Cramant

This translates to unusual walks in Champagne. We were collected by Maëva, an Epernay local, and driven in an interesting “classic” Renault Estafette Alouette van. The business, started four years ago, was born out of her love for champagne and her brothers love of Renault cars. We had a lovely group, a young couple from Texas who were passionate about all things wine and a couple from Paris (the guy was originally from Melbourne but had married a Parisienne).

We drove out of Epernay into the lovely vineyard-covered countryside and made our way initially to one of the Moët and Chandon’s Chardonnay vineyards located in the Côte de Blancs region. Here, Maëve explained to us how the grapes were grown and harvested. Next it was back in the van and on to a small producer, Jean Milan in Oger. This was a Grand Cru (e.g. top quality) winery and the main grape used was Chardonnay, with a little Meunière and Pinot Noir used for their rosé.

It was quite a different experience to Moët & Chandon and we probably enjoyed it more. We toured their pressing room and cellars and then we able to choose three of their eight offerings (both vintage and non-vintage) for tasting. Ian and I chose three different ones, so got to taste six. The champagnes were wonderful. We tried the following: Transparence, Brut Nature Selection 2018, Symphorine, Brut Selection 2018, Brut, Blanc de Blancs (non-vintage), Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs (non-vintage), Grand Réserve, 1864 Brut Selection 2017 Blanc de Blancs and Terres de Noël, Brut Old Vines Vintage 2017.

It was an absolutely wonderful experience, and we had an enjoyable hour chatting to the others in the tour, our guide Maëve and her new team member, sitting in the sun while quaffing and slurping. The drive home was interesting, as the new team member was practicing driving the van, initially with some difficulty, so we got to learn a few French swear words.

Tonight we are having a night in (with the obligatory bottle of bubbles) so we can be well rested for our eBike tour around the vineyards of Epernay.Read more