Champagne is a must-have for the end-of-year party season, from Christmas to year-end parties! Not only is its fizzing bubbles a gorgeous sight, but its appeal lies in its ability to pair with a wide variety of dishes. Drawing on my experience as a lecturer at the wine school L'Ecole du Vin, today's lesson will cover three topics: how to choose a champagne, serving etiquette, and restaurant etiquette. ---Azusa Segawa, Wine Expert and Food Analyst
... For more details, see Vol. 3.

Finding a trustworthy shop is crucial to finding the perfect bottle. A shop that offers a carefully selected lineup, including not only high-end or value-for-money items but also items that reflect the producer's commitment and have an interesting story, will help you have a lively conversation with the staff.

■ Women should choose something that looks "elegant," while men should choose something that has a "story."

Preferences vary, but for a party with many women in attendance, a glamorous bottle label is recommended, as it adds a touch of elegance to the atmosphere. Since champagne is often enjoyed as a starter, choosing something that brings a sparkling atmosphere to the occasion, such as Françoise Bedel's "Entre Ciel et Terre" (9,720 yen), is also key.

Also, if you're thinking about how it will look when poured, rosé is a great choice. Pink is a color that flatters women, so you'll look even more beautiful when you hold a glass. If you're hosting a party with men who enjoy more esoteric items, it's a good idea to choose something with a strong story. For example, "Bollinger Special Cuvée" (9,180 yen). It's known as James Bond's favorite champagne, and a story like that will help spark conversation and increase the chances of him liking you.

■A "special bottle" for experienced drinkers

If you're looking to give something unique to a champagne connoisseur who knows a variety of brands, we recommend "Pierre Caro-Avise's Clos Jaquin Brut Grand Cru" (17,900 yen). The label has the letters "RM," which stands for "récoltant-manipulant," and refers to a manufacturer that produces wine exclusively from grapes grown in its own vineyards. Many producers are relatively small, and in this case, only 800 bottles are produced. On the other hand, wines from manufacturers who purchase some or all of their grapes directly from growers are marked "NM" (short for négociant-manipulant). Jean-Pierre Bonny's "Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé" (3,460 yen) is a rare sparkling wine, produced in only 400 bottles per year, and is not a Champagne. Incidentally, in France, wines made outside of the Champagne region using the same method as Champagne are called "Crémant." ■Don't Forget Olives and Rillettes Here are some recommended foods to buy at a wine shop along with your Champagne. Champagne is a versatile drink that pairs well with a wide variety of foods. If you're looking for a light snack, olives and prosciutto are affordable and highly recommended. Rillettes (bread spread with a French meat dish similar to pate) are also particularly recommended. Give them a try! We will explain the compatibility of food and champagne in part 2/3. Interview cooperation: a day. Yoyogi store (1-9-23 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)