Twice every year Champagne Club by Richard Juhlin enjoys Champagnes treasures. [read the full champagne story]
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
Tasted Champagnes
1959 Paul Bara ’Blanc de Noirs Vinothèque’
1962 Paul Bara ’Vinothèque’
1971 Paul Bara ’Vinothèque’
1985 Paul Bara ’Vinothèque’
1996 Paul Bara ’Vinothèque’
2000 Paul Bara ’Vinothèque’ magnum
2008 Paul Bara ’Vinothèque’
2018 Paul Bara ’Millésime’
2016 Paul Bara ’Spécial Club’
2016 Paul Bara ’Comtesse Marie de France’
[to read the tasting notes & score go to the Tasting Library]
[photographer – Aine Martyniuk]
PAUL BARA
★★★★
Paul Bara is allready a legend in Champagne. He took over the firm as a teenager sixty years ago and remembered every vintage in perfect detail. He belonged to the sixth generation to run the company since it was founded in 1833. Many major Champagne houses have approached Bara over the years to try to buy the thirty exceptional locations he controls from 11 hectares in the village. The average age of the vines is around thirty-five years, but those that produce the vintage wines are over forty. With new people at the helm Bara is still the most quality-obsessed grower in Bouzy. Only the first pressing is used, the wines are aged for at least four years in the cold cellar, and the yield is maintained at the lowest possible level. Despite the traditional methods, Bara’s wines have a very elegant fruitiness, which is unique in Bouzy. It is incomprehensible that he used to be best known for his red wine when his Champagne is of world class. His ’59 was hailed as the best Blanc de Noirs at the Millennium Tasting. Todays winemaker is Christian Forget.
‘The wines are still great. Comtesse Marie de France is the gem to search for!’
Champagne Club by Richard Juhlin
The Champagne Clubs VIP trip to the Champagne region in France is an exclusive, curated experience designed for Champagne aficionados and travelers seeking a deep dive into the art of champagne-making. This tour typically takes guests on an intimate journey through the heart of the Champagne region, offering not only an immersion in French culture and history but also a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship and traditions behind some of the world’s finest champagnes.
Here’s a glimpse of what such a trip might include:
1. Exclusive Access to Premier Champagne Houses
One of the highlights of the Champagne Clubs VIP trip is access to prestigious, often private, Champagne houses. Participants might enjoy tours of celebrated maisons, including some that are generally closed to the public. Here, guests learn about each house’s unique winemaking philosophies, their history, and the intricate processes that differentiate each brand’s signature flavor profile. Visits often include tastings of rare vintages and specialty cuvées.
2. Meeting Renowned Winemakers
The trip provides opportunities to meet the artisans behind the labels. Guests might meet renowned winemakers, many of whom have inherited their skills through generations. These experts provide insights into everything from grape-growing techniques to the fine art of blending and bottling, allowing visitors to appreciate the passion and expertise involved in every bottle.
3. Vineyard Tours in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims
A VIP tour often includes guided visits to the renowned vineyards of Côte des Blancs, famous for its chalky soils and premium Chardonnay grapes, and Montagne de Reims, known for its powerful Pinot Noir. These scenic vineyard tours provide a chance to explore the terroir, learn about the growing cycles, and understand the effects of the region’s unique climate on grape quality.
4. Luxurious Accommodations and Dining Experiences
As a VIP experience, guests are typically accommodated in luxurious chateaux or five-star hotels, offering a blend of French elegance and modern comforts. Meals are often hosted in Michelin-starred restaurants or private dining rooms within the Champagne houses, with multi-course meals expertly paired with premium champagnes. Chefs design these meals to enhance the nuances of each champagne, creating an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
5. Champagne Tastings and Pairing Workshops
The trip includes structured tastings led by experts who guide participants through a curated selection of champagnes. These sessions might cover vintage and non-vintage varieties, prestige cuvées, and blanc de blancs or rosé champagnes. Additionally, pairing workshops allow guests to discover which foods bring out the best in different champagnes, enhancing their appreciation for this elegant beverage.
6. Exploring Historic Sites and Cultural Landmarks
A trip to the Champagne region wouldn’t be complete without visits to historical sites like the Reims Cathedral, where French kings were once crowned, or the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay, known for its grand mansions and cellars. These sites give guests a sense of the deep history and cultural significance of the region, adding depth to the experience.
The Champagne Clubs VIP trip to Champagne is an unforgettable experience that combines luxury, education, and unparalleled access to the world of Champagne. It’s the ultimate journey for anyone looking to indulge in the splendor of Champagne at its source, crafted with sophistication, flavor, and French savoir-faire.
