CHAMPAGNE: brilliant stars of now and tomorrow. May 16th - 18th 2018
Wednesday 16th May Day One Inaugural dinner We meet at the iconic 5* Peninsula Hotel in Paris to kick off our Champagne experience with an apéritif in the hotel s stunning rooftop bar. After drinks, a relaxed private dinner awaits us on the terrace of Restaurant L Oiseau Blanc, as the sun sets over the city. With its breathtaking views, there are no other terraces like this in Paris; we will experience it whilst enjoying specially created dishes and mature vintages of exceptional wines and champagnes. After dinner, the hotel s famous cigar room is reserved exclusively for us. Rooftop L Oiseau Blanc Bar Kléber Rooftop L Oiseau Blanc
Thursday 17th May Day Two Experience Champagne - After breakfast we will travel in comfort and style in a fleet of limos to the stunning Grand Cru vineyards of Ambonnay, where we will have a unique and privileged behind-thescenes experience of how champagne is created, from vine to bottle. One of the most acclaimed and most colourful! producers in the region, Eric Rodez, will take us on a tour of his property, to show us first hand how he tends his land and creates his world-renowned champagnes. Eric Rodez Eric is an engaging speaker who passionately brings to life the history, craftsmanship and romance of Champagne and lunch will be an informal, fun affair in his cellars when we will have the opportunity to debate the art of making champagne whilst enjoying the singular, coveted Rodez creations brought from the house cellars - a true Champagne experience. Ambonnay
Day Two Continued House of Krug Champagne Map In the afternoon we will travel to the birthplace of Champagne, the historic city of Reims, where we will be welcomed at the world-renowned House of Krug. Krug is one of the most important and historic Houses in Champagne; it specialises exclusively in prestige cuvées and consistently produces champagne that is among the most admired in the region. Joined by the winemakers and directors of the house, we will experience a special private visit and tasting where we will learn how each individual cuvée is made, before finally enjoying the finished product, direct from the cellars. In the evening we will be guests at a glorious celebratory dinner at the Krug private restaurant, in the company of the directors of the House - a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience this iconic champagne in the company of those who create it. This will be a most festive occasion where we will share exceptional food and special champagne cuvées and vintages in an intimate, exclusive setting. Our accommodation for the night is the three Michelin starred L Assiette Champenoise, the Champagne region s very best restaurant, with charming rooms. The Wall of 400 Wines in the Krug Family House
Friday 18th May Day Three Paulée-style Picnic - Arnaud Lallement Arnaud Lallement always wanted to be a chef; from the earliest age, he watched his father at the stoves of the family restaurant in Châlonssur-Vesle. He developed his trade alongside the great names in French cuisine; Roger Vergé, Michel Guérard, Alain Chapel until he gained the highest accolades, three Michelin stars for his restaurant L Assiette Champenoise, and several times awarded Chef of the Year by Gault&Millaut. Arnaud doesn t hesitate to bring the very best produce from all over France with the motto France is a big kitchen garden in a beautiful farm! After breakfast, we will have the opportunity to explore Reims at leisure, to take in the rich medieval history and intriguing Art Deco architecture, or to relax in the pool and gardens of the hotel. Lunch will be an extraordinary, money-simplycan t buy experience: an picnic created exclusively for us by Arnaud Lallement, the chef-proprietor of L Assiette Champenoise in the company of Frédéric Savart, a fast-rising star in the world of winegrowers in Champagne. Over three Michelin starred picnic dishes, Frédéric will regale us with his artisan knowledge of Champagne whilst we enjoy his special cuvées, which are in much demand over the world. You are invited to bring an exceptional bottle from your own cellar to share with our hosts and fellow guests, paulée-style. After this most convivial close to the week we will return to Paris. Frédéric Savart Frédéric Savart is a fiercely individual Champagne maker making beautifully expressive, vivid and crystalline champagnes of great depth and power. He farms 4 hectares of mostly Pinot Noir on incredible terroir on the slopes of the Montagne de Reims. His vines have a combination of vibrancy and flavour that is utterly compelling; their scarcity is testament to their already high global demand. Luxury Paulée-style Picnic
Summary Day One 16/03/18 18:00H: Meet in the rooftop bar of the Peninsula Hotel, Paris for a welcome apéritif Dinner in the rooftop restaurant, L Oiseau Blanc Our Partner Digestif in the Cigar Room Day Two 17/03/18 Breakfast at the hotel Travel to Reims in a fleet of limos Private tour and tastings at Champagne Eric Rodez Lunch with Eric Rodez Private visit, tasting and dinner at the House of Krug Stay at L Assiette Champenoise Day Three 18/03/18 Breakfast at the hotel Explore Reims at leisure or to relax in the pool and gardens of the hotel Picnic lunch created by Arnaud Lallement, the chefproprietor of L Assiette Champenoise, in the company of Frédéric Savart Return to Paris in the limos, drop off at 18:00H at the Peninsula Hotel
This trip is complimentary for Melchior Club members. For non-members, a limited number of places are available at a cost of 5,000 per person. Please contact melchior@wine-source.com for more details