It’s New Year’s Eve and time to pop a cork. And on both sides of the pond, champagne is de rigeur.
But here in France, the home of the real deal (anything else is just sparkling wine), champagne is actually an every day kind of drink. Well perhaps that’s going too far. A drink so elegant could never be that. But even homebody that I am, I’ve had more champagne in two years in Paris than I’d had in the 25 years prior. Rather than reserve it for special occasions, a flute of the bubbly is almost always offered as an aperitif and you’d be hard pressed to find a party or reception where it’s not being poured. In a restaurant at 16 euros or so for the coupe, you might think twice about it. But when offered in someone’s home, I never refuse! Getting together with friends is reason enough to celebrate. Cheers!