With anti-coronavirus precautions being taken this dinner at the Alte Pfarrey Restaurant & Hotel (www.altepfarrey.de) had the air of a masked ball.

Nevertheless, the participants’ expressions clearly showed joy and enthusiasm to meet friends for the first time after the long months of restrictions as a result of the lockdown. No longer deprived of experiencing the pleasures of a Chaîne event was a delight to behold for everyone.

Bailli Dr Heinz Gander together with Officier Maître Rôtisseur Silvio Lange, owner of Alte Pfarrey, welcomed the guests, especially the National Bailliage officers Argentier Michael Zacharias and Échanson Natalie Lumpp.

Dr Gander then handed over the baton to Natalie to tutor the tasting of four Pommery champagnes. With knowledgeable insights on the wines as well as an entertaining explanation of the history of champagne and in particular the history of Pommery, Natalie celebrated a rousing performance with Pommery Brut Royal, Pommery Blanc de Blancs, Pommery Brut Rosé and finally a Pommery Grand Cru Vintage 2006.

In strict compliance with the hygiene regulations and in compliance with the mask requirement, we were able to enjoy a “menu surprise” of a high calibre:
- Foie gras
- Lobster foam soup
- Turbot
- Venison
- Coconut and Ivoire passion fruit dessert

The accompanying wines:
- 2013 Forster Kirchenstück Auslese (from the Eugen Müller winery in Forst, Pfalz)
- 2017 Viognier Reserve (from Krebs in Freinsheim, Pfalz)
- 2018 Chardonnay (from Ellermann-Spiegel in Kleinfischlingen, Pfalz)
- 2018 Lergenmüller ‘Handschrift’ Trocken (Hainfeld, Pfalz)
- 2019 Ellermann-Spiegel Rieslaner Auslese (Pfalz)

The Pfalz wines were recognized in an exciting and informative dialogue between Échanson Natalie Lumpp, Maître Sommelier Frank Spiegel and the guests.

Concluding the evening Bailli Dr Gander firstly introduced a new member of the Bailliage, Chevalier Dieter Mehl.

He then thanked Natalie Lumpp for her scholarly and captivating champagne tasting. Silvio Lange and his wife Bettina received a floral bouquet. The kitchen and service brigades were presented with certificates in recognition of their excellent work.

Based on a report by Officier Edna Gander who also took the photos