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A recent study conducted by Climate Nexus illustrated the negative effect America’s dependence on automobiles has on consumers.

The report found that 87 percent of Americans use their cars every day, with more than nine out of 10 households owning at least one vehicle. In 2023, a total of 290 million automated vehicles were operated on the country’s roads. While the results found that owning a vehicle is beneficial for overall life satisfaction in the United States, there’s a finite amount of driving which is healthy for the average American. Out of those surveyed, people who must drive more than 50 percent of the time for out-of-home activities, such as work, experience a decrease in life satisfaction.

“Car dependency has a threshold effect—using a car just sometimes increases life satisfaction but if you have to drive much more than this people start reporting lower levels of happiness,” Rababe Saadaoui, the study’s lead author and an expert in urban planning, told The Guardian. “Extreme car dependence comes at a cost, to the point that the downsides outweigh the benefits.”

Saadaoui admitted the results were “surprising,” but she attributed the dip in satisfaction to the multitude of stressors that come with driving. Loss of physical activity and connection with other people, not to mention maneuvering around other drivers on dense roadways, all contribute to the malaise.

“Some people drive a lot and feel fine with it, but others feel a real burden,” she explained. “The study doesn’t call for people to completely stop using cars, but the solution could be in finding a balance. For many people driving isn’t a choice, so diversifying choices is important.”

Anna Zivarts, an advocate for those who are unable to operate motor vehicles, agrees that pushing people to occasionally use alternative modes of transportation is the smartest option. Zivarts, who suffers from a neurological condition which renders her unable to drive, authored the book When Driving Is Not an Option.

“We are just locked into a system of driving that is meant to be more enjoyable but isn’t,” she said. “I walk five minutes with my kid to the school bus stop and yet other parents make that journey to the stop by car. Is this really how you want to spend your life?”

When a champagne bottle arrives on your doorstep nestled in a kit with two flutes, you know you’re in for a good time. For me, that experience came courtesy of one of my best friends, who sent me Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs for my birthday a few years ago.

Fast-forward to this Christmas. I decided to bring a bottle of the same stuff home to Los Angeles to share with my family for the holidays. I’d been pondering what champagne would present beautifully and be exciting for my mom to pop open but wouldn’t break the bank—there were still presents to be purchased, after all. Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs ended up being the answer.

There’s a reason why champagne is the go-to drink for celebrations. Back in the 17th and 18th centuries, European kings and queens loved to drink champagne, especially during big events like French coronations in Reims, where it was made.

Sparkling bubbles and cork-popping fun made it feel naturally special. Over time, champagne came to symbolize luxury and success because it was rare and expensive. In the 19th century, champagne makers like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot marketed it as the perfect drink for special milestones.

This New Year’s Eve, you might not be sabering your bottle open like they did during military victories. But there’s still a special joy in filling a flute full of something bubbly and delicious. 

Founded back in 1811, Perrier-Jouët has built a reputation over the centuries for producing elegant champagnes, which are also known for their distinct floral notes. 

Blanc de Blancs—which translates to ‘white from whites’ in French and refers to a champagne made exclusively from white chardonnay grapes—is a relatively recent addition to the maison’s portfolio, just introduced in 2017. Despite this, it draws on the brand’s centuries long history and expertise. 

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Most champagnes are blends that could potentially include pinot noir and pinot meunier, red grapes that help lend structure and richness to a bottle of bubbly. Inspired by the historic Blason de France, the Perrier-Jouet prestige cuvee is blended from their 1955 harvest, the brand’s first prestige bottling in partnership with Relais & Chateaux. 

As such, Blanc de Blancs is a more delicate expression, usually offering a champagne that’s bright and fresh with minerality and floral notes. The production begins with selecting chardonnay grapes from grand cru vineyards before three years of aging in the cellars.

This particular style of champagne is perfect for those who prefer a more refreshing profile. Sommeliers and chefs love it for its versatility, since it can pair well with a wide variety of dishes, from seafood to pasta and beyond. It’s one aspect that makes this bottle an all-occasion sipper.

Though I’ve described Blanc de Blancs as a lighter champagne, that doesn’t make it inherently simple. In this case, what’s in the bottle is nuanced and balanced, making it perfect for celebratory sipping. 

The first taste of Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs opens with a lively burst of citrus and stone fruit, including lemon and apricot, followed by a delicate floral bouquet of white flowers and honeysuckle. There’s also a healthy dose of minerality that keeps the champagne feeling fresh and clean. As the wine warms slightly in the glass, I love the subtle bakery notes of brioche and almond—a testament to its longer aging process.

I can’t lie and say that bottle design didn’t also factor into my purchase decision. I appreciate that the maison’s whole history is steeped in creativity, from its collaborations with art nouveau artists to the elegant floral anemone designs that adorn its bottles. While still remaining distinctive, it doesn’t feel gaudy. And for around $100, it’s worth the price to make your New Year’s extra special.

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