Oct. 26 is International Champagne Day. Let’s celebrate by raising a glass to Charles-Camille Heidsieck, the visionary businessman known as Champagne Charlie, who traveled from France to America 160 years ago, forever elevating entertaining on this side of the pond.

Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV is blended from equal proportions of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, including 40 percent reserve wines, and aged for at least 36 months in chalk cellars excavated by the Romans in the 2nd century, a practice Heidsieck established in 1851.

The result is a deep golden champagne with persistent bubbles. It tastes of fresh bread and lush, exotic mangoes, with a frothy finish that is reminiscent of a creamy tart topped with ripe cherries.

I’d serve this as a welcome to guests, a liquid bellwether of a lovely evening to come, or perhaps with raw oysters as a first course. Expect to pay around $50 a pop for this bubbly.

You also should anticipate keeping a bottle chilled at all times in anticipation of having something wonderful to celebrate. After all, isn’t that what champagne is for? Thanks for reminding us, Charlie.