Champagne Avenue in Épernay, France
Last weekend, I took a girls trip to Épernay, France. It was a quick Friday to Sunday trip, so join me for our full experience on Saturday when we got to traipse around Champagne Avenue to our hearts content. I have recommendations below for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus all of the champagne house recommendations as well!
We kicked off our first real morning in Épernay with a stop in at Matin Gourmand for an excellent selection of savory and sweet breakfast options. They offer indoor and outdoor seating to their patrons. Our group ordered a wide variety of their selections, including a tower of pancakes with fruit, french toast, omelettes, eggs benedict, and an avocado toast dish with an assortment of breakfast sides. Their coffee was well made, so well made I ordered two cappuccinos during our meal there. The waitstaff was prompt and kind. I highly recommend this spot if you want a full-blown breakfast during your stay. You can also opt to grab a quick pastry and a coffee at any of the cute bakeries in town if that’s more your speed for breakfast!
DOM PERIGNON
Dom Perignon was the first stop on our tour across Champagne Avenue. This champagne house felt the most swanky out of our four stops. The interior is all clean lines; solid swaths of black, white and red; and bubbly shaped furniture. We ordered individual glasses of champagne and settled into a nook with paneled red velvet walls, red carpet, red table, red round chairs, and a red couch. Being that this was a girls trip, we immediately jumped at the chance to take some stunning photos in this royally red setting.
What we tasted...
Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015
“Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015 stands out for its complex aromatic flavour profile combining intense roasted and cocoa notes, balanced by delicate floral aromas of lime blossom, jasmine and peony.
Elevated by a bouquet of spices such as aniseed and cardamom, Dom Pérignon 2015 also offers a fruity, botanical freshness, with subtle hints of orange and green papaya. This blend of flavours creates the perfect taste harmony for lovers of fine wine.”
COLLARD-PICARD
Collard Picard has an amazing outdoor seating set up in their courtyard. We snagged a table and moseyed inside to order a tasting of three of their signature champagnes, which we shared amongst our group. It was at this champagne house that we discovered one grape varietal that we all thoroughly enjoyed: meunier. This grape was used in several of the champagnes we liked, so it must be noted because you might really enjoy it too. Meunier, a red grape, is known for its striking aroma of cherries and red juicy fruits.
What we tasted...
Collard Picard ADN Noir - Blanc de Noirs
“This Blanc de Noirs champagne derives exclusively from the first batch of grape juice, called the "cuvée". Vinification without malolactic fermentation takes place in thermoregulated stainless steel vats, followed by blending with reserve wines matured in oak barrels. After four to five years ageing in the cellar, this cuvée is ready to be enjoyed as an aperitif, for the Extra Brut, and ideally as a dessert wine for the Demi-Sec. A fruity champagne with a refined effervescence
Blending: 50% Meunier and 50% Pinot Noir.”
Collard Picard Perpetuelle - 13 years
“Mainly derived from the Champagne Grands Crus and Premiers Crus, it is composed of the best of the first batch of grapes (Cœurs de Cuvée and Cuvée). Cuvée Perpetuelle benefits from vinification without malolactic fermentation and maturing in oak barrels for an average 18 months. Twelve years of blending then four to five years of cellar ageing refine this exceptional cuvée. The perfect balance between finesse, fruitiness and character make this a wine to be enjoyed at any time.
Blending: 50% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir and 25% Meunier.”
Collard Picard ADN Rose - Blending
“From the right bank terroir of the Marne Valley, this cuvée is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with indigenous yeasts, without malolactic fermentation. Blending with red Champagne wines aged in oak barrels gives it its pale pink colour and aromas of small red fruits.
An aromatic, fresh and delicious cuvée that's perfect for any occasion.
92% Chardonnay and 8% red wine blend of Meunier + Pinot Noir.”
https://www.champagnecollardpicard.fr/en
PERRIER JOUET
Perrier Jouet came as a recommendation from our friend who had previously been to Epernay, so we knew it would be a great stop. The outdoor area has tables nested between gorgeous greenery. We moved inside due to the rain, and I was floored by the beauty of their dining room. Each direction you look, there are art installations, each more ethereal and dreamlike than the last. Even the Perrier Jouet bottles themselves are art. Some bottles are hand painted and personalization services for their gift sets are available in their showroom.
What we tasted...
Belle Èpoque - Blanc de Blancs
“PAIRINGS
Sole, Turbot, Cod
THE EYE
A deep gold color.
THE NOSE
Fresh flowers such as lime blossom evolve into fruity aromas.
THE PALATE
Elegant champagne with floral notes, a hint of spice, and a velvety finish.”
Grand Brut
“PAIRINGS
Chicken, Young Leeks, Grapefruit
THE EYE
Silvery gold in the glass. A vibrant and stylish cuvée.
THE NOSE
Floral aromas, rounded out by fresh fruit and hints of buttery brioche and vanilla.
THE PALATE
Crisp and light, it combines freshness with a lingeringly rich and generous finish.”
Grand Brut Champagne | Perrier-Jouët Worldwide
CHAMPAGNE DE VIGNERON
This particular champagne house was arguably the most fun. The women at the counter offered detailed descriptions and recommendations tailored to our preferences. I loved hearing the thought process of why we should select which option. The courtyard has ample outdoor seating and the indoor area has plenty of tables and a cozy library feeling. In the courtyard, there was a pizza truck with pizzas being baked fresh per order. We opted for a chevre, honey, and mozzarella pizza. The warm honey on the freshly baked crust felt like the perfect compliment to our champagne.
What we tasted...
Dominique Crété
RECOLTANT-MANIPULANT, SÉLECTION
“This Champagne, marked by finesse, provides a rounded impression on the palate thanks to a balanced dosage. The dominant Chardonnay gives it its exceptional freshness, ideal for tasting as an aperitif.
TASTING
Pale gold color, amber highlights, with fine, slender bubbles.
Nose: flowers, citrus, and apple
Gourmet palate with a finish with vegetal aromas.
FOOD/WINE PAIRING
Shellfish, langoustines, fish dishes.”
https://www.champagne-dominique-crete.fr
Dinner for our final evening in Èpernay was at Salon Boyer Èpernay. This restaurant is housed in the Salon Boyer Bed and Breakfast. The dining room is grand and expansive. Reservations are recommended for this restaurant, but it was relatively quiet during our visit. Their menu offers a wide variety of traditional French cuisine prepared by their incredible female chef whose name we regrettably did not catch. We ordered a myriad of delicious dishes, including perfectly prepared sea bass, a delicious duck entree, and truffle ravioli.
Overall, I would definitely recommend Èpernay for a girls trip, bachelorette trip, honeymoon, or as a group adventure. There are plenty of sights to see and champagnes to sip as you explore the winding streets filled with French architectural wonders. The air smells of green leaves and tree flowers. It is a lovely town and I can’t wait to hear what you think if you get the chance to visit.
Until next time,
Aja