champagne... after you've lived in france for even a little while, champagne is no longer saved for special occasions. it is a way of life... preferably sipped whenever possible.
i had the pleasure of visiting champagne with a connoisseur of the region and it was quite the exquisitely bubbly and educational experience. the palate learns to taste the difference between the grand and premier crus. you learn why champagne is priced at a premium (there are very strict regulations around champagne and a cap on the quantity of grapes distributed to the champagne houses).
the best part of the day was entering the cavern where the champagne bottling process is housed. it felt like being in willy wonka's chocolate factory but for adults. the neck of the bottle is frozen to capture the dirt (lees) and pressure is applied to pop out just the iced portion to leave the contents sparkling.
the saddest part of the day is spitting out the champagne after you've let the fluid swirl in your mouth for flavor. sad waste of perfectly amazing champagne, but it's the only way to make sure you remain standing at the end of the day.
we started the day at laurent perrier... a beautiful champagne house with an amazing staff and decadent sampling of their champagnes.
after lunch, we had a special presentation from the head sommelier of veuve clicquot. while tasting their varieties in their colorful tasting room, he shared his story about the discovery of the world's oldest champagne.
thank you, andre, for hosting such a fabulous day in champagne! i'd love a glass of bubbly now...
xoxo
s
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