French wine – Butter, Bourbon, and Other Sins

30 % of Champagne’s carbon footprint stems from bottle manufacturing. Champagne Telmont decided to change that number by creating a glass bottle that weighs 800 grams (1.76 pounds) rather than the traditional standard of 835 grams.

How it Began

In 1911, during the Champagne riots in France, visionary Henri Lhopital composed a song, “Gloire au Champagne,” to encourage winemakers in the Champagne region to continue upholding the high standards of Champagne, no matter the riot outcomes.

Henri’s passion for those high standards led him to create his own label and champagne house in 1912. Today, after generations of care, Champagne Telmont (named in 1947) continues to produce the highest-quality Champagne. It earned its first organic certification in 2017 and plans to become 100% certified organic by 2031.

A Devotion to the Earth

As I dug into the story of this lovely brand, I found their passion for a clean earth and high-quality champagne to be contagious. Here are a few other amazing things the Telmont Estate vineyards are doing to maintain high standards and improve the carbon footprint:

No gift boxes — just a beautiful bottle
No transparent bottles. The dark green bottle you receive is made from 85% recycled glass.
The electricity used at the vineyard is 100% from renewable sources.
Bottles shipped to the United States take a trip on wind-powered Neoline ships rather than air transportation.

Champagne Telmont’s Réserve Brut

“Creativity and innovation must go hand in hand with responsibility. By adopting this ultra-lightweight bottle, we aim to redefine industry standards and contribute to a more sustainable future for Champagne, says Ludovic du Plessis, President of Champagne Telmont. We aim with this new bottle to set a new standard for Champagne, in the name of Mother Nature.”

Champagne Telmont Réserve brut debuts as a uniquely lightweight bottle, reducing carbon emissions by 4%. Beyond the lighter weight bottle, you’ll notice a lovely blend of three grapes that create a rich and fruity champagne.

The awards Champagne Telmont’s Réserve Brut has won are too many to mention. You can purchase a bottle for your collection at ReserveBar.com.

Changing the Industry One Bottle at a Time

Though Champagne Telmont currently offers one type of champagne in an 800-gram bottle, the goal is to have all its wines bottled in lighter-weight bottles in 2025 and beyond.

The ultimate goal, however, is that the entire wine industry will catch on and begin creating lighter-weight bottles as well. In doing so, 8,000 tons of CO2 emissions would be eliminated annually.

Bordeaux wine vineyard — Image Credit: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/vineyards-saintemilion-one-main-red-wine-404754130

Are you ready for a delicious journey to the world-renowned wine region of Bordeaux, where centuries of tradition and innovation blend in every bottle?

But wait, there’s more! We’re not only going to explore the different types of Bordeaux wine but also discover the magic of pairing them with the right food to unlock their full potential.

After all, wine is not just a drink; it’s a sensory experience that engages our taste buds, sense of smell, and memories.

The Different Types of Bordeaux Wine

glass of red wine and white wine — Image Credit: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/wine-635373836

Bordeaux region is famous for two main categories: red and white.

Red Bordeaux

Red Bordeaux wine is the most famous and comes to mind first. It’s usually full-bodied and tannic and has notes of black fruit and earthy aromas. The primary red Bordeaux grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc.

White Bordeaux

White Bordeaux wine is a delightful surprise that many people overlook. It’s usually light-bodied and crisp and has citrus, green apple, and mineral notes. The primary grape varieties for white Bordeaux wine are Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, and Semillon.

Food Pairings for Red Bordeaux Wines

steak bites on fork with glass of red wine — Image Credit: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/grilled-ribeye-beef-steak-rosemary-red-1528752221

Red Bordeaux wine is the perfect companion for a hearty meal that can stand up to its boldness.

Red meat: Steak, lamb, and venison dishes are a natural match. The protein and fat in the beef soften the tannins in the wine and enhance its fruity notes.
Roasted vegetables: Mushrooms, eggplant, and bell peppers also complement red Bordeaux wine, as their earthy flavors and textures echo those of the wine.
Hearty stews: Beef bourguignon or coq au vin, which simmer for hours in wine and broth, are also great matches. They make a cozy and satisfying meal that begs for a glass of red Bordeaux wine by the fire.
International cuisine: Red Bordeaux pairs well with spicy dishes like Indian or Mexican cuisine, as the wine’s tannins and fruitiness balance the spice and heat.
Rich sauces: It also works well with creamy sauces like Alfredo or béarnaise, as they soften the wine’s tannins and bring out its fruity notes.

Food Pairings for White Bordeaux Wines

plate of fish with glass of white wine — Image Credit: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/lovely-fish-steak-salad-lemon-white-599152976

Let’s switch gears to the refreshing and crisp white Bordeaux wine. Its light-bodied profile makes it the perfect wine for a sunny day or a light meal.

Seafood: Ocean-inspired meals are a great choice, especially oysters and shellfish, with a briny and delicate flavor that complements the wine’s crisp acidity.
White meat: Chicken is also a great match, as it doesn’t overpower the wine’s subtle notes and provides a light protein source.
Salads: Let’s not forget salads, especially with a tangy vinaigrette dressing that enhances the wine’s citrus notes and adds a refreshing crunch.
Cheese: It also works well with cheese, especially goat cheese or creamy brie, as the acidity of the wine cuts through richness well.

Raise a Glass to Bordeaux Wine’s Versatility and Deliciousness

Bordeaux wine is a wine lover’s dream come true. With its rich history and diverse flavor profile, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Red Bordeaux wine is perfect for a cozy night with a hearty meal, while white Bordeaux is perfect for a sunny day or a light meal.

Whether you prefer a bold, tannic red or a crisp and refreshing white, Bordeaux wine will surely delight your taste buds.

Tag: French wine

Champagne Telmont Debuts a New Bottle That Mother Nature Is Sure to Appreciate