Prestige Champagne Tinqueux
It is a real tour de force that SommelierS International accomplished on last October 11th. In the sumptuous setting of the Assiette Champenoise in Reims, the magazine gathered a college of 60 sommeliers from Reims and Paris as well as the representatives of 90 Champagne Houses, around a range of 206 cuvées for a new Prestige Tasting, this time entirely dedicated to Champagne. Nestled in a parc of several hectares, the Assiette Champenoise, luxury hotel with a renown table (2 Michelins stars), presents a charming environment, a few minutes drive from the center of Reims and the vineyards. In this family house from the Belle Epoque, the time stands still and only the gentle pleasures of life impose themselves.
The young Chef Arnaud Lallement, trained by the Greatest like Michel Guérard, Roger Vergé and Alain Chapel, makes a point of honour of proposing a cuisine that is authentic, that does not lie, that does not cheat. He bewitches his guests as days and seasons go by with an enchantment of colours and inventive flavours. Fresh produce and high quality dishes invite themselves in the plates and provide a symphony of flavours. Prepared with the heart, the cuisine is evolutionary, refined, savoury. The magic operates and the guests are charmed.
Gérard Basset, 2010 Best Sommelier of the World, recently elected in Chile, honoured this day of share and conviviality with his friendly and benevolent presence. Philippe Faure-Brac, Best Sommelier of the World and author of several books-the last one "How to constitute a cellar" is just available-was at his side.
Gérard Basset
Yves Chapier, President of the Champagne-Ardenne Sommeliers Association, supervised the work of the 60 wine professionals who have come especially from Champagne of course, but also from Paris and the North of France. He was supported by his Vice-President Jean-Pierre HUBAILLE, Pascal MAGRO - President of the Sommeliers of Lorraine Association- Michel WIDEHEM -President of the Sommeliers of Nord-Picardie Association- and Georges PERTUISET-Honorary President of the Union of French Sommellerie (UDSF). Divided into 8 tables of 7 or 8 sommeliers, the tasters had a lot to do: 206 cuvées from 90 Houses had to be commented! Frédéric Bouché, Chef Sommelier of the Assiette Champenoise for 25 years and Master Sommelier of the UDSF, helped by his team, perfectly managed the organization of this tasting session. The Verrerie de la Marne also contributed to the success of this event as it kindly provided all the glasses.
Philippe Faure-Brac and Frédéric Bouché
Dry, Extra-Dry or Non Dosé, Vintage or not, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, 100% Chardonnay, Rosé, Premier Cru or Grand Cru... all sorts of Champagne have come to unveil their secrets, made with passion by small as well as large-and even the biggest-Houses. A wonderful range of colours, aromas and bubbles that gave immeasurable pleasure to the tasters, who have had from time to time great surprises and emotional discoveries. A Marc de Champagne and a Ratafia elegantly closed this effervescent but studious morning.
It is in the large dining-room with wide bay windows offering a superb view over the wooded parc that the sommeliers had lunch. Subtle colours, carefully laid tables, delicate tableware and meticulous service could let expect an exceptional moment.
SommelierS International's accomplice, Arnaud Lallement, created a sumptuous lunch for this special occasion: Foie Gras emulsion with Caramel and Pecans welcome appetizer, then King Crabe on a bed of acidulous Apple and Ginger, followed by Codd fillet with Chanterelles and Vin Jaune. The extraordinary master piece was a Young Pigeon with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes in the manner of a Pie. The symphony of flavours finished on a Louis XV with Chocolate Sorbet.
From 2.30 p.m., the sommeliers who had had the heavy responsability-but also the honour and pleasure-to comment the wines tasted in the morning could share their impressions with the producers. The latter came numerous to meet them for an afternoon of exchanges and conviviality. The atmosphere was relaxed, each one could freely taste the Champagnes that had been displayed all around the lounge, could go from a group to another, take part in an interview or enjoy the sunny gardens. Cooperatives, merchants, wine growers... all had accepted to take part in this prestigious event organized by SommelierS International who kindly thank them.
Dominique PEYRAL-BON L'Assiette Champenoise 40, avenue Paul Vaillant-Couturier 51430 Tinqueux - France Tel : +33 (0) 3.26.84.64.64 Fax : +33 (0) 3.26.04.15.69 www.assiettechampenoise.comGérard BASSET :
Meilleur Sommelier du Monde
Yves CHAPIER :
Président de l'Association
des Sommeliers de Champagne-Ardenne
Jean-Pierre HUBAILLE :
Vice-Président de l'Association
des Sommeliers de Champagne-Ardenne
Pascal MAGRO :
Président de l'Association
des Sommeliers de Lorraine
Georges PERTUISET :
Ancien Président de l'Union
De la Sommellerie Française
Michel WIDEHEM :
Président de l'Association
des Sommeliers du Nord-Picardie
Anabelle HAZART
Kevin HOURLIER
David HENAULT
