@CaravelleChamp

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Welcome to #SommChat everyone! Tell your friends to join us to learn about #champagne from #NYC Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: We're about ready to dive in w/questions, so shout out to #NYC Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp to say hello & so she knows you're here! #WineWednesday #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Don't forget that EVERY tweet during this chat should include the #SommChat hashtag in order for everyone to see it!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: As we ask Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp our Qs, you can ask your Qs as well! She'll do her best to answer all Qs in the order they come #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: W so many participants lots of gr8 Q's R asked! Even if u dont ask 1--give a S/O 2 @KeeperColl & @CaravelleChamp 2 let us know u R here! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Let's start talking #champagne with #NYC Rita Jammet tweeting on @CaravelleChamp ! #SommChat

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat Hi Diane and everyone! Thank you for having me on today, I look forward to your questions! Bubbly Cheers!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @CaravelleChamp What inspired you to create your own line of #Champagne? #SommChat

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat my husband Andre and I have always had a passion for #champagne and when we had our restaurant La Caravelle, we had the opportunity to have our own cuvée, so we happily went ahead and released it in 1998!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm how many different bottlings of #Champagne do you make a year, how much of each, and what areas of #US do you market to?@CaravelleChamp

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat We have 3 Cuvée: our Brut Cuvée Nina, a Rosé and a Blanc de Blancs, all NV. Total yearly production is 1,200 cases (of 12). In NY, MN, AL, CO at the moment

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @CaravelleChamp What do you find the most intriguing about #Champagne? #SommChat @keepercoll

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat hi! Champagne is unique beverage that has magic to it. Okay I’m biased but there’s a mystique about champagne and the terroir, winemaking, climate and art of the blend is fascinating!

Charles Comm PR: Q @CaravelleChamp Do you plan expanding La Caravelle Champagne's availability into more US states? #SommChat @keepercoll

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat definitely, working on CA, FL, NV. Challenge is finding the right fit for a distributor!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm can you describe the Cuvee Nina? do you work with a specific grower or >1 grower? What area/s in #Champagne are the grapes from? How long before you disgorge? @CaravelleChamp ?

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat Cuvee Nina is 40% Chardonnay, 30 PN and 30 PM. Aged 2 years on the lees. We work with De Castellane, a winery that’s part of the Laurent-Perrier Group, and we love working with them! Chard from Cote des Blancs, PN Montagne de Reims, PM Marne valley. Disgorg 6 months

Charles Comm: Q @CaravelleChamp What is your favorite La Caravelle Champagne pairing? #SommChat @keepercoll

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat love this question! in addition to traditional pairings, my faves are Blanc de Blancs with uni, sushi, pizza, even burgers, Rosé with red meats, and Cuvee Nina with basically everything! The only one that scares me sometimes is some chocolate desserts

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @CaravelleChamp did you first become interested in learning about #champagne during the restaurant ownership or before and when and why? #SommChat

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat yes exactly, learned a great deal during the restaurant years and keep learning now. Champagne => magic and fascinating!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm do you sell out each year or do you hold back any for later release and if so how could a resto get some of later release @CaravelleChamp

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat it depends on the market whims… now our Cuvee Nina is flying off the shelves, followed closely by the Rose. Close to selling out. We don’t usually hold back

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm what are the biggest changes you have seen in the #Champagne biz since you started making it 20 years ago and any trends you see coming up @CaravelleChamp ?

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat with global warming, harvest is happening earlier. There’s definitely a trend in palates: going more towards a higher acidity and less sweetness. I hope BALANCE is always in, because at the end of the day that’s what it’s about, harmony

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @CaravelleChamp How would you desciribe/identify a quality bottle of #champagne? Do you participate in annual tasting to determine final blend?

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat always looking for balance, and the fruit able to shine. Yes we visit the winemaker Michel Fauconnet when tasting the clear wines => 1 of my favorite times of the year. It’s a miracle that the winemaker accomplishes as far as the blending goes.

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm what inspired you to use PM in your #Champagne and what do you think PM adds on nose and on palate @CaravelleChamp ?

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat PM Definitely brings fruitiness and freshness, vivacity to the blend. PN the structure and Chard the finesse

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @CaravelleChamp What have been some of the biggest challenges you have faced creating and maintaining your own line of fine #chamagne ?

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat an excruciatingly slow start, it was tough to take La Caravelle brand from restaurant to champagne! The economics are tough: you depend on the euro exchange rate. Biggest challenge now is finding good distributors out of state! My restaurant colleagues are so supportive

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat follow up : and that was, is a huge plus thanks to the industry!

Harley Carbery @harleywine1: Good morning from Vegas @CaravelleChamp!! Bisous! How are you? @keepercoll #SommChat

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat Hi Harley!!!! doing great, so good to see you on here! Bisous to you too!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @CaravelleChamp do you sell all of your #Champagne in #US or do you sell in any other markets? Do you anticipate any changes to UR lineup or UR production size?

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat at the moment only in the US. Definitely anticipating upping the production size. Nothing in champagne lineup at the moment. But we also have a La Caravelle Listrac Medoc

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @CaravelleChamp What was the first job you had in the industry? #SommChat

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat first job at La Caravelle restaurant! i’m a marketing and business gal, so that’s how I started. Along with Andre, who was a veteran in the hotel industry

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Rita, you are an incredible supporter in #NYC of so many restos:). How do you find the time to do all you do in addition to your #Champagne biz and your family @CaravelleChamp ?

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat Such a great question/observation. I am passionate about my industry, and it’s my pleasure and honor to support ! It’s a juggling act for sure, but i love it. Family super supportive, sons in industry Sweetgreen, Sir Kensington, digital strategy

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @CaravelleChamp What do you miss most about the restaurant? #SommChat @keepercoll

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat definitely miss interacting with our guests and welcoming them in our place!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm can you describe your BdB on nose and palate? Are any of UR #champagnes used BTG and if so which ones @CaravelleChamp ?

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat BdB is a magical interpretation of the purity of single grape and yet the complexity among others, that comes with aging, and all the amazing flavors that come with it. Blessed to have Cuvée Nina btg at amazing restos JG, Le Coucou, afraid too many to list. Rosé too!

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat Follow up: Bdb on nose white flowers evolving to brioche/butter with time, palate: vivacious, fresh, citrus, rhubarb notes. Length

Douglas Trapasso @demilove: @CaravelleChamp @keepercoll - hello from Chicago! What do you think will be the next vintage that will be declared? #SommChat

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat hi Doug, how are you? our line is NV...

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat peep are any of your #Champagnes sold in retail settings and if so where can I get buy to taste @CaravelleChamp

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat yes definitely, Acker Merrall carries our entire line (cc @mattreiser ) Sherry Lehmann, Morrell and Vintry are the biggest ones, they can ship.

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm what main areas have you seen affect the increasing prices of #Champagne @CaravelleChamp

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat at the moment the euro rise is getting problematic, as we try not to reflect that in the pricing to remain competitive.

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @CaravelleChamp can you tell us about @LesDamesNY - what you have seen change most over the years and what are some of your fav part about the organization? #SommChat

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat sure @LesDamesNY is an organization of women in the industry (general sense). Very happy and honored to be part of it. we raise funds for scholarship and mentoring. The organization brings amazing new Dames every year, more and more Somms and wine peeps, to my delight!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm have you seen any changes in how consumers are asking for their #Champagne and does that result in any changes you make to your blend @CaravelleChamp

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat i must say that in general we get great feedback on our champagne. There definitely is a trend towards more acidity but we like to stay in the balanced zone. More people are asking about the disgorgement dates, mostly from the industry. We love 2 keep r style with time

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Do you prefer your #champagne with age or not and if so why? What is the oldest bottle you tasted and what do you remember about it @CaravelleChamp

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat i would venture to say that aged champagne is almost like a different wine, I enjoy it greatly as well. But i love the crispness and vivacity of younger champagne. I recently LOVED a Pierre Peters 1981 bottle. a true nectar! also Salon champagne is a marvel

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm do you travel to the markets other than #NYC and if so what are some differences you see in the consumers about #Champagne @CaravelleChamp ?

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat I do travel to the markets (including DC, VA, MD) first it was a tall order to introduce the brand, but now this is getting easier as more peeps are aware of it - thanks to my new family the Somms! I find that NY consumers tend to have deeper knowledge of champagne ..

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat other states are quickly catching up, both on technical notes and names of brands

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @CaravelleChamp we know you just took an amazing trip to #Japan! Did you see much #Champagne on any resto lists and if so any that surprised you? Do you drink #Sake and was that the drink of choice? #SommChat

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat Ah Japan! a magical country. definitely in high end sushi restaurants champagne is de rigueur (I enjoyed Delamotte among others). For sushi i love champagne, so i stick to that. Occasionally and for other types of foods, I will have sake or beer, depending

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat peep - how can I best approach a #Somm in a resto to start with ordering #Champagne - I am the newbie @CaravelleChamp - do you think it would pair for an entire meal?

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat love this question ! Somms are ur best friends in restos! I would tell the Somm what style I enjoy and am looking for, then ask them what they’re excited about… And definitely our Champagne will pair with an entire meal, so u don’t have to mix ;-) mostly CN or Rose

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - do you think either of your sons will take an interest in the #champagne biz and if not what is your succession plan @CaravelleChamp ?

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat As supportive as my sons are, at the moment, it doesn’t appear that any of our 3 sons are gearing that way. but one never knows… Succession plan => still working on it!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @CaravelleChamp do you order more often BTG or bottles at restos and if so what or why not? #SommChat

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat depends: if i want to try something new, BTG is a great option. In general I go with bottle because they go down fast! Also depends on what other wines are ordered, and the size of the party, and their preferences

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm what are the major differences in the topography and exposure in your different #Champagne areas that your grapes are from @CaravelleChamp have you had the same vineyards over the 20 yrs?

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat Big question! As you know, the same parcel of land can have different exposures showing the variations of wines from the parcel. I have to say that our winemaker bears the brunt of this crucial task.

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @CaravelleChamp if you were not in the resto or #Champagne production biz, what would be your dream work? #SommChat

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat dream territory here… i love producing events or maybe the film industry? Voice overs? anything with colors? many different paths as you see!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm what are the major differences in the topography and exposure in your different #Champagne areas that your grapes are from @CaravelleChamp have you had the same vineyards over the 20 yrs?

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat actually we used to work with another producer until 2009. Our producers are the ones who own the land or purchase grapes from land owners…

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm any major changes you have seen in the #restaurant biz in #NYC in last 5 years?

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat definitely more unknown wines, smaller producers on lists, and many new wine regions too! On the restaurant side, a back to original local flavors is big, and more casual atmosphere. both seem to be on upcoming trends as well. Less tasting menus tooWhat trends are you hearing about @CaravelleChamp

Sandy Wasserman CS @SandyWasserman: Really wanted to join in on #sommchat today but new blog post had the time flying by and missed it again.🍷🍾 Cheers. #pullingcorksandforks

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Thanks for your support of #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Time to wrap up! Hope you enjoyed this hour of #champagne talk #NYC Rita Jammet on @CaravelleChamp! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: It was great to have #NYC Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp join us today for #SommChat. We hope everyone learned as much as we did!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Please join us in thanking #NYC Rita Jammet @CharavelleChamp for her time teaching us about the beautiful #champagne fr La Caravelle ! #SommChat

Rita Jammet @CaravelleChamp: #SommChat Thank you SO much for having me today, I enjoyed everyone’s questions immensely, and wish you all the best. Don’t forget: Drink #champagne!!! Cheers