Champagne may be the most misunderstood category of wine in theworld. The major reason for all the confusion is the use of theterm ?Champagne? appearing on labels of sparkling winesthat come from places other than the province of Champagne innortheastern France. But true champagne can only be born in anenvironment that combines the essential elements of chalky soil, acool climate, and the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meuniergrape varieties. These are the crucial elements informing theunique flavor profile found only in wines from that corner of theworld. Without them, any wine?even a very goodone?calling itself champagne, is just an imposter. Baffled by bubbly? Let wine expert Ed McCarthy clear away theconfusion. If you find shopping for champagne a challenge, try thisfun, friendly guide and discover just how easy it is to select theperfect bottle and: Appreciate various champagne styles Enjoy the author?s favorite champagnes Store and serve champagne Pair champagne with food Evaluate sparkling wines from the US and other countries What?s the difference between brut and extra dry? IsVintage Champagne worth the extra money? You?ll get theanswers to these and all your questions about that effervescentwonder. And in the process you?ll discover: How champagne is made, what grape varieties are used, where themajor grape-growing areas are, and how those tiny bubbles get intochampagne The difference between vintage and non-vintage champagne andchampagne specialties, such as blancs and rosé Champagnes The meanings of terms used to describe the dryness/sweetnesslevels of champagne, such as brut, extra-dry andsemi-sec All about the great champagne houses, including in-depthcoverage of the author?s 25 favorites Everything you need to know about buying and storingchampagne The best ways to serve champagne, including the best glasses,the best foods to eat with it and more Like most good things in life, the better you understandchampagne, the more you enjoy it. This friendly guide will help youmake your enjoyment of the most glamorous beverage on the planetcomplete.