Fizzy Fun

It’s official - we are France’s biggest export market for Champagne, even bigger than the USA, we just love it and this is the reason that Champagne + Fromage by French Bubbles have opened their combined bistro and shop here in Covent Garden selling authentic French cheeses and award winning Champagnes. The bistro and shop has a lovely Gallic feel to it, from the cheese counter packed with 50 delicious French cheeses to the relaxed rustic bistro space.

All the Champagnes sold are produced by small independent family growers made entirely from grapes grown in their own vineyards; they all share a knowledge passed down through generations of their families which guarantees you a Champagne which reflects both the subtlety of its terroir and an exceptional quality. When I was invited to attend their monthly Champagne and Cheese tasting, I didn’t need to be asked twice, and the evening proved to be both enjoyable and educational. With flutes in hand owner Maud Fierobe enthusiastically guided us through the tasting, covering the grapes used to make Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier in different combinations), the location of the Houses and the family history, the methods of making Champagne, and finally our thoughts on the Champagne. We also got to taste foods which enhanced the flavour of our fizz. French fancies we tasted included delicious tartines, cheeses, charcuterie and a dreamy chocolate dessert which included blue cheese; it has to be tasted to be believed.

With Maud’s direction, knowledge and passion for Champagne this evening was a fascinating experience which I would thoroughly recommend to any Champagne enthusiasts. Next dates are 4 July and 8 August.