What makes Champagne special? Let’s explore its health benefits and how to choose the perfect bottle for every occasion and taste.
Many people only drink a glass of Champagne when they go out or attend a luxury party. But do you really need to wait for special occasions?
Champagne is one of the most popular drinks in the world. It is often associated with social occasions and luxurious parties, but there is no harm in getting yourself a bottle for occasional sips during dinner or after a long day at work.
In fact, there is a rising amount of scientific data that proves drinking Champagne regularly offers a variety of health benefits. So, if you have been looking for a good excuse to pop a bottle even when the holiday season is a long way off, this piece is for you.
5 Reasons to Start Drinking Champagne Regularly
Champagne Can Improve Heart Health
One of the main benefits of drinking Champagne Wine is improved heart health. At its core, Champagne is a wine made from red and white grapes. That means it contains the same antioxidants that reduce bad cholesterol, prevent damage to blood vessels and reduce risks of blood clots.
Put simply, they lower the risk of stroke and heart illnesses. However, since it is an alcoholic drink, moderation is the key to unlocking this benefit.
Champagne Can Boost Moods
A glass of Champagne can be a great way to wind down after a stressful day. The drink contains zinc, potassium and magnesium, which can create a mood-lifting sensation in moderation. So, the next time you are having a bad day, treat yourself to a glass – it might just be exactly what you need to boost your mood.
Champagne Has Low Calories
If you are watching your calorie intake, a glass of Champagne is a great alternative to both red and white wine. That is because Champagne has about 33% fewer calories than the alternatives. The servings are also generally smaller. So, unless you down an entire bottle, it is the healthier choice all around.
Champagne is Good for Skin
Another good excuse to drink Champagne is to boost skin health. But how is this celebratory drink associated with a younger, more beautiful skin?
As we already know, Champagne contains antioxidants, thanks to the grapes used in its manufacture. These antioxidants, along with the antibacterial properties of grapes, can help fight skin breakouts. Champagne also contains a lightening tartaric acid, which can help promote an even skin tone.
Last but not least, Champagne contains polyphenols and carbon dioxide. Polyphenol helps with fighting skin redness, while carbon dioxide has a skin-tightening effect, promoting a younger look.
Memory Boost
Drinking Champagne regularly can also help improve your short-term memory. Research has shown that the drink can slow down the loss of certain proteins that are responsible for memory storage.
So, by imbibing a glass regularly, without overindulging, you could boost both short and long-term memory to some extent. This improved memory retention can also significantly help with other cognitive functions.
How to Choose a Proper Champagne Like a Connoisseur
Now that you know the benefits, it is time to stock your cellar. But, where do you start when shopping for Champagne?
It can be a little challenging to choose the right bottle from a seemingly endless list of different types available. As such, we have compiled a set of guidelines to help make the task a little easier for you. Here are a few things to consider when buying your Champagne:
Sweetness Levels
Champagne has different sweetness levels depending on the amount of sugar added during dosage. So, it is essential to understand the particular style/sugar content you prefer before placing a bottle in your cart. Here is a breakdown of the sweetness levels and the terminologies used to communicate them:
Brut Nature – zero sugar added
Extra brut – 0-6 grams of sugar present
Brut – less than 12 grams of sugar present
Extra dry – 12-17 grams of sugar present
Sec – 17-32 grams of sugar present
Demi-sec – 33-50 grams of sugar present
Doux – over 50 grams of sugar present
Your choice will depend on how sweet you want your Champagne.
Occasion
Although Champagne is pretty versatile, it is still essential to match the bottle with the occasion. That said, there is a style for every event.
For example, for a casual brunch or garden party, a fresh Brut is exactly what you need. It has crispy acidity and a light body, meaning it is still enjoyable to drink without overshadowing the food and the relaxed atmosphere.
Similarly, for a romantic evening (intimate setting), Rose champagne pairs perfectly with dishes like salmon, duck and strawberries, making it ideal for a night of refined intimacy. You can also find the perfect bottles for milestone celebrations and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Grape Variety
Another way to select a champagne is to consider the grape variety. You probably already know that each grape variety has its own distinct features, and different champagne houses use a proprietary mix that defines their unique style. So, make sure you do some tasting to determine which grape variety you like and which house produces it exactly how you want.
The main grape varieties used in Champagne include Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. But, there really isn’t any rule that governs how the drink is prepared. A house can combine all three or two in different proportions to achieve its unique style. Others also use just one and achieve the style in a different way.
Conclusion
Champagne is not just a drink – it is an experience of luxury and celebration. It offers a variety of health benefits, ranging from improved heart health to memory improvement. So, whether you are indulging to unwind after a long day or raising a glass at a refined gathering, the benefits extend far beyond elegance and sophistication. However, before you can unlock them, you will need to select a proper bottle that goes well with your preference and personal style.
