This was, as they say, a Champagne Moment for me. We made the trip to Epernay, in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France, to visit the cellars of Moët & Chandon (you may have heard of them).
Because I'm certain you have heard of champagne. Despite the fact that it's just a drink rather than a food (the main focus of this blog) it is one of the big ones - one of the ones that is the name of the place rather than just a tacked on bit (such as French Fries or English Muffins).
For some reason even back in secondary school we were having conversations about champagne, and how one was not (legally) able to use the term to refer to just any old sparkling white. While this was being discussed in the 1980s the appellation was actually established quite some time (1891-ish, originally though the Treaty of Madrid) before then.
Champagne was always one of the most obvious and famous of luxury items, and has surprising infiltration into our culture, and a fascinating history. As well as the luxury and "prestige" connotations - or perhaps because of them - champagne bottle have been seen smashed across the prows of ships, to "christen" them and shaken vigorously by victorious Formula One drivers, spraying their contents across the spectators.
Which it was probably still such a big thing in the 80s when the yuppie movement was at its height, according to popular lore ("Champagne alright for you, Pats?") champagne was consumed in quantity at lunchtime, largely to wash down all that lobster.
Again, due to the expense, us normal folk more likely consume champagne when marking a special occasion, as a toast at a wedding or shared with a loved one to celebrate an anniversary or other romantic dinner. It's not one of those now, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank the one who normally takes the photos I post here, and who does seem to adore a nice champagne.
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