May 18, 2012
When you think of Burgundy, more often than not the small region of Vezelay doesn’t come to mind. Located approximately an hour and half north west of Beaune,Vezelay is a small appellation that could easily be mistaken for a 16th century countryside. Set among beautiful rolling hills, Vezelay is an extremely small region with only 120 hectares of vines planted; focused mainly on producing Chardonnay and Melon de Bourgonne. Although there is a small amount of Pinot Noir produced, Chardonnay reigns Queen in Vezelay.
After a beautiful drive from Beaune, Alanna, Caroline and myself arrived at Domaine Cadette. Set between a small wood working shop and several other quiet houses, one would never suspect to find a domaine as we arrove at our destination. We were warmly greeted by Catherine and Jean Montenet, the proprietors of Domaine Cadette, and after exchanging pleasantries, Jean loaded us into his station wagon and took us up to his vineyard in the hills of Vezelay. Despite the chilly, damp weather, the scene was extraordinary; featuring a panoramic view of rolling hills and grazing Charolais (a french breed of white cattle). After walking through the vineyards and admiring the careful attention to detail taken with the vines – Cadette has been organic for 12 years – we made our way back to home of Jean and Catherine for a tasting.
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May 16, 2012
The world of wine is a broad and wonderful spectrum; rich, full reds from Bordeaux, crisp complex Riesling from Alsace, luscious Chardonnays from California and elegant sparkling wines from Champagne. Yet few wine regions conjure the excitement and passion that enthusiasts and wine lovers alike have for Burgundy; the golden slope where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines thrive.
Age old debates have ensued over which region produces the ultimate French wine, Bordeaux or Burgundy, yet after a visit to this hallowed region, any doubt is often immediately removed.
Pinot Noir for Breakfast at Gachot Monot
Today we began our trip through the heralded wine region of Burgundy, home to some of the worlds best Chardonnays and most complex Pinot Noirs. Our visit began at 9am with a visit to Gachot Monot (a small producer based in Corgolion). Damien Monot, the son of Gachot, runs the domaine with his wife Liselotte, and produces wines from the Cote du Nuits. Known for producing wines of exceptional value (their Cote du Nuits Villages is a must try) this small domaine is a true example of the wines we love to carry in the shop. The vineyard (pictured above) is tended by hand and cared for with minimal sprays (they could soon be certified biodyamic) and the people behind the wines are genuine and passionate about producing wine with a focus on quality rather than quantity. A fun and relaxed tasting, Damien was an excellent host and a great introduction to Burgundy; he even walked us through his vineyards and introduced us to his vineyard team! Read more »
May 2, 2012
The wine business definitely has it’s perks: travelling to foreign lands, dining at fine establishments and, of course, drinking wine! Yet one of the most overlooked perk/highlight of working in the wine business are the relationships you make and the people you meet. Just over a week ago, a group from our Bishop’s team traveled to New York City to meet up with former retail manager Thomas Morgan. Thomas is now employed by Kermit Lynch, a legendary french wine importer in the US, and a name you’re probably now familiar with in our shop, and had invited us to attend the Kermit Lynch portfolio tasting to try the expansive range of over 300 wines from France and Italy. Read more »
December 7, 2011
It wasn’t till the end of my Sommelier program that I figured out what I wanted to do with my certification. While trying to convince a class of fellow sommelier students that affordable and consumer friendly brands are as vitally important to the wine industry as first growth Bordeaux’s, I discovered that my true passion was in simplifying wine education.
My journey with the world of wine all began with an inexpensive bottle of wine (as most peoples journey does), then jumps to my first winery tour while backpacking Australia. Upon returning home, a dear friend encouraged me to start my journey as a sommelier. After polishing my tasting skills and passing the course, I had the opportunity to work at Fox Harbr Resort where I had the opportunity to taste some of the world’s best wines. Read more »
