Champagne dans la Campagne!

Vines as far as the eye can see, and Champagne houses galore. Into Reims and a sadly shut Ruinart, so instead we made for the small village of Ludes and Canard Duchêne, mainly because they had a little art 'exposition' in their grounds, but we still somehow managed to fit in a tasting and a case of six bottles somehow found their way into the boot. Then Mercier, which in some forms can be found in the uk, but not the specific bottling we bought here six years ago. And they still make it. Our Champagne bottles multiply.

I have a feeling this won't be helped by the fact we're staying at a tiny independent Champagne maker in Vertus, at Le Clos Margot, responsible for the Blancs des Blancs Champagne Doyard.

Even more so give the really warm welcome received at Le Clos Margot, which included a glass of their own bubbly. All made getting up at 6 in Dover worth it.

p.s. love the old guy in his wooly jumper...