Eighteenth century French philosopher Voltaire suggested “Il faut cultiver notre jardin”—“We must cultivate our garden”—even in the face of life’s complications and chaos. Burgundy winegrower Jean-Claude Rateau takes Voltaire’s advice to heart. Since graduating from Beaune’s Lycée Viticole in the late 1970’s, he has carefully cultivated his vineyards like a garden using organic and biodynamic […]
Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s in Burgundy’s Mâcon region, Frédéric Ménager dreamed of one day ripping guitar solos in a rock and roll band. His family had more immediate ideas.
At Restaurant La Pyramide in the northern Rhône city of Vienne, Chief Sommelier Baptiste Cavagna cuts a striking figure in a neat black suit, vest and tie. He walks the elegant, modern dining room with a smooth, highly professional air while confidently serving wines and talking affably with guests. But “off stage” outside of Chef
La Pyramide Sommelier Baptiste Cavagna Focuses On Fun, Imaginative Wine Pairings Read More »
Burgundy may be Pinot Noir’s spiritual home, but Alsace winegrowers’ palpable passion for Pinot Noir cannot be ignored. Leading winegrowers such as André Ostertag, Christian Beyer, Jean-Paul and Marie Zusslin, Maxime Barmès and Rémy Gresser embody the renewed dedication to producing high quality, delicious Pinot Noir wines worthy of international attention. Each grower offers an
Alsace Winegrowers’ Palpable Passion for World Class Pinot Noirs Read More »
Each Tuesday our little tasting group in Pittsburgh dreams of Burgundy by sharing wines over a modest lunch at a local bistro. For this week’s theme of Pommard, as usual we tasted the wines “blind” without foreknowledge of the producer, specific climat and vintage. The experience is always instructive and fun, and occasionally delightful with
Cellar Tasting: Leroy Delivers Delightful Moment at Burgundy Wine Lunch Read More »
Nearly twenty years ago, American-born Juan Sanchez founded his Paris wine shop La Dernière Goutte, a French name meaning “the last drop.” It proved ironic, indeed. Today this cozy establishment at 6 rue Bourbon-le-château in the Left Bank neighborhood of St-Germain-des-Prés continues pouring French wines and hosting popular introductory classes.
La Dernière Goutte Provides Ingenious French Wine and Food Moments in Paris Read More »
The morning of April 21, 2017, dawned brilliant and clear in northern Burgundy. Even so, a smoky gray haze hung over the famous Chablis Grand Cru vineyards. The haze symbolized a dramatic battle that took place the previous night in the vineyards.
Northern Burgundy Vignerons Persevere with Pluck, Passion, Personality Read More »
In the early 2000’s, winegrower Pascal Lachaux of Domaine Robert Arnoux in Burgundy readily called on his teen-age son, Charles, to translate business conversations with English-speaking importers and journalists. The poised and engaging young man communicated confidently. His intelligence and the obvious bond of trust, mutual respect and collaboration between father and son made telling
Charles Lachaux: A Portrait of the Winegrower as a Young Man Read More »
Zinfandel may have European origins, but no place produces better quality Zinfandel than Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley on the California North Coast. Consider the 2014 Pedroncelli Winery, “Mother Clone” Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, a modestly priced wine at around $16 per bottle nationally.
Enduring Beauty Shines in Pedroncelli “Mother Clone” Zinfandel From Dry Creek Valley Read More »
Visiting the village of Saint Aubin takes a bit of effort. It lies at the bottom of Burgundy’s famed Côte-d’Or vineyards, just to the west of Chassagne-Montrachet. You pass the village on the way to the magnificent Сhâteau de la Rochepot, a restored historical site. For those who make the trip and snare a visit
The Wizard of Saint-Aubin, Olivier Lamy, Strikes Again. Read More »