Arlaux Champagne is best known for being served in Michelin star restaurants and the most exclusive hotels around the world – for example, Joël Robuchon in Hong Kong, Kikunoi in Tokyo or the Gstaad Palace in Switzerland… We spoke with Pierre-Christian, the owner of Arlaux about how his Champagne is best served for Valentine’s Day:
C&B: “Pierre-Christian, which would be your choice of romantic meal with which to drink Arlaux on Valentine’s Day?”
PCT: “For a Valentine’s Day menu, I beleive a rosé champagne dinner is a must; why not start with lobster or simple pan-fried scallops served with a soft salty cookies? To continue, langoustine ravioli or a delicately truffled Bresse poultry dish would be perfect; finally, a red fruit vacherin would be a wonderful match with rosé champagne. Indeed, crafted with the rare care given to the vintage wines, the Arlaux Brut Rosé is unique in the heart of the Champagne area – with notes of slightly crushed raspberries, aromas of white flowers, and a soft palate, it has the nobility of the finest wines…”
C&B: “And where?”
PCT: “I particularly like the hotels with a warm atmosphere like ‘Relais & Chateaux’; the service is professional and discreet… each of the places has an incredible charm. Otherwise, a romantic lunch on the river Seine (below) is always pleasant and so charming…”
C&B: “Which do you consider to be the most romantic hotel anywhere in the world where Arlaux is served?”
PCT: “The Bettei Senjuan Castle (below), an incredible place in the Japanese Alps; the rooms are equipped with onsens (natural hot water baths) and each has a private garden in a Japanese style. The service is done in the room where the butler will come to set a table for you… and will offer you a delicious cuisine in perfect harmony with our Champagne – a magical place and so perfect for Valentine’s Day!”
C&B: “Which is your favourite Champagne-based cocktail?”
PCT: “My favorite cocktail was created by my wife, Christine Arlaux, for the fashion show of a friend of us who is fashion designer. This cocktail is called ‘Mon Romain’ (‘My Roman’) and is freely inspired by a simple ‘champagne soup’… delicious but, beware, its sweetness hides unexpected fires!”
C&B: “Who is the typical Arlaux customer?”
PCT: “I produce champagne so that those who taste it, whatever their profile, feel an emotion; my pleasure is to give a moment of happiness to all. People usually open a bottle of champagne to celebrate an event and I want this moment to be perfect and unique…”
C&B: “And your message for Valentine’s Day this year?”
PCT: “Love has no age, no gender, no colour…”
WEBSITE: http://www.arlaux.com
