Resplendent Reims

The gastronomic tour continued on to Reims, the centre of the universe of Champagne. Kel and I had not made it this far north on the last trip so there was some genuine excitement about the possibility of trying some seriously good sparkling. I had been getting into serious bubbles before we left for this trip and thus this stop was a much anticipated and researched one for me. It once again rained on the transport day (a pattern that was getting very repetitive) making a playground stop a little challenging. We did manage a quick stop at Domaine Romanee Conti in Vosne-Romanee, with the obligatory photo of unimpressed children at the imposing gate. Adam flew past us at the last toll both, Chloe his driver sticking to the 130 km/h speed limit like a cork stuck in a bottle. Despite this he was conspicuously absent during the load in, avoiding the arduous task of getting all the luggage up to the 3rd floor apartment. 

Unimpressed at DRC

Dinner night one was at an excellent wine bar, probably in my top 5 restaurants for the trip. La Vertu, recommended to us by AI as the place most like Le Soufflot, had an epic wine list and plenty of good food options too. After much deliberation, and some prior research into the list, we (I) decided on Pascal Agrapart Complantee (125 E) and Frederic Savart L'Ouverture (95 E). Both were amazing but Savart was the clear favourite. A particularly loud fire alarm sounded later in the night, unfortunately coinciding with Kel going to the toilet.

The next day saw a long visit to the central playground (which was one of the better ones in France). Then it was off to our personal VIP tour of Tattinger, surreptitiously organised by Adam at a dinner with Jo from the Royal mail, and Amish / Alison. Alison helped twist Jo's hand and we ended up with a VIP experience for the 6 of us! We were ushered into a separate VIP entrance and waiting room, soon after 2 well dressed people left, flanked by an extensive security detail! We were in good company! A private tour ensued, wandering the extensive underground cellar network below Reims. Then a private tasting in a very well appointed room, complete with grape juice for the kids! Comtes, and Comtes Rose were the predicable favourites, but the standard Tattinger seemed very good (although that might have been the tour talking).

Adam departed the next day and we headed south to Avize, to dine at Domaine Jacques Selosse for Lunch. Housed in a boutique hotel at the Domaine the restaurant was the perfect smart, but casual spot to enjoy some spectacular champagne. Lunch was delicious, and it even included a kids menu! Bottle decisions were difficult with one of us driving. In the end I decided on Sellose Rose, which was just like an Initial but Rose. Delicious, and the third and last bottle of Selosse for the trip. Some fun "footgolf" on the way home rounded out a really enjoyable stay in Reims. We'll be back.

Selosse