European Union law, as well as laws in different parts of the globe, states that only sparkling white wine produced from the actual Champagne region in France can legally be called “Champagne.” Rightly so, the next time you’re scouring the aisles for a good bottle of bubbly, remember that there may just be a reason for this. Within the viticultural boundaries of this historic province are sparkling wines made so exceptional, they just had to name it differently.
Duval-Leroy, a Champagne carried by the Philippines’ biggest wine distributor – Wine Depot, is one of the few remaining 100% family-owned Champagne firms. It is located in the heart of “La Cote des Blancs” – one of only five districts that make up the region. This Champagne house is ranked in the 15 top Champagne houses of the world and is the only Champagne to be included in the top 100 wines of Wine Spectator in 2008.
But perhaps the most powerful testament to its quality is its presence in most Michelin Star restaurants, as well as its status as the preferred Champagne of Michelin Star Chefs. Even some thousands of feet above ground, airlines such as Air France, Lufthansa, Aeroflot, Austrian Airlines, Eva Airways, Singapore Airline and Air Mauritius fancy Duval-Leroy in-flight.
Any takers? Join Wine Depot as it embarks on a Champagne pairing of a different sort. Champagne D’Orient extols the virtues of Cantonese specialties with Duval-Leroy at the New World Hotel’s Jasmine Restaurant this April. For more details, got to www.winedepot.com.ph
