Colin Jones holds regular talks at Vetriano’s in Bellac on various wines available in France.

In September the emphasis was on Champagne

Our September tasting and video proved yet again to be a popular event, filling the room at Vetriano’s with an enthusiastic audience patiently awaiting the champagnes / sparkling wines. The distinctive style of Alsace came across with the first wine Cremant d’Alsace from 100% Pinot Blanc grapes. This is rated amongst buyers in the wine trade as having a pleasant dry taste with less bubbles than Champagne, being more defined with a fuller flavour. Great for serving as an aperitif and available locally for under 5 euros a bottle.

Colin Jones, our local wine expert, showed a very interesting video entitled “Sipping Stars”presented by Hugh Johnson, Master of Wine. The video displayed the process of Champagne making from the vine to serving at table and greatly helped broaden the knowledge of a very complex wine. It was simply not realised how many different phases Champagne goes through.

The tasting of several locally available Champagnes were highlighted - in particular from Martel et Cie, Epernay and Vranken, Reims, plus the favourite from Georges Gardet, Chigny les Roses, who may be a small grower/eleveur but who produces wine with a superb rich flavour often described as a “mini” Krug. This particular Champagne is stunning value for money at 15 euros from a local wholesaler in St. Sulpices les Feuilles.

The event turned out to be an excellent grounding for those who haven’t had the benefit of visiting the cellars in Epernay and Reims, the unique Champagne district in Northern France.