In Champagne, January 25, 2023 – The 2023 “Chaudron” took place on Tuesday, January 24, right in the heart of Champagne, and it was certainly heart-warming! The Ratafia Champenois, Marc Champenois and Fine Champenoise Association organised the very first “Chaudron” (which means cauldron in French and refers to one of the elements that are essential in distillation, obviously). Some 40 guests, including winegrowers, sommeliers and restaurant owners, were welcomed by the Association’s current president, Alexis Leconte (Champagne Xavier Leconte), to his distillery in Troissy.
At the height of the major distilling period for the finest spirits of the region, this uniquely Champagne event is a reminder that the region possesses ancestral skills that France can justly be proud of. And just as Burgundy has its “Paulée”, Champagne has its annual “Chaudron”. This exceptional event was an opportunity to share the treasures of Champagne, which go beyond the superb bubbles that are the envy of the world. The finest bottles of Ratafia Champenois, which is currently experiencing great popularity in France and around the world, along with bottles of Marc Champenois and Fine Champenoise, passed from table to table. Their unparalleled flavour and character were brilliantly demonstrated by the producers present.
Thanks to this event, the Champagne copper stills that are put to work from December to March are once again getting the recognition they deserve. International guests are already looking forward impatiently to next year’s “Chaudron” which will feature the delights of the regional cuisine, with a number of dishes being cooked directly in the stills, in keeping with tradition. That too is part of the rich culture of the wonderful region of Champagne!
An association for Marc Champenois, Fine Champenoise and Ratafia Champenois
Over the last few years, some of the biggest names in Champagne have committed to helping raise the visibility of Marc Champenois, Fine Champenoise and Ratafia Champenois. The king of liqueurs was born in Reims and boasts a history reaching back more than eight centuries to a time when major exporters “ratified” their deals over a glass. Ratafia Champenois has already begun conquering the world and is continuing its journey with incredible eagerness. Every year, those specialities are celebrated during the “Chaudron” event in January.
