Yeah, crappy photo I know. But when I sat down to write my latest WOTM review, I realized the quaff pictured above was a way more interesting wine than the one I had slated to review and had taken nice pictures of. Luckily I had been so blown away by Beaumont des Crayères Grande Réserve that upon my initial sip, I reached for my phone to take a quick photo for memory’s sake.
My first taste of Beaumont des Crayères was at a recent little get together with some friends. We’d decided to have our own non-Bubble Dogs party after trying and failing to get a rez at that novel and new hot dogs and Champagne restaurant now open in Fitzrovia. A number of reviews of BDs have turned out to be less than flattering anyway and the idea of striving to get in (I must admit I gave it a few attempts) started to lose its sheen. Nevertheless, the thought of munching on hot dogs and washin’ ’em down with some fine bubbly appealed. So … voila! Why don’t we just make our own hot dogs for our very own BYOC session. I supplied my homemade chilli con carne along with some store bought slaw.
I sampled a few flutes of different bubblies that night. My fave without doubt was the bready, buttery, yeasty Beaumont des Crayères. Crisp, full bodied and elegant … and I’d say well worth what appears to be the £20 or so to buy it online in the UK! It was certainly a lot tastier and intriguing than too many other sparkling wines I’ve had of late.
The Grande Réserve worked well with our fatty hot dogs (so did my chilli), but I’d be keen to giving this one a solo sipping next time I come across a bottle. It’d make a smart choice for an aperitif too.
Check out champagne-beaumont.com for more info.
