What an amazing day to be alive. It started out with an introduction to the portfolio of wines by Joseph Perrier, presented by the incredibly refined proprietor, Monsieur Jean-Claude Fourmon.
Jean-Claude Fourmon & Jeanri-Tine van Zyl
It is an incredible privilege to list this many highlights in just one day: being chaperoned by Monsieur Fourmon during the first course of the morning, tasting through the house's cuveés (incredibly linear and precise, like the owner - he admitted), driving alongside said proprietor to the monastery where Dom Perignon - the discoverer of Champagne - is buried. Team Africa honoured the Dom who has been the reason for uncountable memorable champagne moments
Tasting the Grand Cru cuveés of Champagne Salon - which have spent a minimum of 10 years on the lees - were incredible, resulting in ridiculously umami-driven wine.
And then for the crescendo: descending into the belly of Champagne at Charles Heidsieck, founded in 1851, under whose property is 8km of underground chalk caves and tunnels - originally carved by the Romans 2000 years ago - to explore the exclusive opportunity to explore these antique cellars. This was followed by a tasting that included vintage cuveés from 2006, 2000, 1995, 1985 and 1982 - the latter two being the birth years of Tinashe, Jolette and Joseph, and an emotional tribute to the journeys it took to experience these humbling moments.
As I type we are heading to Trier in the Mosel, Germany. We are tired but so very happy.
Signing out with a bloodstream filled with happy bubbles.
Team South Africa: Jeanri-Tine van Zyl, Jolette Steyn, Anton Swarts, Anita Streicher-Nel (Captain) and reserve Nkululeko Mkhwanazi in front