PHI 2010 Honors (Champagne)

This morning I mentioned Champagne in relation to our analysis of the criteria of adequacy in induction. Champagne, stands as the epitome of sophistication in wine production. It’s a state of mind (think of Marilyn Monroe’s addiction to the beverage -as well as kings). Champagne’s celebratory status is unique; handed a glass of champagne, we simply abandon ourselves to its implied pleasure. Some details: 1- Made from three grapes, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, 2- The champagne we drink today is very different from the one produced by Dom Perignon back in the 18th Century. Back then, Perignon tried to fight the wine’s bubbly and tart character with extra sugar. It was probably cloudy, gritty and coarse. Only later, they realized that this very character was unique to this region. 3- How many bubbles are there in a champagne bottle? 4- What does Brut, Extra Brut, Dry, Demi-Sec and Doux stand for?