Reims, France — It is always an imposing and sweeping site turning into the wide driveway of the 19th century Vranken-Pommery Estate in Reims in the heart of Champagne country. The estate has looked down from its perch upon the hill of Saint Nicasius (the 11th bishop of and patron saint of Reims) since the end of the 19th century. It is in fact one of those great champagne moments. Inside exceptional bottles of champagne, fine tours and tastings await. But this year, there is more, in this house that is always filled with joyful and great ideas, and this winter in this superb setting you can enjoy one of the greatest of food and wine pairings: champagne and oysters. Yes champagne and oysters. The Oyster Bar is delightfully underway in the house’s elegant and convivial Réfectoire restaurant.

This is the time to enjoy the exquisite cuvée Apanage Brut 1874 de la Maison Pommery, created this year to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Louise Pommery’s ground breaking idea to create a brut champagne, a first in the land. The Apanage Brut 1874 is an exceptionally refreshing champagne made from a blend of different vintage years, notably 2012, 2015 and 2018. But you can savor any one of the champagnes of the houses of Vranken et Pommery.  Fine champagnes produced by the house include the Cuvée Louise 2005 Vintage, an exceptional champagne produced solely from wines from 2005 emanating from the Grand Crus growing regions of Aÿ, Avize and Cramant and aged for six to eight years. Another vintage champagne produced by the house is the Grand Cru Royal Millésimé 2008 Vintage. There is also the non-vintage and highly refreshing Brut Royale.

The estate itself offers a world filled with secret venues, delicious champagnes and fine gourmet dining. Here when Madame Pommery, first name Jeanne-Alexandrine known as Louise, took over the reins of the estate in 1858 upon the death of her husband, she set out to create a unique place, a place carved indelibly into the landscape of Champagne country. She planted acres upon acres of vineyards, making the estate the owner of one of the major vineyards in the region. She also purchased the walled 25-hectare Clos Pompadour, nestled right in the city of Reims. She was a woman ahead of her times for the estate was already open to visitors in 1874 who could explore the 11 miles (18 kilometers) of tunnels some 18 feet (30 meters) underground. ©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette. Oyster Bar until January 15th, daily 11am until 7pm.. Domaine Vranken-Pommery, 5 place Général Gouraud 51100 Reims, France Reservations: +33(0)3 26 61 61 61 http://www.vrankenpommery.com
https://www.champagnepommery.com