As I sit tapping away at my laptop, listening to the pitter-patter of rain against my windowpane, I can’t help but drift off and think about Reims, France…
Okay, time to wake up! It’s soon to be a reality. I am going to Reims (pronounced ra~s), which is commonly referred to as the capital of the province of Champagne. Why? To go champagne tasting, of course! I’m so bubbly about it I could burst!
It has been a dream of mine (since I was 21, of course!) to visit La Maison Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, take a private tour and then taste Veuve, the nectar of the gods. Gulp! I will be in champagne heaven. I prefer Veuve Clicquot Rosé, but if anyone offers me a glass from the iconic yellow label I will gladly say, "oui, oui, Monsieur!"
To give you a little bit of history of one of my favorite beverages, Veuve Clicquot champagne, the grapes of this bubbly (not sparkling!) goodness are grown and harvested in the region of Champagne in France. The grape varieties used to produce this starry champagne are parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
Fabulous fact: for those who'd like to be in the know, a true champagne can only be called champagne if it is produced exclusively from the Champagne region of France. All others are simply called sparkling wines. Not my cup of tea! Some day, I will experience a true harvest ritual, which I assume is a lot of work.
La Maison Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin is located in the city of Reims, an hour or so car ride from Paris. This is where Madame Clicquot, now Veuve Clicquot, was born and where she built her magnificent empire. Madame Clicquot was a brilliant and remarkable businesswoman in a male dominated industry. Her demeanor rarely came across as being a cold woman as her vision and her intuition enabled her to shine in a warm glow. You can read more about the history of this woman and her champagne in, The Widow Clicquot by Tilar J. Mazzeo. It’s a fascinating read!
For me, champagne is all about the taste. Not the price. In fact, I was introduced to a champagne produced by Egly-Ouriet which is almost double the price of Veuve and I couldn’t finish it.
My tasting tip: Make sure champagne is always tasted chilled. I like mine almost icy, which is not the proper way, but my preferred way of sipping it. Would you like me to help you plan a champagne tasting? Or organize a trip to France? Just ask!
Champagne is glamorous, stylish and luxurious. Need I say more? Ok…maybe one more thing, "more champagne, garcon!”
Chillin' with my champers. Pop!
