WINE TASTING IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION

Champagne - The Region

The very name is synonymous with celebration; it is the wine of kings and the king of wines. Champagne-Ardenne is a very special place for the connoisseur of fine wines. The region abounds in lakes, forests, pretty floral villages and steep hillsides covered in the precious vines. Underneath this chalk and limestone, hundreds of miles of rock have been excavated to provide underground galleries for the housing and maturing of the wine.

Reims, the city of kings and the gateway to Champagne is less than 2 ½ hours drive from Calais and an ideal location for a Grape Weekend. The city is home to no less than 3 UNESCO world heritage sites, including one of the finest gothic cathedrals in northern Europe where 25 kings of France were crowned.

The region is rich in possibilities, from cultural tours in the city to walking and cycling among the vines. Alternatively, for a truly unique experience, try abseiling 30 metres into the cellars of a Champagne maker or learning the art of Sabrage - taking the top off your Champagne bottle in exuberant style - with a sword.

Champagne - The Wines

Champagne is the most famous of all sparkling wines. Blended from base wines using up to three different grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) and grown in many different vineyards, the best Champagne houses use as many as 100 different base wines to ensure the consistency of their non vintage Champagne each year. The blanc de blanc Champagnes (made from 100% Chardonnay) are clean and elegant with great aging potential, while the addition of Pinot Noir adds backbone, body and structure and the Pinot Meunier adds floral overtones and fruitiness.