THE WINE DIARY
WHAT WOULD THE SOMMELIER DRINK?
Recently I was asked, “If you could only drink wine from two areas in the world, where would you choose?” Although it took me a few minutes to decide, I ended up selecting Champagne and Burgundy. With the holiday season coming up soon, I couldn’t think of two better places to help me celebrate, and here’s why. The Charm of Champagne Few beverages carry the same mystique, sophistication, and sensory pleasure as Champagne. Beyond its golden bubbles and celebratory pop, Champagne symbolizes elegance, success, and joy. Its distinct flavor profile — a complex blend of brioche, fruit, and mineral notes — arises from the terroir of France’s Champagne region and the Méthode Champenoise. The fine, persistent bubbles create a light, invigorating mouthfeel no still wine can replicate. Champagne’s versatility, from Brut Nature to Demi-Sec, suits every palate and every occasion, from aperitifs to pairings with seafood, cheese, or even fried chicken.
KERRY ICHIMASA Club Sommelier
For centuries Champagne has been intertwined with luxury and status. Opening a bottle invokes celebration, tradition, and triumph. It’s the quintessential drink for weddings, anniversaries, and New Year’s Eve. Beyond symbolism, Champagne’s carbonation accelerates alcohol absorption for a gentle sense of euphoria, and the bubbles release dopamine for joy and excitement. With antioxidants and relatively fewer calories, Champagne appeals to many as both a pleasure and a lifestyle. For some, it becomes a state of mind — an identity rooted in beauty, joy, and life’s sparkling moments. The Sophistication of Burgundy For some wine lovers, Burgundy is not just a region — it’s a lifelong passion. To drink Burgundy is to explore terroir, tradition, and craftsmanship at their deepest level. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reach unmatched elegance, complexity, and emotional resonance here. Burgundy’s winemakers, beginning with the monks of the Middle Ages, have spent centuries studying how soil, slope, and microclimate shape character. Its limestone and marl soils produce wines transparent to their origins, each climat offering a signature as unique as a fingerprint. Red Burgundy (Pinot Noir) reveals layers of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry with earthy notes of forest floor, mushroom, and spice. White Burgundy (Chardonnay) ranges from the mineral precision of Chablis to the opulence of Meursault and Montrachet, always marked by vibrant acidity and minerality. Fine Burgundy rewards patience, aging gracefully into truffle, spice, and honey. At the table, Burgundy is remarkably versatile, pairing effortlessly with poultry, seafood, creamy sauces, and aged cheeses. Its scarcity — small family vineyards producing limited quantities — heightens its prestige and collectability. Grands Crus like Romanée-Conti, Montrachet, and Chambertin hold legendary status. Yet beyond rarity and status, Burgundy has soul: a living reflection of people, place, and time.
Two Regions, Endless Celebration Champagne brings joy and sparkle; Burgundy brings reflection and depth. Together, they capture everything I love about wine — craftsmanship, emotion, tradition, and the ability to turn any moment into something memorable. With the holidays coming, you’ll likely see me enjoying bottles from both regions. After all, if I could only choose two places to drink from, these would be it.
NOVEMBER 2025 | 9 DECEMBER 2025
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker