Christmas and Champagne Go Hand in Hand

Champagne has always been synonymous with celebratory and festive occasions and this time of year see’s more corks popping than any other. With the dawn of Christmas, Western New Year and Chinese New Year all within the space of six weeks, Champagne is most definitely the drink of choice for these special times of the year.

Champagne consumption in Hong Kong has rocketed in the last few years with the dropping of import duties making more Champagnes available and, subsequently available to the end customer cheaper than it ever has been.

In a recent report by the CIVC (Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne), Hong Kong’s Champagne consumption for 2011 increased by 15.1 per cent from 2010 from 64,200 nine-litre cases to 73,900 nine-litre cases, showing a marked increase in interest in the world’s most luxurious wine in the territory.

Champagne is not, however, new to the Hong Kong market. Brands such as Pol Roger (imported by Altaya wines) have been available here for over 100 years and the recently opened boutique ‘Champagne etc’ highlights the desire for specialty Champagne retail outlets.

The market leaders are certainly still the heavily commercialized wines such as Veuve Clicquot and Moet but with the tastes evolving in the territory and becoming more accustomed to more distinct flavour profiles, consumers are looking further afield than the “big two” for a decent drop these days.

Rosé Champagnes are also becoming more prevalent on the market with many of the local bars and clubs offering a more interesting mix of champagnes by the glass. Rosé has always been rather passé in Hong Kong but with the rising popularity of the still wines, the Champagnes have seen a resurgence. Rosé’s like Laurent Perrier (available from ASC Fine Wines) are certainly the forerunners of good Rosé in the territory.

This festive season look out for something new to celebrate with. Don’t just go for the regular, mundane shop shelf Champagnes and head out and source something different, be it a small grower champagne, rose champagne or just something that takes your fancy. There are loads of brands here such as Louis Roederer, Perrier Jouet, Piper Heidsick and many many more to choose from so indulge yourself and your friends this year and when the corks pop be sure it’s a drop of sparkling wonder to remember.