Champagne Fraternity
If it weren’t for the Chinese lion dance, or the environs of the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, one could easily imagine being among noblemen of the European Renaissance. Held in late May, the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne’s biennial Grand Chapitre in Singapore was an affair steeped in ceremonial tradition. An enthronement ceremony inducted new chevaliers and elevated Ambassador of France to Singapore Marc Abensour to L’officier Honneur, before a trumpet fanfare declared a start to the champagne-paired dinner. Commandeur Antoine Roland-billecart (who wielded the ceremonial “Pomponne”) and incoming Commandeur Bruno Paillard presided over the chapitre, and were joined by Hubert de Billy (Champagne Pol Roger) and representatives from six other major houses. Founded in 1650, the order has staged gatherings here since 2006 “to toast to the art of Champagne making and friendships built in Singapore,” explained its Consul General Nicola Lee. As if the official menu of nine prestige cuvées wasn’t already lavish, Frederick Heidsieck of Champagne Louis Roederer made it an even 10 when he brought out magnums of 2007 Cristals to share with guests of fine wine merchant Grand Vin.