But it’s saturday
This weekend 35 local sites opened their doors to welcome the public to view their businesses and the products of fellow artisans and producers. It was called ‘dimanche à la campagne’ - Sunday in the countryside. However some of the venues also opened on Saturday, so we thought we’d get a head start and visit a couple of the champagne producers. We started off in a small village the other side of Bar-sur-Aube called Colombe La Fosse, the producer was A. Viot et fils. We decided to try the rosé and the 100% chardonnay to accompany our bag of chips, it was a very pleasant start to the day. There were a number of other stalls selling various goodies and handmade items, the one I couldn’t resist was a stall selling locally grown strawberries.
We then headed towards Meurville, a much older village this side of Bar-sur-Aube. We were heading for champagne Cothias.
We were greeted with a big bonjour when we walked into the courtyard. There were a few people tasting the champagne, but there were also a few other stalls, one selling homemade soaps, a local artist displaying his paintings, one with locally produced jams and honey and something that caught my eye, a couple of ladies weaving homemade jewellery made from stainless steel wires. We watched them for a while making a bracelet, then started chatting to them and trying out our french. I quite liked the bracelets, and Brian suggested I tried one on. It fitted really well and was comfortable to wear, and we both really liked it, so when Brian said I should get it I did not take much persuading.
We then headed over for a champagne tasting. It was 3 euros for a coupe, so we had a glass each, and got to try 3 different champagnes, although Brian drank most as I was driving. They were well made wines, and we decided to purchase some. However before that, Jerome Cothias gave us a tour around his cellar. I love an opportunity of viewing cellars, you always learn something new. Jerome was especially keen to tell us about how long he leaves his wine to rest in the bottles and develop rich flavours. He was very calm, and that feeling came through in his wine production, along with the passion he has for his business. It is so good to see.
On leaving, I suggested to Brian we could drive up to a local view point, which we discovered had breathtaking views across the valley. We sat and enjoyed our picnic that I had brought under the shade of a chestnut tree, and took time to reflect on the wonderful day we had had, and having the opportunity to get out and experience more of our region. What would Sunday bring?
