Debate a Bubble - Champagne News and Reviews

Do they know what they're talking about?

When you go into a wine shop or a bar and ask a question about a particular wine, you expect the staff to know what they’re talking about and give you an informed answer, but in my experience you’ll be lucky to get one.

I went into my local Majestic Wine Warehouse the other week. I’d seen a poster outside advertising a great deal on Perrier Jouët champagne. This is a brand that I think quite highly of and I wondered what the Majestic staff would have to say about it, so in I went.

Napoleon will be turning in his grave

Here’s a picture I took in Champagne in July.

It’s a classic image that I always associate with France and I’m sure you’ve seen these gorgeous avenues of trees in your travels in France too.

I gather that the trees were originally planted by Napoleon to provide shade for the troops as they marched across the country on their military campaigns in Spain and then in Eastern Europe. It’s a nice story, but whoever planted the trees should have the eternal gratitude of all us English tourists who’ve enjoyed them too.

Looking at this picture reminded me of a story I heard on French radio a while back
and I’m afraid it might mean that we’re likely to be seeing a lot less of these wonderful avenues.

This is partly because we tend to rush down the autoroutes these days, which I admit are a joy to drive on since there’s usually no traffic to speak of, but also because the trees are disappearing.

Some bright spark in local government noticed that there was a large number of road accidents in which people were severely injured when their cars ploughed into the trees lining the road. Of course, if the cars merely ran off the road into a field, the injuries to the drivers and passengers would be less serious and lives would be saved, so the conclusion reached was that the trees should be cut down to improve road safety.

One politician did point out that drinking and driving might be a contributory factor, and that keeping your car on the road in the first place might be useful, but she seemed to be a lone voice.

I’m not sure what the outcome of this has been – if you know or have anything to add to this story do write and let me know – but just in case, enjoy the tree lined roads next time you are in France. It may be your last chance.

Champagne tasting in Alderley Edge

If you’d like to know the secrets of champagne then please join me in Alderley Edge at one of my champagne tastings.

I spent 10 years living and working in the Champagne region of France and I know where to find some fabulous champagnes that you’ll rarely, if ever, see in any supermarket or wine shop.