Friday, October 26, is the Third Annual International Champagne Day.
Or at least some people want to make it so, led by Christian Oggenfuss, a Swiss-born, California-based wine geek and marketing maven with a name more or less perfect for his position.
There are rival Champagne days. August 4 has champions as “National Champagne Day.” So does December 31, although if you think about it many people celebrating that date probably drink bubbly in the first minutes of January 1.
The October date purports to be the “International” Champagne Day and its advocates encourage people to post photos, tasting notes, experiences and videos on their social media sites to share fizzy fun with friends all over the world (you do, of course, have friends all over the world).
One thing is certain, the folks behind the October day want it to be a global event and really, really want you to know that Champagne—the stuff made only, exclusively, no where else but in the Champagne region of France—is what you are supposed to drink and tell the world about.
The “National Champagne Day” in August allows for just about anything bubbly made anywhere by anybody. Google the August date/event and you can find recipes for champagne Jell-O shots. Devotees of the October sect probably suffer vapors imaging such desecration of Dom Perignon Rosé, or Louis Roederer Cristal Brut.
Of course, if you can afford to sip those pricy bottles on Friday, you probably must inquire among members of your household staff to learn about Jell-O shots.
What the heck—drink bubbly Friday. Any excuse works. Three times a year.
Recommended:
• Piper-Heidsieck Brut. Great balance, finesse; juicy orange peel, honey; clean, soft mouth, creamy texture, very dry; lingering finish. $46
• Moët Imperial Champagne. Soft, peaches, No. 1 selling French Champagne in USA. $48
• Veuve Clicquot Demi Sec. $61. Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 1998. $150.
• Louis Roederer Brut Premier. $61. Louis Roedere Cristal Brut 2004. $229.
• Dom Perignon Rosé 2000. $409.