We asked Chevalier about his favorite champagnes and pairings. Yukiko Yamamoto, a food space producer with a deep knowledge of wine, remembers the taste of Salon's champagne, which is said to have a miraculous taste and is also served in JAL first class. Yamamoto talks about its charm and memories.


"I've tried many different types of champagne, but one that has made a particularly strong impression on me is Salon. This champagne adheres to a unique philosophy of using only grapes grown in the Grand Cru vineyards of the Côte de Blancs, known as the holy land of Chardonnay, and is only produced in years when the grapes are of excellent quality. I'm not only drawn to its purity, but the taste is also delicate and elegant. It has an indescribable clarity and a nobility that only Salon can produce.

It was early summer in 2008, when I visited seven or eight champagne houses. The Salon vineyard was by no means large, and its production was low, but I had a spiritual experience, as if I could sense the presence of angels and fairies. It gave me a sense of something special, and I realized that this was the terroir, and the reason for its exceptional flavor.


■What is Chevalier?
This is a title granted by the historic and prestigious "Order of the Champagne," an organization founded in 1656 by aristocrats known as gourmets at the court of Louis XIV. The "Order of the Champagne" was revived in 1956 and appoints 5,000 people as Chevaliers (knights) each year, including champagne lovers from around the world, prominent figures in politics and business, artists, journalists, industry figures, and ordinary gourmets. Investiture ceremonies are also held in Japan, and have recently attracted attention as well-known figures such as Yasushi Akimoto and Takeshi Kitano have been appointed.