January 2nd saw us braving the Parisian streets in a rental car and heading into Champagne. We had two appointments to keep, the first at the venerable G.H. Mumm. It's a large and well-organized machine, with an informative tour culminating in a tasting. Unfortunately, we couldn't keep the glasses.
Mumm's global popularity means a lot of people want to visit, so the experience isn't very personal. The wine is lovely, to be sure, and the operation is impressive, but I recommend spending time at the smaller houses.
One such is Champagne Gaston Chiquet, in Dizy. It's family-run and if you're lucky, one of the brothers will be available to show you around. We had the most incredible experience with Antoine, who walked us through every step in the process. Our enthusiasm for drinking Champagne was equal to his passion for making Champagne, so we spent a wonderful three hours with him. It was here that I fell in love with rose Champagne. So delicate and delicious!
By the end, Antoine declared Eric and me his new ambassadors in America and he sent us off with a wave and a Bonne Annee. Truly - a wonderful experience.
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