France - Wine Regions

[NM]

And some magnums:

Come on now, which one did you buy ... for pre-dinner drinks???

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I'm on a roll so let's keep posting:

 

[JohnM]

So what does a 750ml bottle of Champagne cost in a bottle shop / wine merchant in the heart of the Champagne region? Here ya go kids:

A quick look at a couple of the classics suggests pretty close to what you'd pay here.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Now do I certifying or what? I am in Reims - middle of afternoon - I could be sipping on a Champers - but nope - sitting here posting pics you you clowns:

 

[Cruiser Elite]

But I guess every now and again you just gotta take one for the team huh?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Last one - somehow two pics disappeared but I think you will get the drift:

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Last night we ate at Le Comptoir Du Boeuf:



And the mains menu:



We played The Flintstones and went with the 1kg beef rib to share:



Just wish I could have gotten better pics - but it was SUPERB - complete with fries and salad:



Note the red wine glasses? YES you can get red wine in centre of Champagne region!

 

[NM]

Now do I certifying or what? I am in Reims - middle of afternoon - I could be sipping on a Champers - but nope - sitting here posting pics you you clowns:

Either your typnig is worse than mnie or I may conclude the champers sipping may have already commenced!

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Either your typnig is worse than mnie or I may conclude the champers sipping may have already commenced!

When I said 'clowns' - I did mean that in the nicest possible way - and in particular to the penegals, the Tommys and the infinitys of this world.

Back OT - now this is my kind of wine bucket!

 

[infinity]

OK now for some serious stuff - a visit to Pommery:

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Now look at this next picture - see the bottle middle front right? This is an original bottle from Pommery 1874 production that changed Champagne forever! Madame Pommery instructed her winemakers to reduce sugar content from >200gms/bott to <50gms/bott - the modern Brut was born:

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Pommery was just specatacular - the steps down into caves:

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And all these bottles you see in next 2 pics are indeed genuine Champagne just ageing away - the real stuff - we walked and walked within touching distance of all the quality product - such a surreal experience:

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And this cave with a tributary picture of Madame Louise Pommery the widow who singlehandedly turned Champagne as we know it on it's head - http://champagnejayne.com/champagne-pommery/:

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In less than 2 hours visiting Pommery I took over 300pcs - what an experience - I just cannot begin to explain it - just do yourselves a favour and put it top of bucket list.

I too have done this tour. Great experience.
Are u going to Epernay?
My favorite part of Champagne. More petit and character
Certainly more boutique champing makers
Let me know if but and I will PM a recommendation.
Enjoy

 

[infinity]

Last one - somehow two pics disappeared but I think you will get the drift:

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There is so much choice. No need to buy the big houses to get a top drop. Leaving Rome tomorrow for Chianti
That will start the Italian wine journey

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Moved on to Bordeaux - staying in Grand Hotel Bordeaux - → GRAND HOTEL DE BORDEAUX & SPA - LUXURY HOTEL BORDEAUX - OFFICIAL WEBSITE - 5-STAR HOTEL BORDEAUX



All I can say is WOW - this historic landmark just oozes history / quality / charm - it is SPECTACULAR.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

On the 5th floor rooftop they have set up an outdoor bar / restaurant called Night Beach.



We adjourned here last night for coughtails and tapas:



Now they certainly didn't miss with prices - but it was such a lovely atmosphere:



Beautiful views over Bordeaux if you could get table close to edge - maybe 100 seats and basically fully occupied the entire time we were there:



Lovely balmy night temp 25 or so until 10:30 when we left:



Such a beautiful experience - just so glad we did it - I have no doubt where we will end up again tonight.

 

[infinity]

Moved on to Bordeaux - staying in Grand Hotel Bordeaux - → GRAND HOTEL DE BORDEAUX & SPA - LUXURY HOTEL BORDEAUX - OFFICIAL WEBSITE - 5-STAR HOTEL BORDEAUX

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All I can say is WOW - this historic landmark just oozes history / quality / charm - it is SPECTACULAR.

CE. Any festivals in town. They r often on the river front where u r

Make sure u get time to go to St Emillion. Outstanding more boutique reds
More Merlot then Can rather than the other way around on Gironde au guche

 

[JohnM]

CE. Any festivals in town. They r often on the river front where u r

Make sure u get time to go to St Emillion. Outstanding more boutique reds
More Merlot then Can rather than the other way around on Gironde au guche

Huh......?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

And a few pics of Grand Hotel interior - no commentary required:

 

[Cruiser Elite]

And a few more because it warrants it:

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Hotel has a commercial 'Spa' for guests and general public - kinda roman themed - indoors but still fun:



2 levels poolside:



And semi 'wave pool' themed:

 

[Cruiser Elite]

And what is behind the curtains:



Just a few beds - disappointed with the surprise:



Nice little bar / café / lounge area upstairs overlooking the pool:

 

[infinity]

In Bordeaux the left bank of the Gironde river (au guche- not sure of the spelling.) say Meageaux, and St Estepphe etc blend more Cab Sav then Merlot
On the right bank of the Gironde u will find Pommerol and St Emillion. There Merlot is the predominant grape with Cab Save and Cab Franc added
The right bank has more boutique wine makers. The left bank the big houses of Chateau Laffitte etc
Any rate viewing the sunset in Chianti Tuscano right now