Rouge, Blanc, Bulles

Time Out says

If most wine and spirits shops these days will stock champagne, few make it their speciality. Three cheers, then, for Rouge, Blanc, Bulles, which opened in 2000 on the site of the appropriately-named Le Champagne. An entire wall is devoted to certified appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) champagne vintages, showing off the most famous brands and promoting new discoveries.

There are more than a hundred varieties to choose from, including the famous Bollinger and Krug, and real experts will recognise names like Egly-Ouriet (€68), Larmadier-Bernier (€45) and Coessens (€37). Owner Renaud of course knows the whole range – for bargain-hunter, he recommends an aromatic Stéphane Herbert (a subtle blend of the three main Champagne grape varieties, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay) (€19.80), a popular Charpentier (€18.30), an elegant brut by Louis Barthélémy (€25), or the perfect bubbles to go with chocolate desserts: D. Marc (€26.30).

For parties, look out for special offers on boxes. And stop by on Saturdays all year round for tasting sessions, or at any time to investigate their 120-strong selection of whiskies.

By BC/EH