MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE...AND MORE

As a reward for a fruitful 2008, Profile Paris surprised the team, including consultant Alison Caralis, with a trip to champagne producers Veuve Clicquot.

Profile Directors, Michele Alguacil and Pascal Guillory, had kept everything top secret until we stepped off the train at Champagne-Ardennes, a hint that put smiles on everyone’s faces.

Two immaculately dressed chauffeurs picked us up and drove us to our secret destination. On the way, we excitedly pointed out Veuve Clicquot’s yellow label signage and were delighted when the cars pulled into the parking lot of the famous champagne company! Yes, a tour had been arranged for us to discover the history of the Clicquot family, the Veuve Clicquot brand, the making of the celebratory wine, and the chalk cellars themselves, where the champagne takes its initial form.

Our visit was meant to conclude at the boutique where we were to share a glass of the finished product with the tour guide and a few stray tourists. However, there seemed to be a change of plans and suddenly we were met by the Director of Communications who whisked us to the production site. She introduced us to one of the eight oenologists responsible for creating the mix of wines which later turned into champagne. We were invited to taste the Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay wines necessary for the production of a good Veuve Clicquot champagne. Much tasting (and spitting!) later, we were treated to a few glasses of the fabled final product, starting with the classic yellow label and ending with one of the greatest vintages, ‘La Grande Dame’.

We merrily left Veuve Clicquot to drive to our final destination – The Chateau Les Crayeres, a beautiful and elegant Relais & Chateaux property perched in the countryside surrounding Reims. They welcomed us like royalty – Michele was assigned the Princess Suite, which boasted a royal balcony. The mirror in Elsa and my bathroom revealed a secret plasma TV. We had just enough time for a cup of tea with some delicious biscuits before assembling in the bar for an aperitif of Pommery Summertime Blanc de Blanc and a variety of imaginative nibbles. Michelin-starred Chef Didier Elena and GM Francois Mercier joined us for a lively chat before leading us to our table in the dining room.

Suffice it to say that the entire menu was exquisite and we embarked on a whirlwind of scents, textures and flavours, with noix de coquelles Saint Jacques with foie gras and truffle shavings followed by oven-baked sea bass with vegetables and a blanquette sauce. A beautiful piece of venison was presented next, accompanied by thin slices of pear and a touch of foie gras, chestnut and juniper berries. Toasted spices were then ground before our very eyes, to be sprinkled around our plates. Each dish was matched with a carefully selected wine, much enjoyed by all. By the time the cheese trolleys – with every type of cheese one could imagine (except cheddar) – and dessert arrived, we were struggling. Oh, but what a feast for the eyes! Somehow, in the bar afterwards, we managed to find some space for a few sips of tea and coffee.

The next morning, we enjoyed the wonderful Hermes amenities before meeting downstairs for a Continental breakfast. Then came a leisurely walk around the castle gardens where we visited the new brasserie restaurant currently under construction and the site earmarked for a new spa. Afterwards, it was time to go home.

What a fabulous trip, and a wonderful way for the team to be recognised.