Amanda Reboul

Last time we explored Blanc de Blancs.

Today… let’s taste its counterpart. ✨

In the glass is Apollonis “Authentic Meunier” Blanc de Noirs 🥂

When people hear Blanc de Noirs, they often think Pinot Noir.

But not this one.

This champagne is made entirely from Pinot Meunier — a grape that spent years living quietly in the shadow of its more famous cousins.

And I think that’s exactly what makes it so exciting.

Meunier has always had a special place in my heart.

It brings generosity, warmth and approachability to Champagne, yet it rarely gets the spotlight.

This bottle lets it take centre stage.

Made entirely from Meunier grown in the Vallée de la Marne, it shows just how expressive this grape can be. Ripe orchard fruit, beautiful texture and a softness that invites another sip.

Sometimes the greatest discoveries aren’t the famous names.

They’re the wines that quietly challenge what we thought we knew.

This is one of them. ✨

🥂 A Japanese Affair with Pol Roger 🇫🇷🇯🇵

Some ideas take years to come to life.

Having lived in both France and Japan, I've long believed that the precision and elegance of Japanese cuisine pair beautifully with the structure and finesse of vintage champagne. Last week, I finally had the opportunity to share that vision with you.

From our welcome glass of Pol Roger Brut Réserve to the magnificent 2018 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill, every champagne (apart from our welcome pour) was vintage, making this another first for my champagne lunches.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined me for this very special afternoon. After a few unexpected twists with dates and venues, it was wonderful to finally gather around the table, share exceptional food, remarkable champagne, and the conversations that make these events so memorable.

A very special thank you also to the team at Ippin Japanese dining for creating such a beautiful menu and experience.

And, of course, thank you to the incredibly talented Ange Costes Photography for once again capturing the afternoon so beautifully. Your photographs tell the story far better than words ever could.

If you spot yourself in the album, please feel free to tag yourself and your friends. I always love seeing these special memories shared.