What is National Champagne Day?

National Champagne Day honors the wine that makes the pop in every New Year's Eve celebration.

Genuine champagne is exclusive to France's Champagne region. Where and how it is made is protected by French law. Only Champagne made according to set guidelines and within the French region may identify their wines by the term "Champagne." With some exceptions, only Champagne made according to set guidelines and within the French region can identify their wines using the term "Champagne." In France and other regions of the world, other foods and beverages are also covered under this scheme.

Champagne, France, is located northeast of Paris and produces the grapes required for Champagne due to the perfect temperature and soil. In the Champagne region, French law allows only eight varieties of grapes for the production of Champagne. Primarily, the three grapes used to make Champagne are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

Unlike other wines, Champagne ferments in the bottle, allowing the vintner to capture the CO2 in the bottle. Champagne's effervescence is attributed to the bubbles.

Although Champagne can be costly, other sparkling wine is available from Italy, California, and even the South of France. Although Champagne can be expensive, other sparkling wines are also available from Italy, California, and even France's South. They are a pop of a spark that will not put a fizzle in your wallet. Any New Years, as the price, will be used for splurging and celebrating, no matter the cost.