The Champagne Ambassador is a prestigious award organised every year (dare I say vintage) by the CIVC, Champagne’s interprofesional organisation. Candidates in Europe compete for the honour of representing these wines in their home countries before vying for the European title. In 2010 wine educator Laura Clay was awarded the title of UK Champagne Ambassador. If you need to know more about bubbly, Laura is the one to ask. Conducting a Champagne masterclass yesterday for a group of, less than disciplined, enthusiasts she explained in detail not just how champagne is made but why the 10 wines she had selected tasted the way they did. The wines ranged from affordable and little known small growers, which were an eye-opening discovery, to the ‘Grandes Marques’. 2 favourites came out, though not unanimously; lesser known Penet-Chardonnet Grand Cru Reserve Extra Brut and Pol Roger 1996. If you want to know more about Champagne, contact Laura at laura@birminghamimbibers.co.uk