World wine tour:France Ⅳ

Burgundy…  

Just a bit south from Champagne we came to our final region of our visits of France, Burgundy. Pictured above we are with Wink Lorch, who also helped us throughout Burgundy as our guide, and François Desperriers, from ‘Burgundy Live’ who covered our project with an interview. We are pictured above at the ‘Hospices de Beaune,’ founded in 1443 as a charitable hospital. The original building is now a museum, but wines coming from vineyards belonging to the charity-hospital are auctioned in November of each year while still in barrel, and funds raised go to buying equipment and serving the sick at the local hospitals. Wineries which buy the barrels can label their wine for that year as coming from the Hospice’s prized vineyards, something which is highly regarded.

Burgundy wines are generally made of Pinot Noir if red, and Chardonnay if white, but a variety of other grapes are sometimes used, such as Gamay and Aligoté. Burgundy has the largest number of appellations in France, and a very extensive system of classification, with even single vineyards being delineated as a region, a practice going back to medieval times when monasteries played a large role in developing the Burgundy wine industry. The climate is continental, which means very cold winters and hot summers, and with unpredictable rains which make vintages highly variable. This year seemed to be a good one though, and we owe special thanks to the wineries which participated!:

Domaine de la Vougeraie: Located in the Nuits St Georges appellation of Burgundy, one of the most famous, Domaine de la Vougeraie is a fully biodynamic winery. We had a tour and tasting with Blondine, pictured above, who explained this philosophy of the harmonizing with nature, which has been present since the start of the Domaine.

Daniel-Etienne Defaix: Started in 1610, we arrived in the year of its celebration of 400 years of existence, and 13 generations of descendants present to care after the land! Located in Chablis (Milly), we learned how the Monks were most concerned with the land that is now considered the Premier Cru, as it produced higher acidity in the wines which resulted in a longer aging potential.

Laroche: Located in Chablis, we are pictured above with owners Gwenelle and Michel Laroche who invited us into their home for a delicious and traditional lunch. A leader in the region and pushing the industry forward in many respects, Laroche had become highly respected for their quality and ingenuity in the field. In 2001 they were the first in France to use screw caps, a monumental and epic feat for the traditionalist country, resulting in considerably fewer corked wines.

Simmonet Febvre: Located in Chablis, this winery was started in 1840 and is now owned by the famous winery La Tour. A modernization of the winery is the intended future plan, all while keeping its old tradition! We had a great tour and tasting with Emanuella, pictured above between Wink Lorch and Georges.

Chateau de Meursault: Part of Patriarche (see below), we arrived just in time for the pruning which takes place every year. The house is of the 16th century, and the wines are very strong internationally, with still a 75% domestic market presence.

Patriarche: Located in Beaune, we had a great tour and lunch with Julian, pictured above with the monk symbol of the winery. In 1940 the concept of the winery changed along with the owner, with a new mission to provide high quality wine not just for the rich and elite of France, but for everyone. This new and belevolent owner was a great devotee of the Hospice de Beaune auction (see above), and so in 2010 Patriarche bought a barrel in his memory!

Louis Jadot: Also in the Beaune appellation of Burgundy, we had a tour from Marc Dupot who described many processes to us on the cellar floor. The winery is biodynamic, and only uses one barrel cooper to ensure a proper taste-visualization of the differences in terroir!

Maison Deux Montille: Located in the Volnay appellation of Burgundy, we had a tasting with Alix, the daughter of this family-owned and charming winery. Started with passion in 1947 by her father, Alix is responsible for the white wines while her brother makes the reds! Fully organic with biodynamic vineyards as well, Maison Deux Montille is a great culmination of the representation of terroir and experience!