Happy Champagne Friday!

Now, I'm not a champagne expert. So when I describe a champagne, I'll do so with the palate of an amateur and write in the words of a layman.

Henriot Souverain Brut

Today, I open a particularly special champagne from France. This Henriot Souverain Brut was a birthday gift from a friend, and I've saved the bottle for more than a year. But what the heck am I waiting for?

First Pour

My first impression is that the color is fantastic. This lovely golden color is much deeper than other champagnes I've seen, and it certainly stands out in a crowd with the consistent gentle bubbles climbing the sides of the glass.

First Sniff

It doesn't tickle my nose in that subtle, dry fruity way that I'm used to. The ultra-dry Chardonnay-like aroma really comes through with a hint of tang that might turn some people off. At first, I thought, "Smells a little peppery," but then I decided it was more tangy, like slightly fermented fruit. If I sniffed long enough my eyes watered a bit, which might mean a splash of acidity waiting for my palate.

First Sip

Yep, the acidity was the superstar in my first sip, but the aftertaste is surprisingly smooth. If you like sweet and fruity this isn't your beverage. It's dry and apply, and just a tad bitter on first swallow. However, the bitterness quickly disappears and the strong Chardonnay and apple hint is all that's left over.

Impressions

"Sophisticated" is this champagne's word. I must say that's it's not so easy to drink if you’re not a dry-taste person, but I really like it because the after taste is almost non-existent compared to the flavor that hits your tongue.

Give it a try. Cheers!