February 2012

Find “The Oasis” a pop-up Champagne bar on Aspen Mountain

The Little Nell, a ski-in, ski-out five-star, five diamond hotel at the base of Aspen Mountain, has launched “The Oasis” on Aspen Mountain complete with a Veuve Clicquot Pop-up Champagne bar this winter season.

As part of Veuve Clicquot’s annual celebration of winter “Clicquot in the Snow”, The Oasis guests receive après ski flutes of Champagne and spectacular views of Aspen Mountain. The bar features umbrellas, lounge chairs, solar-powered sound system, flags and other features that will make The Oasis stand out in the snow. But there is one thing – the guests have to find the secret location!

“Guests will receive clues to find the secret location of the mobile champagne bar on Aspen Mountain,” explained Little Nell Food and Beverage Director Sabato Sagaria. “Those that find the mobile shrine will be rewarded with magnificent views of the town of Aspen and the surrounding area, made even more beautiful with a glass of snow-chilled Champagne.”

Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses

Academy Awards: The “Moet Red Carpet Glamour” is unveiled as the exclusive Champagne cocktail for the Governors Ball

Moet & Chandon, the Champagne of success and glamour since 1743, announces the winner of the inaugural Moet Oscar Cocktail Contest. The legendary Champagne House congratulates Chicago native Adam Seger, whose “Moet Red Carpet Glamour” cocktail dazzled a panel of expert judges and social media experts. The Moet Red Carpet Glamour cocktail was selected for its originality, taste and popularity and will be brought to life at the 2012 Governors Ball, the after-party of the 84th Academy Awards®.

The Moet Red Carpet Glamour captures the essence of Hollywood glamour with exquisite notes of heady cardamom and kaffir lime that develop a refreshing and harmonious taste. This winning cocktail was chosen for its combination of the Hum® botanical spirit with Moet & Chandon Imperial, which highlights the flavor profile of Champagne while truly celebrating the elegance of the Academy Awards.

“The Moet Red Carpet Glamour cocktail will be a gorgeous addition to this year’s Governors Ball,” said Aida Mollenkamp, Moet & Chandon’s Award Season home entertaining expert. “The cocktail is intriguing and innovative yet still allows the flavor of the Moet & Chandon Imperial Champagne to shine.”

Aida Mollenkamp has joined Moet & Chandon as this year’s home entertaining expert in a new Oscar season collaboration. The acclaimed chef and culinary curator, known for her signature combinations of fresh, seasonal ingredients and use of ethnic flavours.

Moet Red Carpet Glamour Cocktail Recipe:

• Fill a chilled Champagne flute 1/2 way with ice.
• Stir 1 ounce of fresh squeezed Sour Mix and Hum® Botanical Spirit with fresh ice.
• Strain into flute to fill 1/2 way.
• Top with Moet & Chandon Imperial.
• Garnish with a single rose petal.
• Continually refresh as you wish with Moet & Chandon Imperial as the Champagne will float on top of the Hum Sour, but its effervescence will deliver Hum’s heady cardamom & Kaffir lime notes.
• Fresh Squeeze Sour Mix Preparation: Combine 1 cup sugar with 1 cup water until sugar is completely dissolved. Add 1 cup fresh lime juice and 1 cup fresh lemon juice and refrigerate.

As winner of the 2012 Moet Oscar Cocktail Contest, Adam Seger and a guest will receive an exciting behind-the-scenes Oscar weekend, including a three-night stay at the JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live, round-trip airfare on United Airlines, car service, tickets to the Governors Ball Preview Event, red carpet bleacher seats at the Fan Experience Red Carpet Arrival and Viewing Party on Oscar Sunday and access to the official Oscar viewing party at El Capitan.

Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses

Moët & Chandon launches Moët Rosé Impérial at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Love was in the air as Moët & Chandon enthusiasts gathered at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last week to launch the limited edition Moët Rosé Impérial “Tag Your Love” bottle pack.

Fashionistas and socialites sipped flutes of Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial and declared their feelings towards loved ones through personalized champagne bottles.

Reflecting the brand’s fun and flirty style, the iconic Moët Rosé Impérial bottle is dressed in pink and comes with a marker.

“In true Moët & Chandon style, the limited edition Rosé Impérial ‘Tag Your Love’ bottle is given a fresh take, while still representing the unique characteristics discovered within the bottle,” enthused Frederick Noyere, managing director of Moët Hennessy Diageo Malaysia. “Moët’s signature bottles will always be synonymous as tributes to special events, and we can’t think of a better time to launch this limited edition bottle.”

With a background of symphony music, guests were privy to delectable strawberries and jazz vocals by Poova.

Rosé Impérial is touted as a seductive expression, combining the intensity of Pinot Noir, the fruitiness of Pinot Meunier and the finesse of Chardonnay. It is distinguished by heady, sensual aromas; a lively bouquet of fresh summer berries with floral nuances and a light peppery touch.

Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses

Hilton Maldives Launches Maldives First Champagne Lounge, The Bubble Lounge

The Five star luxury resort, Hilton Maldives Iru Fushi has recently launched the first Champagne bar in the Maldives.

The aptly titled, “Bubble Lounge” will complete the resorts outstanding range of innovative food and beverage offerings. The Bubble Lounge will be located next to the Wine Cellar and Flavours Restaurant hosting up to 14 guests outside and a further six inside.

The Bubble Lounge will stock over 50 Champagne brands by the bottle and over ten Champagne brands by the glass. The extensive Champagne list will include Grande Marque, growers and limited edition vintages. Guests can choose from the “Champagne List” on an Apple iPad.

“The Maldives is synonymous with celebrations, and what better way to celebrate than in the first, and only dedicated Champagne bar in the region. The new concept will represent sophistication within an inspiring, over water venue and with our expert knowledge, we are able to deliver an exceptional service and product, offering even the most exceptional Champagnes by the glass,” said General Manager Jean Sebastien Kling.

For more information visit www.MaldivesIruFushi.hilton.com

Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses

Franco Stalteri on Champagne Charlie Burger ….. by Liz Palmer

If you’ve heard of Charlie’s Burgers, the stories have most likely been shrouded in mystery and intrigue. This auspicious, boundary-pushing, word-of-mouth popup-dining destination is the brainchild of Toronto resident Franco Stalteri.

I’m sitting down with Franco to discuss his latest venture “Champagne Charlie Burger” late December. Our meet-up took place at 416 Snack Bar one of his haunts and apparently a lively after-hours chefs’ hangout. The place is dark and sultry with the odd flicker of candle light and comfortable enough to interview and sip a glass or two of champagne without much notice.

Franco is probably one of the most stylish, driven, and savvy guys you’ll ever meet in Toronto and as Vice President, Brand Experiences at Your Brand Integrated Marketing Communications, he’s industry-connected!

LP -Tell me about Champagne Charlie Burger and the concept?

FS -Charlie’s Burgers has been around for over 3 ½ years and I thought it would be good idea to bring Champagne as an added feature to our events.

It’s been a one-year project from sourcing the house/grower, an agent and designing the label.

I found a champagne grower who was intrigued with my dining concept and the thought of combining it with champagne – he was willing to try something new.

LP -You sealed the deal and Champagne Charlie was born!

Franco presents Champagne Charlie Burger Blanc de Blancs Brut NV and strategically pours the champagne into my flute and his – we continue the conversation. I decline to eat as my focus was on the conversation and tasting notes.

LP -I’m very excited to hear …which are in the Champagne region, which classification, and which grower?

I pull out a map of the region.

FS -The village of Oger as he writes on the map. It’s located in the department of Marne, region of Champagne-Ardenne, and in district of Épernay.

Henry de Vaugency is an eighth-generation Champagne grower and family-owned.

All of the grapes are sourced from their own Grand Cru vineyards –They has over 12 hectares of prime 1er Cru vines scattered over ten villages with predominately chardonnay grapes.

The production is onsite, including pressing, bottling, ageing, disgorging and labelling.

LP -Can you tell me some historical facts on this house?

FS -This house started in 1732 and is still family-run, and I believe the cellars date back to the 18th century.

LP -What about Champagne Charlie Burger?

FS -It’s a very good quality Champagne, Grand Cru, Blanc de Blanc, with a blend of 01/02 and 03 vintages. It’s been cellar-aged for five years.

We have used it at some of our events and it’s been quite successful with guests.
Champagne Charlie Burger can be served as an aperitif, with appetizers, dinner or with dessert!
Sales are word-of-mouth and we are now on our 5th shipment.

LP -What are you pricing it at?

FS -A fair market price of $67.00 CDN

LP -So, what’s next for Franco Stalteri?

FS -I’m working on something exciting for February – watch and see!

TASTING NOTES:

VISUAL ASPECT: Brilliant colour and golden tints; fine lively bubbles with plenty of finesse.

NOSE: Notes of honey and green apple stand out, followed by complex citrus aromas; nicely mellow overall impression of a pure chardonnay that has aged for several years.

ON THE PALATE: Very fresh, confirming the rich bouquet; lively yet delicate in the attack, followed by a long-lasting finish; good balance between vinosity and elegance.

Champagne Charlie Burger.. A brilliant effort 93/100

Charlie Burger Champagne is available through
www.charliesburgers.ca
http://twitter.com/CharliesBurgers

Liz Palmer
@champagnehouses