Perrier-Jouet Presents the Ultimate Guide to Toasting the Holidays

LOS ANGELES, Dec 16, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Leading Champagne Pops The Cork on Champagne Myths
Experts at Perrier-Jouet agree that as the holidays get underway, many individuals are looking forward to popping open a bottle of champagne and toasting the season. While there is no denying that this is often the preferred celebratory practice for New Year's Eve, many will admit to being intimidated by that bottle of bubbly and are often misinformed when it comes to the do's and don'ts and facts about champagne. The truth is that champagne is meant to be enjoyed and with these easy to remember facts below, everyone can become an expert and enjoy champagne the right way, all while impressing their friends and family. 

    MYTH: There is champagne and there is wine.
    FACT: Champagne is actually wine. In fact, many top chefs consider
          champagne the ultimate wine for food. Due to the acidity of
          champagne, it complements the widest variety of menu items. Plus,
          you don't have the added pressure of picking a red or a white wine,
          as you get both in champagne!

    MYTH: Champagne is only supposed to be used for celebrations or with
          dessert.
    FACT: Champagne should be considered as any wine would be and most
          desserts are too sweet to accompany a brut champagne (the most
          common variety of champagne; some demi-sec champagnes are more
          suited for dessert).

    MYTH: Champagne should be ice cold.
    FACT: The colder it is- the fewer tastes and aromas are experienced.

    MYTH: The fastest way to chill champagne is to put it into a bucket of
          ice.
    FACT: Ice water will chill a bottle much faster (in approximately 20
          minutes!)

    MYTH: The proper way to open a bottle is to allow the cork to fly off the
          top of the bottle.
    FACT: To avoid injury, a hand should always be placed firmly over the wire
          cage holding the cork to properly open a bottle.

    MYTH: Once that fantastic bottle of champagne is opened, it needs to be
          consumed.
    FACT: Perrier-Jouet reminds individuals that if a bottle is re-corked properly, it will not go flat and still be bubbly.

    MYTH: Champagne comes from the mini champagne grapes.
    FACT: Champagne (with the exception of blanc de blancs) is made with two
          red variety grapes: Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, as well as one
          white grape, the chardonnay grape.

    MYTH: Champagne can come from different regions in the world.
    FACT: Unless the champagne comes from the Champagne region of France, it's
          not really champagne. All wines made outside of Champagne, France
          are Sparkling Wine.

"As we approach the holiday season, we encourage champagne drinkers to utilize the guide above and embrace the luxury and rich history that comes with champagne," said Susan Kilgore, Perrier-Jouet Brand Director. "Equipped with this knowledge, individuals can properly toast the new year, and do so in style!"
As the world's leading champagne with a passion for beauty, Perrier-Jouet is a luxury brand that realizes the importance of bringing elegance to the holiday season. Whether one is enjoying champagne on New Year's Eve or any occasion throughout the year, the Perrier-Jouet guide to champagne will ensure a memorable experience.

About Perrier-Jouet:
Since 1811, the House of Perrier-Jouet, has continued a rich winemaking tradition composed through artistry, craftsmanship and a taste of excellence. The brand has been an avant-garde leader in the Champagne industry and in the 1880's, were the first to introduce 'Dry' champagne, now known as 'Brut.' The house's flagship cuvee, Perrier-Jouet Fleur de Champagne, have come to symbolize Perrier-Jouet, the house that embraced the Belle Epoque and Art Nouveau, its artistic counterpart, as a way of life.

About Pernod Ricard USA
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA. In July, 2008, Pernod Ricard completed the acquisition of the iconic ABSOLUT(R) Vodka brand from the V&S Group, and Pernod Ricard USA is now the second-leading company in the U.S. by sales value.