Day13
So, last chance for Bourgogne it was too be…
…and Louis Jadot, macro-producers in the central part of Bourgogne was the saving grace for this region and has given us a reason to perhaps one day return to this area. However the debate in my head is still raging and I have not been able to conclude on this chapter of confusion…
As poorly as we have been treated on day12, so good have we been received at a. A super-professional set-up and tremendous welcome was a very good start to the day to set our minds and palates at ease. The fisrt impression when we walked into the cellar was…”what the hec….?” But then our guide, a professional sommelier (again) started to explain the circular lay-out, its overhanging pipes and cables and how it all fits together. It was truly magnificent. The technology was astounding yet simplistic and simple to work. Lots of space and open areas so that nobody has to fall over each other to get the work done. For me it was by far the best cellar design I have seen in my life. Simply perfect! So down we went to the barrel cellar that was less spectacular than some of the others we have seen on this trip, nevertheless again nothing fancy and extremely workable. But as they say, the proof is in the pudding…
…and as we started to taste FROM THE BARRELS, the arrogance and exclusivity of Bourgogne started to present itself and a realisation of what this region was all about started to make more sense. Perhaps the reason why people are protective over the small part of superior earth that they have been given to cultivate? I am not sure yet if this IS the explanation. But as the tasting continued and Stephan explained to us the different small parcels and appellations it was clear that Bourgogne was indeed a special place. The wines were stunning. And the variations between parcels were profound. Lots of red berry fruit, leathery notes, mocca and coffee beans, violet flowers, white spices. The mouth sensations were different depending on the barrel maturity. But elegant, velvety and silky smooth wines. Not as tannic and powerful ass some of the other wines we have tasted till now. And for me Gevrey-Chambertin coming out tops of all the villages. It has been described as being the most feminine style in Bourgogne, but let us rather leave that there….hahaha.
After the barrel sampling we were taken into a tabernacle type of room and had the further pleasure of indulging in older vintages. The experience was mid-blowing and unforgettable, with rich and extracted wines, but nonetheless not overpowering and heavy. Again the aging power of these elegant wines surprised me and I stood in awe. Whites and reds alike where superb and hats off to Louis Jadot for rescuing the pride of Bourgogne.
After our visit we made a team decision to let the pride of Bourgogne rest to keep the growing image in tact. We did not want to spoil the chances to visit this region again and the verdict was that we will head down to the Vallee du Rhone for a quick pit-stop and from there push on towards HOME. As we stopped at some known watering holes in the Rhone, the realisation set in…our FABULOUS Roadtrip of 2008 was drawing to an end and the nostalgic atmosphere was heavy in the little Peugeot as it dragged itself down the A9 en route for Montpellier.
So, last chance for Bourgogne it was too be…
…and Louis Jadot, macro-producers in the central part of Bourgogne was the saving grace for this region and has given us a reason to perhaps one day return to this area. However the debate in my head is still raging and I have not been able to conclude on this chapter of confusion…
As poorly as we have been treated on day12, so good have we been received at a. A super-professional set-up and tremendous welcome was a very good start to the day to set our minds and palates at ease. The fisrt impression when we walked into the cellar was…”what the hec….?” But then our guide, a professional sommelier (again) started to explain the circular lay-out, its overhanging pipes and cables and how it all fits together. It was truly magnificent. The technology was astounding yet simplistic and simple to work. Lots of space and open areas so that nobody has to fall over each other to get the work done. For me it was by far the best cellar design I have seen in my life. Simply perfect! So down we went to the barrel cellar that was less spectacular than some of the others we have seen on this trip, nevertheless again nothing fancy and extremely workable. But as they say, the proof is in the pudding…
…and as we started to taste FROM THE BARRELS, the arrogance and exclusivity of Bourgogne started to present itself and a realisation of what this region was all about started to make more sense. Perhaps the reason why people are protective over the small part of superior earth that they have been given to cultivate? I am not sure yet if this IS the explanation. But as the tasting continued and Stephan explained to us the different small parcels and appellations it was clear that Bourgogne was indeed a special place. The wines were stunning. And the variations between parcels were profound. Lots of red berry fruit, leathery notes, mocca and coffee beans, violet flowers, white spices. The mouth sensations were different depending on the barrel maturity. But elegant, velvety and silky smooth wines. Not as tannic and powerful ass some of the other wines we have tasted till now. And for me Gevrey-Chambertin coming out tops of all the villages. It has been described as being the most feminine style in Bourgogne, but let us rather leave that there….hahaha.
After the barrel sampling we were taken into a tabernacle type of room and had the further pleasure of indulging in older vintages. The experience was mid-blowing and unforgettable, with rich and extracted wines, but nonetheless not overpowering and heavy. Again the aging power of these elegant wines surprised me and I stood in awe. Whites and reds alike where superb and hats off to Louis Jadot for rescuing the pride of Bourgogne.
After our visit we made a team decision to let the pride of Bourgogne rest to keep the growing image in tact. We did not want to spoil the chances to visit this region again and the verdict was that we will head down to the Vallee du Rhone for a quick pit-stop and from there push on towards HOME. As we stopped at some known watering holes in the Rhone, the realisation set in…our FABULOUS Roadtrip of 2008 was drawing to an end and the nostalgic atmosphere was heavy in the little Peugeot as it dragged itself down the A9 en route for Montpellier.
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