Did you know that I have drunk a bottle of champagne a day, every day since January 1, 1965? These are the reasons why!

Did you know that champagne is a sparkling wine that comes from the Champagne region in northeastern France? Technically, if the bottle isn’t from that region, it’s sparkling wine and not champagne.

I know that champagne has a similar health benefit to red wine. There are 95 calories in a glass of champagne (approximately 4 ounces).

I like that there are about 570 calories in a whole bottle of champagne (25 ounces).

Did you know that alcohol can make it difficult to lose weight, especially if you don’t use moderation when drinking?

Brut is champagne which means “dry” and signifies a lower sugar content, resulting in a glass of champagne that only contains around 65 calories.

I like the fact that the drier the champagne, the better it tastes with savory, savory celebration foods like low-calorie oysters and caviar.

Did you know that champagne serving sizes are generally smaller than other alcoholic beverages, keeping the calorie count even lower?

I know that sparkling wine can have some additional health benefits. One study found that polyphenols found in red wine can also be found in champagne. These antioxidants reduce the damage free radicals can do to the body, possibly helping to lower blood pressure and prevent heart problems.

Did you know that bubbles can make people drink slower or feel fuller?

It is beneficial to know that types of foam come in a variety of sweetness and sugar content. Brut Natural and Extra Brut are the least sweet, followed by Brut, Extra Dry (or Extra Sec), Sec, Demi-Sec, and Doux (which has more sugar).

If you want something a little less sweet but tasty, you should choose any of the brut varieties.

Did you know that a flute glass should be used? These 4- to 6-ounce cups are automatic portion controllers, so use and fill only once.

We all know that champagne should be served chilled at a temperature between 43 and 48°F (7°C). In this range, the smell and taste of wine is fully appreciated. This temperature can be achieved by placing the unopened bottle in an ice bucket with half ice and half water for 20 to 30 minutes. Or you can refrigerate it for 3 to 4 hours. Or if you’re like me, have a wine fridge.

It is important that in order to safely open the bottle of sparkling wine, a corkscrew should never be used and the bottle should never be shaken.

One must ensure that the bottle is cool to prevent excess pressure from building up. With a towel over the top of the bottle, tilt it at 45 degrees, hold the cork firmly, and rotate the bottle until a slight click is heard.

Drinking champagne has high acidity, which can cause tooth problems.

A bottle of wine, either still or sparkling and if it has a cork, it should be stored on its side. You want the liquid inside to stay in contact with the cork so it doesn’t dry out, crumble, and encourage premature aging.

Will non-vintage champagnes expire a bit faster after about 3-4 years after purchase and age for 2-3 years before being available for sale?

A vintage champagne is simply one that was made from grapes from a single year’s harvest, while a non-vintage champagne is one that was made from grapes from numerous years. The former is generally of higher quality and will also be more expensive than the latter.

Did you know that I simply love the taste of it and celebrate my life every day between 6-6:30pm and it takes me 6-7 hours to consume a bottle?

May the Creative Force be with you,

Arlene Wright-Correll