The Sparkling history of Champagne is only about 300 years old. Wine Producers in Champagne spent most of their time trying to get rid of the bubbles in their bottles. It wasn’t until January of 1730 that the first case of bubbles was actually shipped. It took time to figure out how to work with this “glorious accident” of bubbles.
Before the bubble production started, Champagne was very much about still wine. For some time Champagne was actually Burgundy’s main rivalry. But by the 1800s sparkling champagne was all the rage with various Royalty throughout Europe.
Today still Champagne is called Coteaux Champenois. If you haven’t heard of it, you’re not alone. Very little still Champagne is produced. Even less is exported. The appellation covers red, white, and rose wines. Though the majority is red, white and rose are made in very small production.
2008 Roger Coulon Blanc
Coteaux Champenois
Characteristics:
- Yeasty green apple
- citrus
- lemon pulp
- tart acid
- almond skin
But more notably is that it is 100% Chardonnay from Champagne without the bubbles.
And a slice of Brie is the perfect side kick to the wine.
We often take it for granted that we live in a city brimming with arts and culture. Houston, now officially the most diverse city in the country, is a hotbed of creative art expression. Theater, Music, Film, Fine Arts, or Dance: It’s difficult to find any night of the week without a performance, concert, art opening, film opening, or creative gathering.
Here at CHA, we make it a point to toast daily to the finer things in life: a bustling metropolis filled with arts patrons who don’t need a coat check on a 75 degree winter night in January is one of them. So in attempt to celebrate our fine city’s dedication to the arts, we extend a special offer to art lovers city-wide.
Stop in to CHA any night, before or after your night out at the theater, a play, a concert, or an opening; show us your ticket stub and receive 10% off your total check. It’s that simple. Show us your culture. We’ll show you our hospitality. Cheers to you, Houston!
Searching for something sweet, pink and super cool for your demi-sec needs? Check out this great article on our awesome Bugey Cerdon by Renardat-Fache on vinofreakism.
http://vinofreakism.com/2010/12/30/renardat-fache-bugey-cerdon-nv/
Oh, how I love Crémant. I love sparkling in all its forms, but to really find out what France has to offer outside the borders of Champagne, one must look to Crémant.
Crémant is basically a sparkling wine made in France outside of the Champagne region in the Traditional Method (2nd fermentation taking place inside that bottle).
This wine comes from the Jura, a small region near the eastern border of france. The Crémant de Jura appellation was established in 1995. These wines are made like Champagne, with a secondary fermentation taking place in the bottle. White Crémant du Jura is produced from a minimum of 50% Chardonnay, with the remainder provided by Savagnin.
DOMAIN LABET’s Crémant de Jura tends to be a little more on the interesting side of the sparkling world. As you might be able able to guess by the picture below.
Julien Labet considers the domain to be completely sustainable: no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used, and only organic compost is plowed into the soils.
This wine drinks a bit different, the descriptions tend to lead towards Toasty, Hazelnut, Mushroom, and “oh that’s interesting”.
But I will let you find out for yourself…
$11/glass
Spend Valentine’s Night popping bottles at CHA.
Stop by beginning at 6pm for REVEAL, an art show featuring the work of Ani Varadaraju.
Dinner plans? No worries. Stop by after dinner for a glass of bubbly, or reserve a private table complete with sweets for your sweetie.
Enjoy acoustic guitar stylings by Houston’s own Dy’Lan Williams
View our private reserved packages, complete with bottle of champagne, roses, and sweet treats here.
Love,
CHA
Join us for je t’aime on New Year’s Eve
December 31, 2011, 8pm-2am
Soular Grooves providing the French-styled beats from DJ Seth Jones.
Möet providing the toast at midnight. Spend the night with Houston’s only champagne bar.
Individual Tickets $40 advance purchase ($50 at the door)
- Includes admission, light bites, and Möet champagne toast at midnight
Table of 4: $200/table
- Includes a bottle of Möet, light bites, and champagne toast at midnight
Plus, enjoy champagne specials all night.
Already have your New Year’s plans?
Stop by from 4-7pm for a special champagne flight menu before your night begins.
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?
Characteristics: