

As keen writers here at Vinspire, we're aware of the power or words, especially when their printed, framed an hung on the wall. On visual, Champagne loving friends, the words 'But first, Champagne' on this gorgeous simplistic print by Chloe Vaux, available at Etsy for £10.00, will not be lost! Granted I don't have the budget for it, but this is definitely a motto I can live by....Stressful day? Fall out with a friend? Dumped by a boyfriend? Everything will be clearer after Champagne ;-)
If this one is a tad obvious and perhaps you're buying for family (Aunt, Uncle, Grandad, Nan), this gorgeous 'Love tea, Worhsip Gin, Adore Champagne' might be more fitting. At £22.00 from Loveday Designs at notonthehighstreet.com, it can be personalised in size and layout, and you can add a message such as 'Happy Christmas Mum!'. Sensible enough to remind us that as Brits we also love a cuppa (perhaps the morning after?), but it's really the Champagne and the gin who are the stars of this print.
As I am sure any Champagne lover will agree, it's impossible to to enjoy a drop of the sparkly stuff without the essential flute. If I ever, ever, see anyone drinking Champagne from a tumbler, let alone a plastic cup, they will be ignored! I'll settle for nothing less than a glass designed to keep my bubbles bubbly and the temperature well chilled. If I'm lucky, I'll be getting a set of these Silver Plated Champagne Flutes by The Orchard at notonthehighstreet.com (yes, this is a hint!). At £45 for a set of six, these elegant flutes are adorned with a silver plating on the base and running up the stem.
Given that I've complied a 'Champagne gifts for friends and family' list, but I really had myself in mind, I'll also mention I love flamingoes....why? These super cute Falmingo Champagne Flutes are just £20 for a set of two from Toasted Glass - they're hand painted so definitely worth it. Also available in peacock and angel wing designs, they are just gorgeous.
We have found many, many gifts for Champagne freaks like us, and whilst they go some way to filling the flute size hole in our day to day lives, there is simply no better gift for a Champagne lover, than Champagne. Yes, this time of year Veuve Clicout, Moet & Chandon and Bolly are everywhere, so why not treat your Champagne lover to something special and a producer synonymous with exceptional quality. It was only a couple of months ago Laura was sipping Champagne Billecart-Salmon's NV Rose in the midst of an extra bubbly bubble bath, and posted it as our Payday Treat.
This time, I was lucky enough to be sent this Billecart-Salmon Tantalising Tasting Duo from Champagne Direct. Priced at £105 it contains a bottle of the Billecart-Salmon NV Brut Reserve and a bottle of the Billecart-Salmon NV Blanc de Blancs presented in an engraved black case. Save this one for someone special - these bubbles are devine and should be enjoyed only with the closest of friends - we don't want to give away this secret!
The Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve, NV is light and elegant in the glass with fine moussy bubbles, a white peach and pear aroma and a hint of white blossom flower. The delicate fizz on the tongue and the ever so slightly toasty meringue sweetness is to die for and lingers long after first sip. We enjoyed a glass on its own, then tucked into flaky cheese twists - a match made in heaven! Be sure to serve well chill and in your prettiest glasses to give it the attention it deserves. No, a plastic cup at your New Year's get together will not suffice...ever.
The Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, NV offers a little more complexity - starting with its colour, which is more golden than the Brut Reserve. Even as you bring the glass up to take a sip you can smell dried fruits, nuts and buttery toast and you know something special is about to follow! The bubbles are delicate and a fleshy fruit flavour is accompanied by with one of buttery shortbread and a nutty almond and hazlenut finish. We enjoyed this on its own but next time it'll be with pan-fried scallops - rich and silky, just like this Blanc de Blancs. The folk at Champagne Direct suggest it also goes well with roasted langoustine, grilled seafood or the ultimate indulgence, caviar. Now, who is going to buy it for me for Christmas??
Here's hoping this gives you some fizz-piration for surprising your Champagne loving friends and family this Christmas. Either that, or you know what to put on your wish list for them to buy you!
Christmas (too early?!) cheers!
This time, I was lucky enough to be sent this Billecart-Salmon Tantalising Tasting Duo from Champagne Direct. Priced at £105 it contains a bottle of the Billecart-Salmon NV Brut Reserve and a bottle of the Billecart-Salmon NV Blanc de Blancs presented in an engraved black case. Save this one for someone special - these bubbles are devine and should be enjoyed only with the closest of friends - we don't want to give away this secret!
The Billecart-Salmon Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru, NV offers a little more complexity - starting with its colour, which is more golden than the Brut Reserve. Even as you bring the glass up to take a sip you can smell dried fruits, nuts and buttery toast and you know something special is about to follow! The bubbles are delicate and a fleshy fruit flavour is accompanied by with one of buttery shortbread and a nutty almond and hazlenut finish. We enjoyed this on its own but next time it'll be with pan-fried scallops - rich and silky, just like this Blanc de Blancs. The folk at Champagne Direct suggest it also goes well with roasted langoustine, grilled seafood or the ultimate indulgence, caviar. Now, who is going to buy it for me for Christmas??
Here's hoping this gives you some fizz-piration for surprising your Champagne loving friends and family this Christmas. Either that, or you know what to put on your wish list for them to buy you!
Christmas (too early?!) cheers!
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