Decanting the Details: The Ultimate Guide to Drinking Champagne

There’s hardly an alcoholic beverage that feels more luxurious or special than champagne. Whether served at a celebration, a weekend brunch, or just as a treat on a night in with your friends, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of popping open a bottle of bubbly and enjoying it with a nice meal.

Is Champagne Good for Your Health?

Many of you would be pleased to hear that not only is drinking a deliciously refreshing bottle of champagne a good way to treat yourself, but it may also be beneficial for your health. Studies have suggested that there are many positive effects associated with consuming this particular beverage, including:

Rich in Antioxidants

We’re all used to hearing the term antioxidants being tossed around in regards to healthy eating, but it can often be forgotten that certain alcoholic beverages can also provide us with a source of these compounds. Champagne has been found to contain high levels of antioxidants which have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body as well as decrease our risk of age-related diseases.

Essentially, these nutritional compounds can help us maintain a healthy and youthful appearance, thanks to their anti-aging properties. When you consume champagne, you’re also helping protect yourself against the free radicals that can cause oxidative stress in your body. With each sip, you’re giving yourself a much-needed health boost that will eventually result in fewer wrinkles, better skin tone, and overall improved health.

Low in Calories

For those looking to control their calorie intake, having a bottle of champagne on hand can be a great way to enjoy a delicious beverage without having to worry about breaking the calorie bank. With each glass of champagne containing only around 80-90 calories, it’s much less than other alcoholic beverages which often tend to go north of 120-150 calories per drink.

Naturally, we don’t need to limit ourselves to just champagne when it comes to enjoying our drinks – but if you’re looking for a low-calorie alternative, this particular alcoholic beverage is one of the best options out there. Not only is it low in calories, but it also has the added benefit of providing our bodies with some beneficial nutritional compounds.

Supports Heart Health

It’s long been reported that drinking a modest amount of alcohol can help to reduce our risk of cardiovascular disease – and luckily, champagne is no exception. Studies have shown that consuming a moderate quantity of champagne can help to reduce the buildup of plaque in our arteries as well as reduce inflammation throughout our bodies.

When your cardiovascular system is working in tip-top condition, your heart pumps blood more efficiently and you’re less likely to experience issues like high blood pressure or stroke. So, if you ever reach for champagnes to treat yourself, remember that they may be doing more than just making your evenings a bit more special.

Improves Skin Tone

While topical skincare products can be effective at helping improve skin tone, the results may be limited if you don’t also incorporate healthy eating and lifestyle habits into your routine. Drinking champagne can actually help in this regard – studies have found that consuming a moderate amount of alcohol can reduce stress hormones in the body, leading to improved skin tone and fewer signs of aging.

Champagne contains polyphenols, which are nutritional compounds with anti-inflammatory properties – and studies have suggested that these can help reduce wrinkles as well as protect your skin from sun damage. So not only does champagne add a bit of sparkle to your evening, but it may also be doing wonders for the health of your skin.

Enhances Mood

Finally, there’s no denying how great you feel after having a glass of champagne – science has confirmed this. Studies have suggested that the effects of drinking alcohol can produce feelings of euphoria, increased energy levels, and even reduced anxiety levels.

What Are the Different Types of Champagne?

When it comes to selecting a bottle of champagne, there are different types to choose from. Much like your wine choice reveals your personality, the type of champagne you go for depends on your preferences and desired flavour profile. You can opt for one of the following:

Brut Nature/Zero Dosage

This is a dry champagne that contains zero dosage (no added sugar) and has a very crisp, acidic taste. Its notably high acidity makes it the perfect drink to pair with lighter and/or acidic meals, such as seafood dishes or salads. It has a remarkably refreshing flavour and a residual fruity aroma.

Blanc de Blancs

This type of champagne is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes and has a light, dry flavour with subtle notes of citrus fruits. It features a light body and a bright, clean finish. It pairs well with hors d’oeuvres and desserts, making it the perfect choice for special occasions.

Blanc de Noirs

This champagne is made using only Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, giving it an intense red hue that is distinctive from other champagnes. It has a fuller body than the blanc de blancs, with flavours of ripe berries and a slight smokiness. It pairs well with cheeses and charcuteries as well as roasted poultry dishes, although its intense flavour profile makes it a great stand-alone drink as well.

Rosé

This type of champagne has an unmistakable pinkish hue and is typically blended with a small amount of still red wine. It has a floral, fruity aroma and tastes of berry fruits with hints of almond and honey. It has an intricate taste and pairs well with white meats or fish dishes, such as crab cakes or salmon.

Vintage

This type of champagne is made with grapes from a single year, giving it a unique and complex flavour that differs from other champagnes. It has an intense bouquet of citrus fruits as well as notes of honey and almonds. You can drink this with a variety of meals, and it pairs especially well with desserts or foie gras thanks to its sweetness and complexity.