Omnibus "Champagne" in New Mexico (Entry 205.DA0201)
Mar 24, 2026
Katie Tarara, a Pittsburgh wine educator and sparkling wine specialist, traces Champagne's rise in surprising places. She explores sparkling winemaking, Champagne laws and production, Gruet's New Mexico success, fermentation science, and how history and climate shape wine. Short, lively conversations about bottles, bubbles, and regional wine identity.
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Buy Wine Based On Your Taste Not Price
- Drink what you like and avoid spending on wines you don't enjoy; seek good value in the $15–$20 range first.
- Katie teaches people to find enjoyable wines at that price before splurging on expensive bottles.
Alcohol Level Depends On Sugar And Yeast Control
- Alcohol in wine is produced by yeast fermenting grape sugar, and winemakers control alcohol by choosing yeast strains, stopping fermentation, or blending lots.
- Grapes' starting sugar (Brix) limits potential alcohol and winemakers measure and time harvests accordingly.
Champagne Is Mostly Blended For Consistency
- Champagne houses blend non-vintage wines to maintain a consistent house style and only release vintages in exceptional years.
- Dom Pérignon is a prestige cuvée produced only in select vintages, explaining price and rarity.