Ludes, Champagne
Since June was playing ten-pin bowling with her ASEAN friends today, I decided to seize the occasion, and go for a little walk in Champagne.
I walked from Rilly-la-Montagne to Chigny-les-Roses, then to Ludes and back again. It’s a lovely walk, through rolling vineyards, with splendid vistas up to the Montagne de Reims National Park.
I have done this walk several times now. And having just returned from travels in Australia and Japan, I enjoyed stretching out and loosening up.
The viticulteur I met and spoke to (see photo) assured me that 2023 looks like a very good year, although a bad turn in the weather can always cause trouble. He added that the harvest (vendanges) will likely take place in early September, a little later that 2022.
One of the high points was lunch at a delightful restaurant, “Couvert de Vignes” in Chigny-les-Roses. I have previously lunched there a few times.
This restaurant is the creation of the chef, Benjamin Gilles. Moreover, each dish is a complex creation, a real work of art. At the same time, each dish is based on fresh ingredients, and has an elegant lightness.
Benjamin, along with his team, offers a very warm welcome, and they now know me well. They also have an excellent selection of wines. I always take a glass of local Champagne.
If you can, do yourself a favour and enjoy a nice meal at Couvert de Vignes. But beware, they only offer a four-course meal, with no choices.