Posts from the ‘Burgundy’ Category

Apr 25

In The Vineyard with Julie Belland

Julie Belland at the gates of Chassagne-Montrachet Morgeot Premier Cru Clos Pitois

Bordering Santenay in Chassagne-Montrachet, sits Clos Pitois, the 3ha monopole of Domaine Roger Belland. Created in 1421, this climat is planted to half Pinot Noir and half Chardonnay, and was purchased by Julie Belland’s grandfather on his wedding day in the 1950′s, when he then replanted Clos Pitois for the fifth time since its original planting by the monks of Abbaye de Morgeot, the remains of which sit just down the road.

Julie, a young and vivacious vintner with a funky flair, produced her first solo vintage at her father’s Domaine in 2009, and had just showcased her wines at the Salon des Jeunes Talents at Les Grands Jours de Bourgogne. We were so happy to have had much time at Julie’s side, as she’s such a joyful presence, and she makes incredible wines. After meeting Julie at the Domaine, we drove to Clos Pitois, where she explained how she works the vineyards. Read more

Apr 19

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Early Spring in Burgundy

A picnic downslope from Volnay

On our trip to Burgundy, I took over 500 photos, many of which will not make it into our blog posts about our vignerons. And so…I thought we might celebrate the visual delights of spring in the City with some eye candy from Burgundy…

Apr 16

Jean-Michel Gaunoux in Meursault

The day we arrived in Burgundy, we met with Jean-Michel Gaunoux. Located in the white wine commune of Meursault, his cellar was constructed by his maternal grandparents, but it wasn’t until 1990, that Jean-Michel halted his work with his father, Francois of Domaine Francois Gaunoux (and the son of the famed Henri Gaunoux), to establish his own Domaine. Upon our arrival, a certain group dynamic was established when we realized our need to rely on Danielle, our most well-spoken French speaker.

A warm and unassuming man, Jean-Michel led us with a soft smile down to the cellar, where we perused the dusty bottles lying in wait. Here, amidst barrels and spectacular patterns of mold on the vaulted brick walls, he holds each vintage until it’s ready to be released, including his 1998 Pommard, which apparently is still too tight for the market. After a brief tour, we ascended the spiral staircase to visit the tasting room, so that we could taste through the bottles.

Apr 9

Tasting at Domaine Tortochot

Last week, we published our first piece on the journey to Burgundy, beginning with our trip to Domaine Tortochot, and now it’s time to follow with some tasting notes. After walking through the 2011 vintage, sampling from the cellar barrels, we moved to the tasting room upstairs to taste from the bottles.

Mar 27

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Domaine Tortochot

On Friday, we had the great fortune of visiting Domaine Tortochot in Gevrey-Chambertin. And though Chantal Tortochot was away on business, we toured the cellar with Marianne, Chantal’s assistant.

As a 4th generation vintner, Chantal worked with her father, Gabriel Tortochot, until he passed away in 2001, when she took over the Domaine. With a total of 11ha, Tortochot owns 30 parcels, which is unusual in Gevrey-Chambertin where there are 90 producers, many of whom rent their vineyards. In addition to their holdings in Gevery-Chambertin, the family also owns seven rows of the famed Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru.

Mar 26

Back from Burgundy

The girls are back in town from an amazing trip to Burgundy. In three days we covered brilliant grounds: Jean-Michel Gaunoux in Meursault, Domaine Tortochot in Gevrey-Chambertin, Salon des Jeunes Talents at Les Grands Jours in Beaune, The Hospices de Beaune, Domaine Henri Delagrange in Volnay and Pommard, and Domaine Roger Belland with holdings in Santenay, Puligny and Chassange Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay, Maranges and Pommard. We had such a lovely time spending time with our producers, who are all so incredibly delightful; and are eternally grateful to all who made this trip possible. Stay tuned for much more to come.

Jan 19

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Domaine Tortochot

“Chantal Tortochot, who directs this biologically farmed 11 ha domaine, described 2009 as a ‘classic vintage…the wines have tasted good since the very beginning and this included before the malos were completed. They should age well but have that wonderful benefit of being approachable young.’ The Tortochot wines are relatively old school in terms of style and structure though they do evidence noticable wood when the wines are young.”

–Allen Meadows (Burghound, Jan. 2012)

Oct 26

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Burgundy Tasting at Studio TEW

Monday night, we hosted a tasting at Studio TEW to showcase our Burgundy wines. Featuring selections from Romain Bouchard in Chablis, alongside wines from Domaine Roger Belland, Domaine Jean-Michel Gaunoux, Domaine Delagrange, and Domaine Tortochot, all of whom reside in Cote d’Or, the event was held in house–an intimate space –for some of our closest friends at T. Edward Wines.

Sep 12

Harvest Report from Domaine Tortochot in Burgundy

We just received these awesome photographs, accompanied by a harvest report, from Domaine Tortochot in Burgundy:

The spring in Burgundy, and in much of France, this year was unusually hot. By the time of flowering around the 20th of May the vines were already 3 weeks ahead of schedule. The beautiful and warm weather continued through June. Then the rains and storms came in July and August. The heart of summer was abnormally cool and wet. Gevrey was even hit by hail on the 24th of July that significantly reduced the expected yields from many vineyards. Fortunately, the overall quality of the remaining grapes was good. At Tortochot a rigorous de-leafing of the northern exposed side of the vines was performed. This practice allows for both a better aeration of the vines to prevent mildew and rot as well as opening the bunches to better penetration of the copper and sulfur sprays. These are the only treatments used at Tortochot as they are certified organic.