
But then again, some people like their gin with dry lemon, their vodka with tonic, and their red wine with cola - which us South Africans call a Katemba. Popular alcoholic drink mixes are brandy or vodka with cola, gin with tonic water, or a white wine spritzer which is your favourite white wine with sparkling or soda water. Some of the best alcoholic drinks are those you’ve discovered just the right mix for, over time. Mixing alcoholic beverages Shaken, not stirred? In simplicity, alcoholic beverages can be divided in four main categories, namely: Thinking inside the box can make sense when it comes to categories for alcoholic beverages.Īlcohol classification is way more a logistical toolkit than anything else. So whether you’re toasting the union of love at a wedding, celebrating milestone birthdays or kicking back at a family braai, we are proud of the role that we can play in making sure you have your favourite popular alcoholic drinks on hand. Norman Goodfellows is not just another bottle store, because we understand how important special moments are to those you care about most. There’s nothing normal about Norman Goodfellows This has resulted in countless types of alcoholic drinks that take their place in many cultural occasions and recreational events. A Champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay will be labeled as ‘blanc de blancs,’ while ones comprised of only red grapes are called ‘blanc de noirs.Alcoholic beverages: history and definition Getting StartedĪlcoholic drinks are those that contain ethanol - a type of alcohol made from the process of fermentation of grains, fruits and/or other sources of sugar. Whether it is white or rosé, most Champagne is made from a blend of red and white grapes-and uniquely, rosé is often produce by blending together red and white wine. Wines with a large proportion of Pinot Meunier will be ready to drink earlier, while Pinot Noir contributes to longevity. Pinot Noir and its relative Pinot Meunier, provide the backbone to many blends, adding structure, body and supple red fruit flavors. Chardonnay, the only white variety, contributes freshness, elegance, lively acidity and notes of citrus, orchard fruit and white flowers. These can be blended together or bottled as individual varietal Champagnes, depending on the final style of wine desired. While vintage Champagnes are produced in exceptional years, non-vintage cuvées are produced annually from a blend of several years in order to produce Champagnes that maintain a consistent house style. Champagne’s cold, continental climate promotes ample acidity in its grapes but weather differences from year to year can create significant variation between vintages.

Well-drained, limestone and chalky soil defines much of the region, which lend a mineral component to its wines.

Made up of the three towns Reims, Épernay, and Aÿ, it was here that the traditional method of sparkling wine production was both invented and perfected, birthing a winemaking technique as well as a flavor profile that is now emulated worldwide.

In order to bear the label, ‘Champagne’, a sparkling wine must originate from this northeastern region of France-called Champagne-and adhere to strict quality standards. Rich with the old-world tradition of champagne blending, it is a trio of vintages from some of the most lauded terroirs of the region, resulting in a cuvée expressing vibrant and fresh fruit character with a soft texture.Īssociated with luxury, celebration, and romance, the region, Champagne, is home to the world’s most prized sparkling wine. The Ace of Spades Brut Gold is the Armand de Brignac’s first release and most iconic cuvée. Robert Parker's Guide of French Wines rates Cattier as "excellent – among the best producers of Champagne." Centuries spent perfecting the art of Champagne are put to use in each Armand de Brignac cuvée. The Cattier cellars are among the oldest and deepest in Champagne, with three styles of architecture represented in the caverns: Gothic, Renaissance, and Roman Armand de Brignac Ace of Spades champagne is aged in a special, gated section of the deepest part of these cellars, 119 steps underground. Patriarch Jean-Jacques Cattier oversees the Chateau's wine production with strictly limited annual yields, Cattier and his staff can ensure that the family's artisanal winemaking traditions are kept alive in each bottle of Ace of Spades champagne. Today, the house remains independently owned and run by the family with a staff of less than 20 people. Known popularly as the “Ace of Spades”, Armand de Brignac was founded in 1763 by the Cattier family in a tiny Champagne village in the Montagne de Reims. Learn about Champagne Armand de Brignac – the producer of Ace of Spades Champagne –
