Reims Champagne Tours: Which is Best?

Champagne, the bubbly wine that has become the go-to drink for celebrations, has been produced in the Champagne region of France for centuries. The city of Reims, in the heart of the region, offers tours of its famous Champagne houses, providing visitors with a taste of the rich history of French winemaking.

Reims is home to several Champagne houses, each offering unique experiences and flavors. The question is, which tour is the best?

One of the most popular tours is the Pommery Champagne tour. The Pommery estate has been producing Champagne for over 150 years and is known for its unique art gallery housed within the cellars. Visitors can enjoy a tasting of the estate\’s Champagnes while surrounded by 8,000 works of art.

Another popular tour is the Ruinart Champagne tour. Ruinart is the oldest Champagne house, established in 1729, and visitors to the estate can witness the traditional method of Champagne production still utilized today. The tour also includes a tasting of Ruinart\’s signature Blanc de Blancs Champagne.

For those interested in sustainability, the Veuve Clicquot Champagne tour is a top choice. The house is committed to environmentally friendly practices and uses renewable energy to power its operations. The tour includes a visit to the vineyards and a tasting of Veuve Clicquot\’s renowned Yellow Label Champagne.

Experts suggest that visitors choose a Champagne tour based on their individual preferences. Those interested in history and art should consider the Pommery tour, while those seeking a traditional Champagne experience should opt for the Ruinart tour. Those interested in sustainability should choose Veuve Clicquot.

However, visitors should keep in mind that Champagne tours can be expensive, with prices ranging from 30 to 150 euros per person. It is essential to research and compare prices and offerings before selecting a tour.

The Cellars of Champagne

A notable feature of the Champagne region is the vast network of cellars, some of which are over 100km long. The cellars were originally dug into the soft chalky ground to store the wine and provide a constant temperature and humidity. Nowadays, they form an essential part of the Champagne experience and offer visitors the opportunity to explore the centuries-old cellars while learning about the production process.

A tour of the cellars allows visitors to observe the process of remuage, or \”riddling,\” where the Champagne bottles are rotated to collect sediment before the lees are removed. Visitors can also see the process of disgorgement, where the sediment is removed from the bottles, and the Champagne is corked and sealed.

The Making of Champagne

Champagne production involves two fermentations, the first in stainless steel tanks and the second in the bottle the drink will be sold in. The second fermentation is where the bubbles in Champagne come from.

The Champagne must be aged for a minimum of 15 months, although most top Champagne houses will age their bottles for several years. The aging process is crucial to the flavor profile of the Champagne, with longer aging times generally resulting in a more complex, nuanced taste.

The Perfect Champagne Pairing

Champagne is known for its versatility and can be paired with a wide range of foods. Classic pairings include oysters, caviar, and smoked salmon. However, Champagne also pairs well with fried food, with the acidity of the drink cutting through the oil.

Champagne is also an excellent pairing for desserts, with the sweetness of the drink balancing out the richness of the dessert. Experts suggest pairing a sweet Champagne with a fruit tart or crème brûlée.

Champagne Trends

Champagne has seen several trends emerge in recent years. One trend is the rise of \”grower Champagne,\” where small-scale producers grow their grapes and produce their Champagne, resulting in a unique taste and character. Another trend is the increasing popularity of rose Champagne, with sales up 53% in 2020 compared to the previous year.

The Champagne industry also faces challenges, with climate change and rising temperatures impacting grape production. Champagne houses are exploring new production methods and experimenting with different grape varieties to combat these challenges.

Overall, Reims Champagne tours offer visitors an immersive experience into the world of Champagne. Whether it is a traditional tour of the cellars or a more modern production house, visitors are sure to be amazed by the rich history and unique flavors of this iconic French drink.