury. Knowledgeable wine enthusiasts have long discussed top Champagnes with the same reverence they reserve for the finest wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy. But everyday Americans usually keep Champagne way back on the high shelf. It’s for big celebrations, send-offs, and wedding toasts and, more often than not, is bought by the case. The good stuff costs plenty—and frankly, rarely seems worth the price. Today, though, Champagne is in the midst of a renaissance—no longer to be unjustly neglected. Over the past decade, an increasing number of wine enthusiasts have discovered the joys of grower Champagne—wines made by the farmers who grow the grapes. Thanks to a few key wine importers and America’s newfound obsession with knowing where food comes from, these shipments have been climbing steadily. In But First, Champagne, author David White details Champagne’s history along with that of its wines, explains how and why the market is changing, and profiles the region’s leading producers. This book is essential reading for wine enthusiasts, adventurous drinkers, foodies, sommeliers, and drinks professionals. With a comprehensive yet accessible overview of the region, its history, and its leading producers, But First, Champagne will demystify Champagne for all. From the foreword: "Smart, entertaining, and valuable . . . one of those rare wine books that should appeal to people just getting into Champagne and longtime Champagne obsessives." —Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor, Food & Wine

While books about champagne and wine abound, this particular book addresses a somehwat unsual aspect of the beverage, not as a mood-enhancing tipple, but as a remedy.

Describes a wide variety of sparkling wines from around the world.

Champagne may be the most misunderstood category of wine in the world. The major reason for all the confusion is the use of the term “Champagne” appearing on labels of sparkling wines that come from places other than the province of Champagne in northeastern France. But true champagne can only be born in an environment that combines the essential elements of chalky soil, a cool climate, and the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grape varieties. These are the crucial elements informing the unique flavor profile found only in wines from that corner of the world. Without them, any wine—even a very good one—calling itself champagne, is just an imposter. Baffled by bubbly? Let wine expert Ed McCarthy clear away the confusion. If you find shopping for champagne a challenge, try this fun, friendly guide and discover just how easy it is to select the perfect bottle and: Appreciate various champagne styles Enjoy the author’s favorite champagnes Store and serve champagne Pair champagne with food Evaluate sparkling wines from the US and other countries What’s the difference between brut and extra dry? Is Vintage Champagne worth the extra money? You’ll get the answers to these and all your questions about that effervescent wonder. And in the process you’ll discover: How champagne is made, what grape varieties are used, where the major grape-growing areas are, and how those tiny bubbles get into champagne The difference between vintage and non-vintage champagne and champagne specialties, such as blancs and rosé Champagnes The meanings of terms used to describe the dryness/sweetness levels of champagne, such as brut, extra-dry and semi-sec All about the great champagne houses, including in-depth coverage of the author’s 25 favorites Everything you need to know about buying and storing champagne The best ways to serve champagne, including the best glasses, the best foods to eat with it and more Like most good things in life, the better you understand champagne, the more you enjoy it. This friendly guide will help you make your enjoyment of the most glamorous beverage on the planet complete.

Champagne may be the most misunderstood category of wine in the world, as many labels of sparkling wines bear the name in error. True champagne comes only from the French province of Champagne and contains three specific grape varieties. But figuring out more about the wine can be confusing: what is the difference between cuvée de prestige, blanc de noirs, and rosé? What is the best kind of food to pair with champagne? How many different kinds of sweetness are there? What is the best method of storage? Richard Juhlin, the world’s foremost champagne expert, answers these questions and more as he takes the reader on a journey to the geographical area of Champagne and through the history of the drink. He explains how to arrange tastings and develop one’s sense of smell, and why the setting where you drink champagne is important, including personal anecdotes about his lifelong journey from PE teacher to connoisseur. Also included is a catalog section that describes and ranks different champagne houses, types, and vintages. Sit back and enjoy Juhlin’s graceful prose with a lovely glass of champagne, the sparkling wine that has come to epitomize luxury and elegance. Skyhorse Publishing, along with our Good Books and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of cookbooks, including books on juicing, grilling, baking, frying, home brewing and winemaking, slow cookers, and cast iron cooking. We’ve been successful with books on gluten-free cooking, vegetarian and vegan cooking, paleo, raw foods, and more. Our list includes French cooking, Swedish cooking, Austrian and German cooking, Cajun cooking, as well as books on jerky, canning and preserving, peanut butter, meatballs, oil and vinegar, bone broth, and more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

An instant classic and a breathtaking achievement. Originally published in 1998, this is the fully revised and updated edition of the outstanding tour de force by the world's leading sparkling wine expert. It is the ultimate reference work for all fizz fans. Beautifully illustrated and stylishly designed, with over 600 full-colour photographs, labels and maps, it has become and will continue to be an indispensable part of any true wine lover's library. Winner of the Noble Cuve du Champagne Lanson; the Salon International du Livre; Gourmand 'Best Wine Book'; and was shortlisted for the Andre Simon Award.