Just mention the word "champagne" and a rainbow of positive reactions unfurl, for sparkling wine seems to broadcast special celebrations or an occasion like nothing else. Some of our champagne occasions have been true adventures. They were adventures because not everything always started out right, but somehow it was resolved in the long range of experience.
By Dianne Boate & Robert Meyer
Published: November, 2006
Russia
On our trips to Russia, ice seemed to be in short supply, and our champagne was invariably served at room temperature. This was a little hard to get used to, but we solved the problem by having vodka first.
Far East
Once, on a trip to the Far East (nine times zones from Moscow), we were whisked off the plane to an awaiting van, sped to another part of the airport, ushered into the office of the head man for Aeroflot Far East. It was 2A M local time, but never mind, because he wanted to treat us to warm champagne.
Germany
The night before flying to Cologne, to conduct cruise ship wine tastings and seminars on the Rhein and Mosel rivers, Dianne made a horrible mistake. She grabbed a glass in the bathroom, filled it with water and drank it down in the middle of the night. Along with the water, she consumed a little liquid left over from earlier in the day — when the glass was used for a stain removing trial. The liquid was diluted Clorox. Right away, she knew, and waited to see what would happen: No dropping dead, just burning in the throat; no sleep, just more water. Everything was all right that week of river cruising, except anytime sparkling wine was consumed all the little scorched places in the throat were felt, to put it lightly.
France
Our first major trip to Reims (25 years ago) took us to the heart of champagne country during a very cold winter. California people are not always equipped with real winter wear, so between us we layered up, Dianne piled on sweaters topped with a few thin raincoats, about five layers; Robert had three. This is how we showed up at the front door of Veuve Cliquot Champagne Chateau with a special invitation for lunch. We experienced instant embarrassment, as the white gloved greeting person took our coats, one layer at a time, and showed us into the opulent salon complete with gleaming crystal chandelier and menus printed with our names. But, we were treated to one wonderful glass of champagne, followed by another, served with the most delicious food. Surrounded by the snow, all was warm and lovely inside, and we were made to feel like treasured guests.
Life is composed many times of stark contrasts. It is important to swallow your pride, remember your dignity, and enjoy extraordinary situations in spite of five layers of fabric. Enjoy the Champagne, and please, try not to swallow Clorox.
Dianne Boate is a freelance writer, photographer and botanical artist. Robert Meyer is a consultant to the wine and spirits industry. Normally, he drinks what he drinks and she drinks what she drinks. But recently, tired from moving furniture to accommodate all-new-windows-installation, they selected a fine bottle of chilled Piper Heidsieck. The pleasure was all theirs.
