CHAMPAGNE – A Magical Word

02Jun
by Kamila Pala

When someone says, “who wants a glass of champagne?”A simple yet powerful word where all lovers of quality wine will shine and look forward to a great experience and a pleasant moment that they can associate with this sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France! The unique chalky soil and favorable climate give the vines the right specific taste. The entire wine region is located around the Marne River Valley and between the cities of Reims and Epernay and, beware, only less than 1.5 hours by car or train from Paris, yet the capital of the Champagne-Ardennes region – Reims is not crowded with tourists and so we could quietly admire the old historic city with its amazing cathedral, where the French kings were crowned.

GOOD TO KNOW – Champagne:

  • Is a sparkling wine made from special variety of grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Arbane, Petit Meslier) grown on approximately 34,000 hectares in the Champagne region of northeast France.
  • Assemblage – is the technical name for the blending process that creates the flavor character of the wine, which is then divided according to several criteria such as color, sugar content, and vineyard location.
  • Who invented this dazzling drink? The Benedictine monk Dom Perignon, around 1690, is considered its spiritual “father”.
  • The wine is served chilled and best in tulip-shaped glasses to release the flavor and highlight the color and sparkle.
  • Champagne houses were first established in the early 17th century (more than 350 years ago). Among TOP Champagne houses are the oldest one Ruinart, Taittinger, Dom Perignon (part of Moet and Chandon), Lanson, Pommery or Mumm.

MUST SEE INTERESTING PLACES  

REIMS – capital of the region with the infamous NOTRE-DAME cathedral, where French kings were crowned. There is home of many Champagne houses like Pommery, Lanson, Ruinart, Taittinger or Mumm and others.

EPERNAY – The small town is world famous as the “uncrowned” capital of Champagne. Its Avenue de Champagne with private “Maisons” and charming houses is unique. Home of Moet Chandon House with modern visit centrum. 

HAUTVILLERS – is a historical village with an abbey from the 6th century where the “father” of champagne, the monk Dom Perignon, is said to have lived.

MY TIP: We were lucky to have booked a guided tour in one of the oldest champagne houses for the champagne brand of Mumm. A professional tour of the original wine cellars, where you can easily get lost in its 25km of tunnels, remained an informative experience. You might think you know a lot about the process of making and maturing champagne, but after the tour you will learn even more! The tour ends with a tasting and the possibility of purchasing individual bottles. Don’t forget to book an advance winery tour!

The entire region also offers lot of delicious food options. And everyone should at least try the Escargots de Champagne and the Sauce Champagne or even the mushroom tarte. What about local cheeses, ham, truffles that are also in perfect combination with wine tasting!

WHEN is the best time to COME?

The eventful history and picturesque landscape offer the opportunity not only for wine tasting, but also for wandering among the vineyards, either on foot or by bike. The best time to visit is certainly during the colorful autumn and during harvest season, but we also really enjoyed the spring visit with its pretty weather. I recommend you a romantic accommodation in one of the many charming chateaux around the vineyards, where you can enjoy a glass of champagne at sunset even more. Cheers!

25 thoughts on “CHAMPAGNE – A Magical Word”

  3. Phil's avatar

    Phil

    Like your smile, dear Kamila, the grounds, accommodations, architecture, wine cellars and church, are also beautiful! Thank you for sharing both, my friend ~ Cheers! 🥂✨💝

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  10. Carl Wright's avatar

    Carl Wright

    Although I don’t drink, I found this a very informative and fascinating article, Kamila. I had no idea that the word “champagne” associates itself with the Champagne region of France. So much history there. And incredible, 25km of tunnels is found at the original wine cellars.

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