Going Back to Paris in the 20’s with a Flute of Champagne

Just a century ago, there was a thriving city, probably the most exciting city in Europe at that time.
Imagine wide boulevards criss-crossed by black cars and old horse-drawn carriages. L’Avenue de l’Opéra leading towards the magnificent Opéra theatre, le Café du Dôme and le Café de la paix full of elegantly-dressed people. The sound of chatting and laughter. The mischievous eyes of women craving men’s attention. The sense of freedom of the flapper girls walking along Rue de Rivoli. The impressive talent of artists who cover the narrow streets of Montmartre with paintings full of colourful shades and fascination. Lively Charleston music coming from the parties for a swing fever all night long and that was Paris in the twenties: the city of blinding lights.

Think now of setting off on a journey to visit two of the most romantic cities in the world: from Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, to Paris. Imagine a train’s black carriages waiting for you on the tracks: you may feel a biting wind blowing mingled with smoky gust. There are distinguished businessmen from different countries, accompanied by sophisticated women wearing white ermine fur on their shoulders and intoxicating perfume. The restaurant coach offers fine porcelain and silver cutlery on the table, velvet chairs and exquisite art deco furniture. There is no doubt that an unforgettable travel experience is going to win you over.

And what is that wine flowing with sparkling glamour that lifts everyone’s spirits? “Madame et Monsieur, bienvenue à bord du Venice Simplon-Orient Express, nous sommes heureux de vous accueillir à bord avec une flûte de Champagne…”
Of course, it’s Champagne! The symbol of France and the most appreciated wine in Paris in the 20’s.

Along the way from Verona to Paris, while drinking Champagne on board, you’ll better understand the reason why Champagne was as deeply loved at that time as it is nowadays: it’s not only because of its sparkling joy due to the vivacious bubbles or the brilliant colour and its golden nuances, but most of all, it’s because of its allure and ability to create a cheerful mood. Over the years, Champagne has never stopped making people fall in love with its elegance and intrigue. And this is thanks to the passion and commitment of the winemakers who have made it.

Madames and Monsieurs, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Laurent Lequart Champagne, a family estate located in Passy-Grigny, in the heart of the beautiful Vallée de la Marne. This vineyard has been cultivated in clay-limestone and clay-sandstone soils, with love and great respect for the environment, for five generations. Since 1988, Laurent has cultivated wine sustainably and his engagement has been rewarded with two important certifications: HVE (high environmental value) and VDC (sustainable viticulture in Champagne). They work 11,400 hectares, mainly focused on the typical grape variety of the Vallée de la Marne: the Pinot Meunier, a fruity and elegant variety with its delicious flavours and bouquet of citrus fruits.

And here are two magnificent Champagnes that will transport you to Paris in a second with their vibrant bubbles!

Champagne Laurent Lequart – Blanc de Meunier 

100% Pinot Meunier
This wine opens with fine fruity aromas such as peach and plum, embellished by cedar peel.
It’s refined with embracing notes of butter and brioche. In the mouth, accents of pear and balsamic nuances. The flavour is creamy yet crisp, citrus fruits on the finish which conquer the palate with its undeniable elegance.

This Champagne won a Gold Medal in the Sea Breeze category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2021.

Champagne Laurent Lequart – Réserve 

100% Pinot Meunier
This Champagne is designed to age beautifully. With a beautiful golden colour, it is rich yet complex, it exudes white stone fruity notes with a touch of citrus. In the mouth it offers the freshness of a fruit salad, juicy apples and buttery flavours, marvellously combined with creamy hues.

This Champagne won a Gold Medal in the Gastronomic category at the Glass of Bubbly Awards 2021.

Having a glass of Champagne while listening to good music is always an excellent choice, especially if the wine and the music chosen for the occasion match nicely. Charleston, the music that evokes Champagne’s liveliness due to its sparkling rhythm, was certainly the soundtrack that accompanied la joie de vivre in Paris in the 20’s, marking people’s life with a touch of craziness. But suddenly, I can hear another sound… the unmistakable ‘choo-choo’ sound of a train’s locomotive! Hurry up, the Orient Express is going to leave… allez allez, on y va, Paris nous attend!

My dear fizz lover, I hope my story has transported you to Paris in the 20’s, making you feel part of that marvellous world.

It only remains to me to wish you Joyeux Noël and bonne dégustation…

Merry Christmas!

 

Distributor of Laurent Lequart Champagne:
James Nicholson Wines
https://www.jnwine.com/

Find Stefania on Instagram:
@Stefania.wine
@Finefoodfizz

Photo credits:
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express photos: Martin Scott Powell
Featured & Champagne photos: Tania Volobueva