champagne. Dubbed by leading wine masters as simply the best drink in the world, champagne is not only a wine for glamourous occasions, it's a wonderful idea for Christmas gift-giving. Champagne has traditionally been associated with festivities. As far back as the 1800s, it was drunk by race horse winners in England to celebrate their victories, according to local wine expert, Mr.

Robin Blackburne. In fact, Sir Winston Churchill was so fond of champagne that he named one of his race horses after his favourite brand, Pol Roger. And when Sir Winston died, a black border was added to the labels of Pol Roger champagne in memory of him. Champagne comes in various sizes including half bottles, bottles, magnums, double magnums and jeroboams (triple magnums). It is available in pink or rose and the more common golden colours. But pink champagne is less popular as it was out of style for years. "Pink champagne went out of fashion in the Edwardian era,'' says Mr. Blackburne. "And it was only five or six years ago that it became stylish again.'' All champagnes are made predominantly from the juice of red grapes. Golden champagne is rendered possible because the juice of red grapes grown in the winefield is white, the pigmentation being in the skin. And the skin is removed immediately after pressing the grapes. Pink champagne, however, is derived from the leaching of colour from the skins during fermentation, says Mr. Blackburne. Whether rose or golden, champagne can only come from one small corner of the world and nowhere else. It is the Champagne district, which is north-east of Paris in France. Mr. Blackburne names champagne as the best aperitif in the world. "I personally don't enjoy it after dinner,'' he says, "because I think the palate is already tired, although the French do tend to like it then.'' He adds: "champagne is wonderful with cold turkey and cold game. As well, it's enjoyable with cold salmon. "Champagne is not drunk a great deal with meals.

But it would be a good drink to have with Christmas lunch. In recent history though, champagne is favoured mostly as an aperitif,'' he says. So enjoy the most incredible sparkling wine in the world this Christmas -- champagne. Buy it for those who appreciate fine wines or drink it to celebrate the many festivities of the season. PHOTO BEST OF THE BUBBLY -- Local wine consultant, Mr. Robin Blackburne makes some sparkling champagne suggestions for the holidays. All prices are approximate. Louis Roederer Cristal ($120), Laurent Perrier Brut ($39), Lanson Black Label ($29), Pol Roger ($36) and Louis Roederer Brut Premier ($29). These champagnes, which are available at the Bristol Cellar Limited, are perfect for celebrating the season and as gifts.