Talking about Champagne
Everybody knows that celebratory sound of the popping of a Champagne cork. It’s one of those things that whenever you hear it, you automatically envision lots of tiny bubbles, the cling-cling sound of Champagne glasses, and smiles and laughter somewhere nearby.
But one thing that many people do not know is that not every bubbly is Champagne, because Champagne is actually a proper name given to sparkling wines made exclusively in the Champagne region in France. They may have bubbles and may be good, but they’re not Champagne.
By European law, these wines can only be made with certain grapes grown in the Champagne region- Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier grapes. Champagne also has to be produced using the special method called méthode champenoise, a sign of quality, which basically says that the 2nd fermentation (the making of those tiny bubbles) is done inside each individual bottle. Some wine makers cheat and simply add carbon dioxide into a huge vat as if they’re making 7UP. That’s one of the reasons why you’ll see some bubblies sold at $5 and others at $50 or more!
Champagne, particularly the town of Reims (pronounced rinse) is just a short train ride from Paris, about 45 minutes on the TGV, France’s high-speed train system. I first learned about the region from one of my favorite sommeliers, Andrea Robinson. If you haven’t heard of her, definitely look her up. She is one of only 17 women to hold the title Master Sommelier in the world! So in any case, I was on a Delta flight to Europe one summer and saw Robinson featured on several of those on-board entertainment videos talking about wine destinations. Champagne happened to be one of the featured places and when I learned that it makes for a fun day trip outside of Paris, I thought I could certainly add this on my activity list during my next visit to the City of Light.
Reims is the name of the station where you’ll want to get off. There’s another town nearby called Épernay, about 20 minutes by train from Reims, where Champagne tasting is available as well. Some well known Champagne houses in Reims include Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot-Ponsardin, and Taittinger. Some places require appointments, whereas others you can walk right in. Just remember that in Europe, most places close for lunch for at least a couple of hours and many places are closed on Sundays and Mondays- something to keep in mind when planning your day trip out of Paris.
Where we went for lunch- Les 3 Brasseurs- 77 Place Drouet d’Erlon. In case you get all “Champagned out”, there’s a nice beer selection too!
