Looking to explore the world of Champagne? Master of Wine, Konstantin Baum, has created an engaging video titled “BIG Champagne Surprises! Grand Marques Blind Tasting.” In this video, Baum takes you on a journey through the famous Grandes Marques (major Champagne houses) in a blind-tasting face-off. He introduces the wines tasted, such as Pol Roger Brut Reserve and Bollinger Special Cuvee Brut, and provides insights into the Champagne production process. With his expertise and passion for Champagne, Baum aims to uncover the investment in quality versus marketing by each house, offering surprise and disappointment along the way. So join Baum on this exciting adventure as he uncorks the secrets of the Grandes Marques!
The video begins with Baum introducing himself as a Master of Wine and sharing links to his Patreon and social media accounts for further support and updates. He also mentions the wine key and glass he uses for the video, creating a sense of authenticity and expertise. Baum then dives into the world of Champagne, explaining that the majority of production is commercialized by the Grandes Marques, the major Champagne houses. Through a blind-tasting face-off, Baum aims to determine which houses invest in quality versus marketing. With each champagne tasted, Baum provides his tasting notes and ratings, expressing surprise and disappointment along the way. Join Baum in this enlightening and exciting journey through the world of Champagne!
Video Overview
In Konstantin Baum’s video titled ‘BIG Champagne Surprises! Grand Marques Blind Tasting’, he dives into the world of Grandes Marques, which are major houses or brands of champagne. In the video, he provides links to his Patreon and social media accounts for further support and updates. Additionally, Baum mentions the wine key and glass he uses for the video. This initial overview sets the stage for what viewers can expect from the video and gives them a glimpse into Baum’s expertise and resources.
Introduction to Grand Marques
Baum begins by explaining the concept of Grandes Marques, which are major houses or brands of champagne. He delves into the commercialization of champagne production by these Grandes Marques and the impact it has on the industry. Baum highlights the significance of blind tasting in evaluating the investment in quality versus marketing by each house. This introduction sets the context for the blind tasting that Baum will conduct later in the video.
Tasting Entry-Level Champagnes
Baum proceeds to conduct a blind tasting of entry-level champagnes from the Grandes Marques. The objective of this tasting is to evaluate the quality and marketing strategies of each house. By conducting the tasting blindly, Baum eliminates preconceived biases and allows the true character of each champagne to shine through. This section of the video is an exciting and informative exploration of different champagnes and the unique characteristics they possess.
Tasting Notes and Ratings
In this section, Baum provides detailed tasting notes for each champagne tasted in the blind tasting. He carefully analyzes the flavor profiles, structure, and overall experience of each wine. To make his ratings more standardized and comparable, Baum explains that he uses Robert Parker’s 100 Point Scoring System for wine ratings. This section is valuable for viewers who are interested in learning more about the specific qualities of each champagne and how they compare to one another.
Lily Bollinger’s Perspective
Baum quotes Lily Bollinger, a prominent figure in the champagne world, who famously stated, “I drink Champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Otherwise, I never touch it—unless I’m thirsty.” Baum shares his admiration for Champagne and his own personal enjoyment of exploring the region. By including Lily Bollinger’s perspective, Baum adds a touch of history and personality to the video, allowing viewers to connect with the tradition and joy associated with Champagne.
Advertisement Mention
During the video, Baum briefly mentions an advertisement for T Chanley skincare products. He highlights the importance of taking care of oneself, especially in the harsh winter conditions of a Champagne vineyard. Baum emphasizes the benefits of T Chanley’s moisturizers, face scrubs, and lotions in maintaining healthy skin. This mention serves as a sponsored ad placement and offers viewers a potential solution to their skincare needs.
Revealing the Brands
In this section, Baum unveils the names of the champagnes tasted in the blind tasting. He discusses the reputation and market positioning of each brand, shedding light on their history and influence in the industry. By revealing the brands, Baum helps viewers understand the context and significance of each champagne in the overall lineup. This section allows viewers to further explore the champagnes that pique their interest.
Surprises and Disappointments
Baum openly expresses his surprise and disappointment with some of the tasting results. He provides an analysis of the divergence between his expectations and the actual outcomes of the blind tasting. This section adds an element of suspense and unpredictability to the video, as viewers discover which champagnes exceeded or fell short of Baum’s expectations. Baum’s candidness creates an engaging and relatable experience for viewers.
Conclusion
In the conclusion of the video, Baum summarizes his findings from the grand marques blind tasting. He reflects on the investment in quality versus marketing by each house, noting which champagnes stood out and which ones fell short. Baum concludes by offering his final thoughts and recommendations for champagne enthusiasts. This conclusion provides viewers with a comprehensive overview of the blind tasting and leaves them with valuable insights to apply to their own appreciation of champagne.
Franco Deville, an esteemed wine connoisseur and author, is the visionary behind “Wines of Madeira.” His extensive background in viticulture and wine tasting enriches his detailed guide on Madeira wines. Franco’s dedication to traditional winemaking and innovative approaches has established him as an influential voice in the wine community.