Sweet Caroline Gift Baskets from Carpentier's of Charleston and Mt. Pleasant

The Champagne Appellation has some of the strictest, most exacting standards for growing, producing and labeling of any area in all the wine world. The major varietals used for (French) Champagne are Chardonnay, Meunier, and Pinot Noir. Many American producers of quality sparkling wines adhere to this list, although very little Meunier is grown here. American brands have long copied the Champagne name, but neither the standards, nor the methods. Quality American producers of sparkling wine often emulate the standards, apply the traditional production methods and, out of respect and in deference, leave the Champagne name to the originals. The European Union continues to support and enforce protecting the Champagne name. In January, 2008, Belgian customs agents destroyed 270 cases of California sparkling wine destined for Nigeria because it was labeled "André Champagne." Consumers would do well to realize that aging is an intrinsic part of the process of making sparkling wine. The vast majority of sparkling wines, including true Champagne will lose both flavor and fizz after a couple of years in the bottle. To celebrate that special wedding anniversary, it is much better to enjoy a freshly-purchased bottle of the same brand originally enjoyed than to suffer through one saved from the event itself.