LA COMTESSE:
Champagne and cocktail bar
by Chené Koscielny
We have found the perfect spot for you from where to enjoy the fireworks lighting up the lake on Saturday night (10 August) in style.
Within spitting distance from the lake where all the action will be and directly opposite the Jet D’Eau, you’ll find Geneva’s only (as far as we know) dedicated champagne temple and cocktail bar guaranteed to add even more sparkle to your evening – and guess what? It won’t leave you totally out of pocket.
A sassy friend, who moves in the right circles, invited me to this stylish venue for a belated birthday drink this week and I have no idea how this has slipped our radar until now – as we here at Things to do in Geneva are all partial to a bit of bubbly.
A FEMALE CHAMPAGNE MAKER!
What’s more the owner of the shop and maker of the champagne is a woman, Anaïs Leconte, who has created her own brand of champagne – La Comtesse A, bringing a touch of femininity and fearlessness to a traditional production method. We like this very much!
Anaïs Leconte was born and raised in Champagne and is the 6th generation of a family of winemakers. She dabbled in luxury marketing, before turning back to champagne making and creating her own brand.
CHIC AND STYLISH INTERIORS
The venue is a mix of modern chic interiors and charming old stone arches, high ceilings and big windows. Outside is a pretty little terrace overlooking the lake and the Jet D’Eau.
The bar doubles up as a boutique selling champagne during the daytime.
WHAT TO DRINK? DECISIONS, DECISIONS…
Our charming host – Tanguy (a French and Scottish blend) proposes a choice of three different champagne cuvées of La Comtesse A.
I opt for the lighter Mademoiselle Camélia the signature cuvée of the Maison. This raw, fine and balanced champagne is blend of three grapes.
It is dry, gorgeous and a beautiful golden colour with loads of bubbles.
I follow this with not one, but eventually two glasses of Madame Ladybird – a fine and fruity rosé, with a beautiful aroma and fresh taste. My favourite!
Other options include a variety of interesting champagne-based cocktails such as this naughty little number: Under Chantale’s skirt, a blend of the champagne mademoiselle camellia, a little bit of Saint Germain, a bit of coriander and topped with an orange blossom foam. Yes, please!
If you’re not into champagne, which apparently is not impossible, you have a choice of many other cocktails, red wine and soft drinks.
PRICES start at CHF15 for a glass of champagne or cocktail, which we don’t think is at all bad for Geneva and for the quality!
PS. On Wednesday nights – the bar hosts live music nights!
A BITE TO EAT
This is not the place to come for a meal, but the finger food – including a very filling and pretty cheese platter with 12-month aged Gruyére, Tome Vaudoise, Vacherin from Fribourg is more than enough to keep you going.
WHERE
2 Rue de la Scie
WHEN
Bar from 17h30 and from 18 on Saterdaysdays.
Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
MORE INFO
About the domain
