Elden Selection’s Burgundy Wine Palate Advisor – Your Online Guide
Have you tried Elden Selection's Burgundy Wine Palate Advisor tool yet? It's an innovative way to discover wines that match your palate preferences. These are not just generic labels to categorize a wine, though; our tasting notes are based on thirty years of experience in the Burgundy wine industry! The Domaine de Cromey, home of BurgundyWine.com by Elden Selections, embodies this spirit of excellence... Continue »
Apr 22, 2024 at 1:03 PM
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Understanding Wine Vintages and The Pending 2022 Burgundy Release
How To Understand Different Wine Vintages: The term "vintage" is often used in relation to wine and many other things too, but it’s not always well understood. Does it simply mean old, or does it refer to good quality, or the best of something? In its own way, it can mean all of these things. Essentially, for a wine the term “vintage” refers to the year in which the grapes were harvested. This is a crucial marker, because it can impact the wine's taste, quality, aging potential, collectability, and value. Continue »
Mar 29, 2024 at 3:49 PM
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How to Read a Wine Label
Make Your Burgundy Wine. Experience Even More Enjoyable By Learning How To Read A Wine Label: Wine is a complex and fascinating subject that affects us on many levels, both consciously and subconsciously. It's not just the taste and aroma of the wine that impacts us, but also the visual cues that we receive from the label. Continue »
Mar 22, 2024 at 3:15 PM
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Heart of Burgundy Newsletter - February 2024
Here we are in the depths of winter, that time of year when we dream about someplace else. So it’s appropriate that the theme of this issue is planning your trip to the Domaine de Cromey, and all that that might entail. Cromey: the place; the vineyard; the recipes and of course the wine. It’s all here. And even more than you might imagine... Continue »
Feb 9, 2024 at 11:56 PM
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A New Era: Pouilly-Fuissé finally gets its Premier Cru status
Until September 2020, the Mâconnais region was the only wine growing region in Burgundy with no hierarchy of vines—no classifications of the best plots in the way that they are in other regions. Yet this was an area well used to producing world-renowned white wines from the Chardonnay grape—Pouilly-Fuissé in particular... Continue »
Jan 17, 2024 at 11:30 AM
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Heart of Burgundy Newsletter - New Year Issue
Janus, the Roman god after whom the month of January is named, is usually depicted with two faces, one facing back and one facing forward. And so it has been since ancient times, that on the cusp of the new year, we look back, and we anticipate. 2023 was an exciting year for burgundywine.com and the Domaine de Cromey here in Burgundy... Continue »
Jan 10, 2024 at 11:45 PM
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A Look Back To The 2017 Vintage
The 2017 harvest in Burgundy was a story of better fortunes and welcome relief from the trials and tribulations experienced the previous year. It’s true that wine-growing Europe suffered widespread spring frosts in 2017 which seriously affected producers—but for once, they were generally not Burgundy producers. Continue »
Dec 21, 2023 at 6:00 PM
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Heart of Burgundy Newsletter - December 2023
December marks a turning point in the year here in Burgundy. The harvest is over. The new wine is agitated, not ready to settle just yet. The light-hearted heavy heads of the Hospices de Beaune festivities give way to a serenity that comes from a job well done. Winter settles in. Thoughts turn to wood fires. Another wardrobe. The smell of pine fills Cromey's pressoir hall. The holidays arrive. We here at Cromey spend a good part of our year making ready for this season. Continue »
Dec 16, 2023 at 11:00 PM
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Spotlight on: Domaine Joliet – from Burgundy to the New York Times
Founded by the Cistercians in 1142, the famous vineyard known as Clos de Perrière was purchased in 1853 by the Joliet family, who own it to this day (5 hectares of vines and the imposing Manoir de la Perrière in the appellation Fixin, located at the northerly end of the Cote de Nuits). There has been a building there since before the famous monks of the area arrived... Continue »
Dec 5, 2023 at 11:47 AM
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Heart of Burgundy Newsletter - November 2023
Coming to you from the Domaine de Cromey in the heart of Burgundy, it gives me great pleasure to introduce our new monthly newsletter, aptly named 'Heart of Burgundy'. The Domaine de Cromey is the home of Elden Selections and burgundywine.com. Continue »
Nov 14, 2023 at 10:00 PM
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Heart of Burgundy Newsletter - October 2023
Our inaugural edition of our newsletter, keeping you up to date on the latest Burgundy wine news. Continue »
Oct 12, 2023 at 3:00 AM
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A Look Back at Our 2016 Vintage Report
If it sometimes seems like the life of a winemaker in Burgundy is a constant diet of sunshine, warm days in the field and effortlessly great wines, then years like 2016 exist to remind us that this isn’t so. Sometimes, it’s hard – brutally hard. You may not know if you’ll be left with any wine at all at the end of it. So if your first taste of the 2016 vintage grabs your attention, then think how lucky you are to be drinking it – because the winemakers certainly think themselves lucky too. Continue »
Sep 13, 2023 at 2:15 PM
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Domaine or Chateau?
Most drinkers of French wines are familiar with the terms Domaine and Chateau, and maybe even climat or clos, but how many of us can really define exactly what they mean? Continue »
Sep 6, 2023 at 1:31 PM
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Complementary Sensations: The Bouquet in the Glass (and in the Vase)
Our ability to experience senses is one of the greatest wonders of the human brain. Scientists even now are only beginning to get a full understanding of how our senses are inter-related. When it comes to taste and smell, we know that these senses can be subtly influenced by others, such as what we see and hear. In the context of wine... Continue »
Aug 30, 2023 at 10:20 AM
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Ladoix
The thirsty traveller, having lunched in Dijon and travelling south through the Cote de Nuits for refreshment in Burgundy, will eventually reach Ladoix-Serrigny. It marks the start of the Cote de Beaune. That it should be associated with ‘beginnings’ is particularly apt, for the name Ladoix means ‘water spring’ in old French. To get technical, Ladoix is actually made up of the village of Serrigny and two hamlets – Ladoix and Buisson. But for now, let’s leave that aside and focus on the more important matter at hand – the wines produced here. Continue »
Aug 15, 2023 at 3:15 PM
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Wine Etiquette - Does it Matter?
There is a lot of ritual around wine drinking. Some of it is for good reason (the way you hold a glass, sniff the aroma, and taste the wine does matter, especially if it’s an expensive wine with a complex character like those listed on BurgundyWine.com by Elden Selections). But can it be taken too far? Continue »
Aug 8, 2023 at 12:51 PM
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Places to see around Domaine de Cromey: Beaune
Domaine de Cromey, the home of Elden Selections in Burgundy, is the perfect base for your vacation of a lifetime in Burgundy — not simply because of its charm and history, but for its location amongst some of the most fascinating attractions in all of France. In this part of our series looking at the world-class sights to be seen around Domaine de Cromey, we profile the iconic town of Beaune, the historic center of Burgundy’s wine trade and a global icon for excellence in wines. Continue »
Jun 6, 2023 at 1:00 PM
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Places to see around Domaine de Cromey: Château du Clos de Vougeot
Domaine de Cromey, the home of Elden Selections in Burgundy, is the perfect base for your vacation of a lifetime in Burgundy – not simply because of its charm and history, but for its location amongst some of the most fascinating attractions in all of France. In this part of our series looking at the world-class sights to be seen around Domaine de Cromey, we profile the Château du Clos de Vougeot... Continue »
May 19, 2023 at 2:14 PM
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Forbes’ Magazine Cites Elden Selections in Bourgogne vs Burgundy debate
There can be few things more personal and quintessential to a place than its name. A lot hangs on it—not least legacy and future reputation—and many an argument has raged fiercely over a humble name. The same is true in the wine world, an industry where passions run high and recognisability and authenticity are paramount. Continue »
Mar 2, 2023 at 1:57 PM
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Maison Capitain-Gagnerot
Through life we meet many people, but perhaps the most important and memorable times are when we meet a great teacher. When they introduce us to new ideas, show us things in a different light, and teach us lessons that will stay with us forever—that’s when you know you’ve met someone special. And so it was for us, when Elden Selections first met Roger Capitain... Continue »
Feb 24, 2023 at 2:05 PM
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Fearless, Good and Bold – The Wine-Loving Dukes of Burgundy
Religions, wars and the nobility are intertwined with one another throughout the long and rich history of Burgundy and its wines. For many centuries, it was the religious orders of the monks in France who held the land and tended the vines around their Abbeys. Some Abbeys... Continue »
Feb 9, 2023 at 3:45 PM
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Maranges and Santenay
In close proximity to the splendid baronial manor house of Domaine de Cromey—the home of BurgundyWine.com and Elden Selections—lies the appellation of Maranges. This southerly Cote de Beaune appellation produces wines from three communes... Continue »
Jan 18, 2023 at 2:25 PM
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Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
Postponed for two years but finally being held this year, the Saint-Vincent du Chablisien festival is taking place in the village of Fleys, in the heart of the wonderful Chablis vineyards. Held over 4 / 5 February 2023, the festival’s programme includes a banquet, special tastings, cellar tours and other activities in a beautiful and historic setting. Continue »
Jan 10, 2023 at 9:01 AM
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Côte Chalonnaise
Boundaries exist for many reasons. They can delimit regions that are older than memory, or simply be expedient lines drawn on a map. History and geography, but also politics and favoritism, create boundaries. Wine regions are no different... Continue »
Dec 27, 2022 at 11:50 AM
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Mighty Neighborly
Travel is a wonderful thing. It broadens the mind, refreshes the soul—and as the saying goes, a change is as good as a rest. But it’s always great to return home to Burgundy—there’s really no place like it... Continue »
Dec 6, 2022 at 12:01 PM
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Chambolle-Musigny
Chambolle, one of the prettiest villages in the Côte de Nuits, takes its name rather dramatically from the French words ‘champ bouillant’ meaning ‘boiling or bubbling field’. This isn’t a reference to any unusually hot climate, but instead refers to the torrential floods which can flow down nearby hillsides after heavy rainfall. But for our purposes, we’re more concerned... Continue »
Nov 23, 2022 at 4:45 PM
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Fining and Filtration
The processes of fining and filtering wine are not exactly new, nor is the way they split the opinions of enthusiasts and producers alike; there has always been controversy over whether to use either (or neither) and what this really means for the wine in question. Continue »
Nov 8, 2022 at 11:30 AM
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All You Need to Know About Wine Bottles
We often give a lot of thought to the color and character of the wine in a bottle, but not so much thought to the bottles themselves. Perhaps you think they’re all more or less the same? Far from being uniform across all wine types, the bottles we drink from have their own characters too, with many different designs... Continue »
Oct 30, 2022 at 10:32 PM
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Aloxe-Corton
The history of wine in Burgundy is almost indistinguishable from that of the royalty and nobility of this ancient land. Take the village of Aloxe-Corton, for example. First mentioned in 696, it has an almost mystical appeal... Continue »
Oct 21, 2022 at 4:11 PM
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The Opening Ceremony - How to Open a Bottle of Wine
Drinking wine, especially good wine, is akin to a sort of ritual. We get pleasure from selecting the bottle, slicing the foil, pulling the cork (and that satisfying pop) before we even get around to sniffing and tasting. As with most things in life, to open a bottle properly - without risking ruining the cork, the wine or both – requires the right tools for the job. Let’s take a look... Continue »
Oct 14, 2022 at 2:31 PM
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30 wines under $35
While it’s true that Burgundy is often associated with world-renowned and very expensive wines, there is an undiscovered world of small-production high-quality true-Burgundy wines out there, at prices that allow you to pull out a Burgundy without the worry. These are everyday drinking wines... Continue »
Oct 13, 2022 at 2:01 PM
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Ready for the next step in your Burgundy wine journey? Join the Club!
If you’re ready to begin your journey through the very best wines that Burgundy has to offer, all from the comfort of your own home, then you’ve come to the right place. Step inside and be welcomed as an inaugural member of Elden Selections’ Burgundy Wine Club. Continue »
Oct 7, 2022 at 12:50 PM
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How to choose the right wine glass
If you’re serious about your wine (and if you’re reading this then you probably are), then you’ll want to give some thought to choosing your wine glass too. Its size and shape can make an appreciable difference to the whole drinking experience, so make yourself aware of the different types, and the science behind them. Continue »
Oct 6, 2022 at 11:21 AM
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A Beginner’s Guide to Chardonnay
The Chardonnay grape embodies what for many people would be the ideal characteristics they look for in a partner. Take its character – it’s not demanding or needy like some grapes, and can even alter its flavor to adapt to the region it’s grown in. Is it generous? You bet – good-sized bunches just bursting with flavor. How does it get on with others? Well... Continue »
Sep 30, 2022 at 12:30 PM
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Vintage Memories – the 2013 Campaign and Wines You Can Still Try
It was a small crop that Burgundy wine makers managed to gather in 2013, the fourth in as many years. Fortunes were split, as they often are; some of the wines were destined for great things, but for many it was a disastrous year. The locals call the weather conditions in a growing season ‘the campaign’ – which tells you a lot about the almost war-like mindset with which it’s approached. Continue »
Sep 28, 2022 at 5:35 PM
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The wines of the ‘Bare’ Mountain of Montrachet
There is a saying in Burgundy, that ‘the habit does not make the monk.’ This won’t surprise anyone who knows the history of the wine-loving monks of Burgundy’s many abbeys. But it applies particularly in the case of one of the jewels in the crown of Burgundy wine – that of Chassagne-Montrachet, in the Côte de Beaune. Continue »
Sep 23, 2022 at 2:15 PM
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Your invite to the New Domaine de Cromey Tasting Room!
The wine world can teach us many things about life – the circle of our lives and the influences of those who came before us. Sometimes the symbolism is subtle, and sometimes it’s the most obvious thing in the room, as it is with the huge wine wheel in the new Domaine de Cromey tasting room. Continue »
Sep 16, 2022 at 11:59 AM
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Rully
The village of Rully, in the Côte Chalonnaise, has one of those long histories that you only find in Europe. A wealthy Roman by the name of Rubilius is rumored to be the source of its name, which is now synonymous not only with quality red and white wines, but also, since... Continue »
Sep 9, 2022 at 1:10 PM
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Pommard
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the vineyards of Pommard – which border Volnay – produce similar wines to their neighbors – fragrant, delicate and with finesse. But as we know, Burgundy loves to catch us out, and Pommard is no exception... Continue »
Sep 2, 2022 at 11:15 AM
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A Cyclist’s Dream: Burgundy Biking Holidays from Domaine de Cromey
A holiday should be several things for the people who have planned and saved for it all year. First and foremost, it should be enjoyable – creating those life-long memories that are as vivid in 10 or 20 years as they are now. But it should also be refreshing to both the body and the soul. This means... Continue »
Aug 26, 2022 at 2:10 PM
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Morey-St-Denis
The Côte de Nuits village of Morey-St-Denis, with its emblem showing two running wolves, sits between two of the most famous names in Burgundy wine – Gevrey-Chambertin, and Chambolle-Musigny. To the south of Morey, Chambolle offers delicate wines, whilst its northerly neighbor Gevrey is known for... Continue »
Aug 16, 2022 at 2:33 PM
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Volnay
Volnay AOC situated in the Côte de Beaune, has a well deserved reputation for producing stunning Burgundy red wines. But, what of the name, you may wonder? It is in fact derived from... Continue »
Aug 8, 2022 at 8:01 AM
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Waste Not Want Not – Wine and the Circular Economy
These days we hear a lot about sustainability. Quite right too, as we now understand that our impact on the planet and its ecosystems needs to be minimised and some of the damage repaired. The world of wine has an advantage over many industries, in that it uses natural products and its processes have been sustainable since they first began thousands of years ago... Continue »
Aug 1, 2022 at 11:42 AM
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Chilling Wine
Chilling wine The wine enthusiast is constantly learning, (whether they know it or not!) – that’s part of the fun of the hobby. Maybe you didn’t know that red wines can be paired with fish dishes or perhaps you’ve not yet tried chilling a red wine just as you would do a white? As seasons change... Continue »
Jul 22, 2022 at 9:50 AM
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Why choose Burgundy, part 4 – The History
Why choose Burgundy? It’s a simple question. With so many wines on offer from all around the world, it’s a question some may find themselves asking. The answer—or rather, answers—will take us on a journey of discovery from the Kings, Dukes and thirsty monks of the Burgundian past to the colorful characters of the present day... Continue »
Jul 14, 2022 at 2:59 PM
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On the Up: Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Realises Its Potential
Whilst most wine drinkers have heard of (and sampled) the wines of the Côte de Beaune region of Burgundy, fewer have heard of the vineyards in the appellation found to its West, just behind the Côte de Nuits. Here you’ll find the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune, covering 29 villages which are home to... Continue »
Jun 30, 2022 at 1:45 PM
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Looking Back on 2018’s Astonishing Harvest
2018 marked an impressive milestone for winemaker Michel Arcelain. Astonishingly it was his 68th Burgundy grape harvest, and he was all smiles. He told us that in all the years he’d been harvesting here, he’d never known a year like 2018. Quite a statement! Continue »
Jun 24, 2022 at 5:15 PM
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Elden Selections Hidden Gem Makes New York Times Headline
Big news about a small producer landed recently in the New York Times – and it’s one of Elden Selections winemakers. If you’re a reader you may have seen an article about a certain Bénigne Joliet, expert proprietor of the Clos de la Perrière. He is one of Elden’s producers... Continue »
Jun 14, 2022 at 4:25 PM
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Vougeot
From little rivers, great oceans may flow. So it is with Vougeot, a small village in the Côte de Nuits, named after the little river Vouge. Though the smallest commune in the wider Côte d’Or region, it is also the largest Grand Cru clos (meaning ‘plot’ or ‘vineyard’). Most of the wine from Vougeot comes from this single vineyard – the outstanding Clos de Vougeot... Continue »
Jun 10, 2022 at 10:55 AM
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Bourgogne vs Burgundy
What’s in a name? Well, when it comes to wine from the region the English-speaking world calls Burgundy, that depends on where you are. If you’re French, for example, you’d be using the name Bourgogne for the same region, rather than the translation ‘Burgundy’. If you were Italian, the name you’d use would be ‘Borgogna’, whilst... Continue »
Jun 2, 2022 at 12:52 PM
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Côte de Beaune
In Burgundy, the name of the wine grower counts for as much as the vineyard, which is why they have a saying here – ‘there are no great wines, only great bottles of wine.’ This is true for the whole region, but especially so in the very heart of Bourgogne – the Côte d’Or (comprised of the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits). Continue »
May 27, 2022 at 1:00 PM
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The Perfect Burgundy Wine Glass
In August we posted a blog about how to choose the right wine glass. As we reflected on that blog post we came to see it as an educational piece covering wine glasses across the spectrum, illustrating many types of wine glasses for all different types of wines and wine varietals. Not really burgundy specific. So we sat down again with the team at Elden to re-examine this issue from a Burgundy perspective... Continue »
May 20, 2022 at 11:32 AM
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The Côte de Nuits – great wines, in a nutshell…
The Côte de Nuits is known for world-class Pinot Noir wines – it’s a cornucopia of superb reds (and a very few great whites), a jewel in the Burgundian crown, and many other superlatives – but in case you are practicing your French, it’s got nothing to do with the night-time. In fact, there is some debate as to... Continue »
May 14, 2022 at 11:03 AM
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Bouzeron
Finding truly great wines in Burgundy might be described as being a little like panning for gold. You know the nuggets of brilliance are out there, you just need to know where to look. But when it comes to the wines of the small village of Bouzeron in the Côte Chalonnaise, you find you are quite literally looking for gold... Continue »
May 5, 2022 at 1:55 PM
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On the ‘Lesser Appellation’ trail – the road to hidden Burgundy gems
If you want to become a famous winemaker, then one sure-fire way of doing it is to make famous wine. We’re not saying that everyone producing Chambertin should be famous, or makes great wine – as with all natural products, the quality varies. But if you’re making a famous appellation and doing it well, then customers will come to you and reward you sooner or later. That’s fine for big names – but what about smaller, ‘lesser’ appellations... Continue »
Apr 27, 2022 at 3:05 PM
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The Oudin Sisters
For the Oudins, wine production really is a family affair. The Domaine Oudin, in the commune of Chicheé, was founded in the late 1980s when Jean-Claude and wife Christine decided to say farewell to the stresses of their Parisian life and raise their two daughters on a vineyard they had inherited in the countryside. For fans of quality Chablis it was an excellent decision. Continue »
Apr 21, 2022 at 2:09 PM
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Why Choose Burgundy, part 3 - The Terroir
Why choose Burgundy? It’s a simple question. With so many wines on offer from all around the world, it’s a question some may find themselves asking. The answer—or rather, answers—will take us on a journey of discovery... Continue »
Apr 13, 2022 at 1:00 PM
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Aubert de Villaine leaves his role in Domaine Romanée-Conti
All good things must come to an end. Some good things, however, endure longer than others, including some people. The result is that they become a physical and also a spiritual part of the land on which they live, and part of the folklore of the place. If they’re very lucky, they’ll transcend borders and pass into legend... Continue »
Apr 3, 2022 at 11:58 AM
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Coming Home to Cromey
There’s something very special about experiencing great food and wine in the very place it was produced. Nowadays, modern logistics can do great things and get you wine and food from almost anywhere, wherever you live. But there’s a certain je ne sais pas about going to the actual (and spiritual) home of great food and wine—Burgundy—and smelling the freshness with your own senses, feeling the zing on your palate. Experiences matter, and the best linger on in the imagination years after they ended... Continue »
Mar 31, 2022 at 2:00 PM
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Wine Labels
Wine affects us on many levels, often very subtly. It makes us feel things both in terms of what we see when we buy it, and what we experience when drinking it. But it isn’t just the wine itself that speaks to our emotions; the label—probably the first thing we notice on a bottle—taps into our subconscious too... Continue »
Mar 23, 2022 at 10:10 AM
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How to Get the Most Out of Your Burgundy Wine Tasting
It’s easy to get carried away when we talk about how to taste wine. Burgundy wines can give us the most intense pleasures which may be hard to put into words—but still we try. Just remember that it isn’t strictly necessary to use any of these words/phrases to enjoy wine. The experience is no less important or... Continue »
Mar 15, 2022 at 12:01 PM
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The Wine Women of Burgundy
In the world of wine, some things count above all else: knowledge, passion, skill and respect for nature. Other things, like gender, matter much less today, thankfully, than they did in the years gone by. Without a doubt, though, women vintners have often had to work twice as hard as their male counterparts despite being equally adept at making good wine. But once recognized, they become more revered for their wines than many male producers. Continue »
Mar 7, 2022 at 9:47 AM
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Why Choose Burgundy, part 2 – The People
Why choose Burgundy? It’s a simple question. With so many wines on offer from all around the world, it’s a question some may find themselves asking. The answer—or rather, answers—will take us on a journey of discovery from the Kings, Dukes and thirsty monks of the Burgundian past to the colorful characters of the present day, via rolling hillsides and mysteries of the terroir. In this, the second part of our series, we look at some of the memorable and unique characters we’ve had the pleasure of getting to know over our years in Burgundy. Continue »
Mar 2, 2022 at 11:07 AM
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The Wine Curator - Beyond Negociants
Over centuries of great winemaking in the Burgundy region, several different routes to market have developed. Each brings its own advantages and challenges. The role of the negociant, for example, is one of the oldest and best-known models in Burgundy – a merchant buys grapes from smaller vineyards, blends them and sells the resulting bottles. The prevailing model until the 1980s was to buy wine from negociants, but this began to lose ground in favor of the producers themselves bottling their own wine, under their own domain name. Now there was a bigger selection of names and styles – customers could really get to know the land plot by plot, according to who grew where. More enticing, this individualistic route to market, than the large, mass market negociants. Continue »
Feb 24, 2022 at 1:51 PM
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Chardonnay
Writing an article about Chardonnay is a little like writing about baseball or golf. It’s been written about almost exhaustively – it’s globally well known, beloved by millions, and few have anything new to say about it that hasn’t already been said. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a topic worth writing about. Continue »
Nov 23, 2021 at 12:45 PM
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Low Yield Wines
When thinking of harvests, it’s often easy to associate large yields with good years, and therefore great wines. But it doesn’t really work like that. Indeed, many believe that the best producers tend to have smaller yields, and there are many fine examples of this in Burgundy. As with everything to do with Burgundy wine, there are no hard and fast rules—you have to know and trust the winemaker, and appreciate that a wine is a multifaceted wonder, the product of many different factors. So what do we mean by ‘low yield’, and why might it be low? And what characteristics can a low yield give a wine? Continue »
Nov 9, 2021 at 3:35 PM
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Why Choose Burgundy? Part 1 - the Grapes
Why choose Burgundy? It’s a simple question. With so many wines on offer from all around the world, it’s a question some may find themselves asking. The answer—or rather, answers—will take us on a journey of discovery from the Kings, Dukes and thirsty monks of the Burgundian past to the colorful characters of the present day, via rolling hillsides and mysteries of the terroir. In this, the first part of our series, we look at the grapes used to make Burgundy wine; how they differ from other grapes, why they’re so special and how they came to dominate. Continue »
Nov 2, 2021 at 3:57 PM
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The Wisdom of Old Vines
With great age comes character, wisdom, maybe the odd creak and groan. Age brings many things to old vines, too. But what do we mean by ‘old’? Well, the oldest living grape vine in the world is, according to the Guinness Book of Records, to be found in Slovenia, at over 400 years old. That may be an extreme case. But when we talk about vines in general, ‘adulthood’ comes around 7/8 years after planting. ‘Maturity’ happens from 12-25 years, roughly speaking. And vines aren’t usually considered ‘old’ until they’ve got at least a quarter of a century of age (25-50 years or more). Continue »
Oct 26, 2021 at 11:21 AM
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Harvest 2021 – reaping mixed rewards from a difficult year
The winds of change are blowing once more through Burgundy’s rolling countryside. At this time of year—summed up by the poet John Keats as being one of ‘mists and mellow fruitfulness’—thoughts turn from the bright colors and heat of summer to the more subdued hues of Fall and a return indoors. Here, by roaring fireside we contemplate the year just gone, and begin to look to the one ahead. Change is the only constant in nature, and for the winemakers of this region it means harvesting those precious grapes that they have worked so hard to protect, over what has been one of the toughest years ever for Burgundy producers. Continue »
Oct 19, 2021 at 11:31 AM
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On Terroir Firma – the Secret of Successful Soil
There are many things that go into making a great wine. Many oenophiles can argue well into the night about the relative merits of each, but it usually comes down to the same factors; the climate and conditions the year the grapes were harvested (otherwise known as the vintage); the type of grapes grown; the wine producer and their skill and techniques; and the elevation and soil type the grapes were grown in. It’s this last one that we’re interested in here – the soils and rock in the ground where the vines are planted, also known as terroir. Continue »
Oct 12, 2021 at 1:57 PM
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Seeing Into the Futures – Buying Wine En Primeur
In Burgundy, it’s true to say that charity begins at Beaune. The well-known charity auction at the former hospital – the Hospices de Beaune – rightly attracts a lot of interest, combining its philanthropic efforts with an impressive wine estate. In the current climate, these activities have probably never been more important. Continue »
Sep 28, 2021 at 11:18 AM
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How to Grow Plump Wine Grapes for a Deep and Complex Homemade Wine
Although wine can be made from any type of grape, wine grapes are in a class of their own if you’re looking to produce a rich and complex wine. They’re smaller, full of seeds, and have thicker skins, and while they may not be as tasty as table grapes when eaten fresh, they also have a higher sugar and juice content, making them ideal for turning into wine. Continue »
Sep 3, 2021 at 9:42 AM
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BURGUNDY WINE CLUB
The new Burgundy Wine Club, run by the team at Elden Selections, has a simple mission – but one that has a particular resonance in the current climate. Their aim is to have fun with family and friends in the world of wine – and they will deliver on this promise with an innovative and rewarding journey that’s promised to all members. Continue »
Aug 12, 2021 at 11:28 AM
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PAIRING RED WINE AND FISH
There’s a lot to think about when pairing food and red wine – especially when you’re cooking fish. Yes, you read that right – red wine with fish. It’s true that the received wisdom still often says only white wine should be served with fish. But in fact, there are many great red wines which can be drunk with fish – a whole other world of taste sensations that you may not have considered yet. Fish can have delicate, nuanced flavors and can risk being overpowered, so some care is needed. Read on for some helpful tips and examples of red wine and fish pairings! Continue »
Aug 2, 2021 at 1:06 PM
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SAINT ROMAIN
While technically part of the Cote de Beaune, the village appellation of Saint-Romain is in a completely isolated valley situated to the north of the primary escarpment of the Cote d’Or. Its higher altitude and less “perfect” situation relegated it to a lower rung on the hierarchy historically, because it is more difficult for grapes in such a position to achieve optimal ripeness. However, given the ever-escalating temperatures in Burgundy over the past decade, Saint-Romain rarely suffers from ripeness issues anymore—and in fact, it can offer freshness and vibrancy in warmer vintages. Continue »
Jul 28, 2021 at 1:14 PM
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ORGANIC, BIODYNAMIC OR NATURAL?
The wine world is never short of descriptive terms, all trying to convey the inexpressible pleasure that the fruits of the vine can offer. We all have our own ways of describing our favorite tipples. You can get technical, too, when talking about how the wines were made in the first place. Here, we stumble upon something of a minefield (or should that be vine-field?) of terminology. Take the following commonly used terms: organic, biodynamic, and natural. What do they really mean, and what sort of wines do they produce? Let’s explore each one, and meet some of their proponents in Burgundy. Continue »
Jul 23, 2021 at 1:20 PM
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The wine capital of the world? All roads lead to Burgundy...
"Does Macron like Bordeaux?" At first it may seem like an interesting enough question, and if you asked him, he’d probably say he enjoyed French wine of all kinds (at least if he knew what was good for him). It was a question asked recently by the French media, on hearing that the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) is looking for a new home for its headquarters. Rumors sprang up that President Emmanuel Macron had allegedly backed Burgundy as the best place for its new home. Continue »
Jul 16, 2021 at 10:08 AM
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Anything But Chardonnay...
The renown of the Chardonnay grape has now truly spread right around the world, but it has often been the subject of a love-hate relationship. It seems to come in cycles – when people fall out of love with the Chardonnay grape they may gravitate towards other grapes like Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier or Riesling. When they’ve had their fill of those, there’s a resurgence of Chardonnay. Continue »
Jul 7, 2021 at 11:12 AM
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OAK & BARRELS
Anyone who has ever wandered into a wine cellar for a barrel tasting remembers the charm. The dim light, the glass pipette, the swirling and spitting, and the privilege of witnessing something magical in the making. Continue »
Jun 30, 2021 at 9:03 AM
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ELLIE’S COOKBOOK – FISH DISHES AND WHAT TO DRINK WITH THEM
It’s often said that if Paris is France’s head, and Champagne her soul, then Burgundy is her stomach. With such an array of fine foods and wines to savor, you may feel a little overwhelmed, perhaps wondering where to begin. Luckily, there are some excellent recipes to get to know from the region, many of which are contained within Ellie’s cookbook and often made at the Domaine de Cromey. Whether it’s meat, seafood, vegetarian or sweet dishes that make your mouth water, there is inspiration to be found on its pages for almost any appetite. Continue »
Jun 29, 2021 at 1:26 PM
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Irancy— An Undiscovered Gem in Burgundy
On slopes above the Yonne river valley 15 km from Chablis, a handful of winemakers are growing Pinot Noir at the northernmost limit of its possibility. While Chablis, of course, is famous and white, Irancy has always been red and has always lived in... Continue »
Jun 16, 2021 at 8:59 AM
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CRÉMANT VS PROSECCO
When the weather is warm and you have something to celebrate, we naturally look for sparkling wines. This year looks certain to be no exception. And there’s no shortage of choice; Prosecco continues to be hugely popular, as does Champagne. But so too does the third option here – Crémant de Bourgogne, which competes superbly on both quality and price. So what is Crémant, exactly? How does it differ from Prosecco, and why is it such a popular drink? Continue »
Jun 14, 2021 at 1:33 PM
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DOMAINE JEAN FERY
We first came across the Domaine Jean Fery some years ago when we met up with Pascal Marchand. He’d recently been liberated from the world of corporate winemaking, and was setting up his own negociant house in Nuits-St-George at the time. It was great to catch up; driving in his car, we left Nuits St George along the Hautes Cotes ridge road. As we arrived in a place called Echevronne, nestling between Beaune and Nuits-St-Georges, we could see vineyard workers getting a horse down from its trailer. This, Pascal told me, was the Domaine Jean Fery. Continue »
Jun 9, 2021 at 10:55 AM
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Burgundy Wine and Burgundy Cheese
Food and Wine Pairings in a Microcosm One of the best things about living in a traditional food and wine culture is that you don’t necessarily have to be traditional. Living in Burgundy, we enjoy a culinary tradition that runs deep. The cuisine is world-renowned and the wines a... Continue »
Jun 1, 2021 at 3:11 PM
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VILLAGES OF THE CÔTE DE BEAUNE – POMMARD
Beaune – the eponymous heart of both the Côte de Beaune and the wider Burgundy region – has always represented everything good about the wines and wonders of this hallowed ground. Lately, however, the reputation of other villages has grown, just as the popularity and cache of Burgundy has spread all around the world. In fact, it’s usually the vineyards of these villages that become famous now, more than the places themselves. True wine lovers understand that it’s the soil in these plots of land – the famous terroir – that really define Burgundy and the wines it produces. Continue »
May 20, 2021 at 1:39 PM
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MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION ; DOMAINE FÉLIX SAINT BRIS
In simple layperson’s terms MLF in wine in the transformation of the ‘tart’ malic acid bacteria (similar to that in a green apple) into ‘softer’ lactic acid bacteria. Continue »
May 4, 2021 at 11:05 AM
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VOSNE-ROMANÉE
‘The jewel in Burgundy’s crown.’ ‘The central pearl of her necklace’. These, and many other superlatives, have long been attributed to one of Burgundy’s brightest stars – the commune of Vosne-Romanée. Known for its world-class red wines (about 90% of all the wines grown here are from Pinot Noir grapes) it has been a hub of wine production for more than a millennium. As is often the case, its roots can be traced back to the monks of a nearby monastery – in this case, Saint Vivant. These wily men of God were amongst the first to realise the potential (and value) of the land they lived on. One of these plots of land would become very valuable indeed – a Prince named Conti gave his name to it, and Romanée-Conti has been astounding wine drinkers ever since. Continue »
Apr 29, 2021 at 11:06 AM
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HOW TO STORE WINE
Good wine, like many things in life, gets better with age. Wine is also an investment – of time, money, and love, which should be protected, and stored properly. Plus, storing wine is really part and parcel of the hobby of wine – of course, we drink some wines straight away, but there’s a real joy in discovering which wines benefit the most from some cellar time, and exactly what subtle changes we can pick up. So for all these reasons, it’s handy to know the basics of wine storage. Continue »
Apr 19, 2021 at 11:09 AM
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BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CHABLIS
There are many reasons to search out true Chablis. Perhaps you love Chardonnay? Chablis is a unique expression of the grape, and will teach you something new about it. Perhaps you dislike Chardonnay? Then Chablis could well change your mind about, and prove that not all Chardonnays are the same. Perhaps you’re looking for a sure-fire accompaniment to many seafood dishes? Then look no further. Maybe you dislike oak in wines? For sure, there are many over-oaked Chardonnays in the world, however oak is rarely used in Chablis. Or maybe you live in a land-locked part of the world, but want to feel like you’re on the beach on a breezy coast? Chablis could be the solution – its lean, saline flavors can transport you there. Continue »
Apr 12, 2021 at 11:12 AM
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HOW LONG SHOULD YOU KEEP A CHABLIS?
We often get great questions from our customers and fellow wine enthusiasts. One memorable question was how long we recommended you keep a Chablis for… What is your recommendation for the latest date a Chablis should be drunk, i.e. 4 years, 6 years, 8 years? Continue »
Mar 19, 2021 at 11:18 AM
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STEPHANIE SAUMAIZE AND THE CHATEAU DE VERGISSON
Pouilly-Fuissé wines – opulent, noble whites from the Mâconnais region – are sold under an appellation of the same name. The name is taken from two distinct villages in the area of production – Pouilly and Fuissé. Wines of nearby Vergisson and Chaintre are also sold under the same appellation. But look a bit deeper into the name Vergisson and you will find a further pairing of great names – those of Stephanie Saumaize and Pierre Laroche, who together set up the Domaine du Chateaux de Vergisson, in 2012. Continue »
Mar 10, 2021 at 11:22 AM
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MONTHÉLIE
For many in Burgundy – and in the world beyond its borders – wine is something akin to a religion. Its mysteries are celebrated and revered; it requires faith (in the weather and the vintner); and it brings solace and joy to millions. No surprise, therefore, that the Burgundian writer Pierre Poupin described the lovely village of Monthélie in religious terms – ‘prettily nestled into the curve of the hillside like the head of St John against the shoulder of Jesus’. Continue »
Mar 1, 2021 at 11:31 AM
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SAVIGNY-LÈS-BEAUNE
“Theological, nourishing and death-defying”. The local motto of the large village of Savigny-lès-Beaune certainly makes some bold claims about the wines that are produced here. Many would swear to all three, however, after tasting these wines, which are amongst the finest in Burgundy and surely one of its best-kept secrets. Continue »
Feb 22, 2021 at 11:37 AM
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BURGUNDY WINE AND BURGUNDY CHEESE
Living in a place rich in culinary tradition – as we do at Domaine de Cromey in the heart of Burgundy – doesn’t mean you always have to be traditional. The love of food and wine runs deep here, and living in the thick of it allows for an even deeper appreciation. Continue »
Feb 16, 2021 at 10:12 AM
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BURGUNDY ROSÉ
Somewhat less spoken of than red and white wines – but certainly no less enjoyable – are the rosé wines of Burgundy. Known as Bourgogne Rosé , they are made from grapes that may be grown in more than 300 communes in the Burgundy region. Most communes are in Saône et Loire, but they’re also found in the Côte d’Or, Rhône and Yonne. Regional appellation status has been theirs since the 1940’s. Continue »
Feb 1, 2021 at 10:35 AM
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A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO PINOT NOIR
You may have been drinking red Burgundy wines for many years, but how much time have you spent considering the grape they’re made from? We know that red Burgundy is (virtually without exception) made from Pinot Noir grapes, so let’s take a look at this fascinating variety – it’s history, style, character, and some of the wonderful wines it can produce. Continue »
Jan 27, 2021 at 10:40 AM
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DOMAINE ELODIE ROY
Native Côte de Beaune winemaker Elodie Roy – proprietor of Domaine Elodie Roy and creator of some of the excellent reds from Santenay and Maranges – describes taking over the family domain in 2018 as her mid-life crisis. It was certainly a brave move, with no guarantees of success – but out of a crisis came some of the most exciting wines around, and a rising star of the future. Per ardua ad astra! Continue »
Dec 18, 2020 at 10:52 AM
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IRANCY— AN UNDISCOVERED GEM IN BURGUNDY
On slopes above the Yonne river valley 15 km from Chablis, a handful of winemakers are growing Pinot Noir at the northernmost limit of its possibility. While Chablis, of course, is famous and white, Irancy has always been red and has always lived in the shadow of the more famous red Burgundies to the south. Continue »
Dec 10, 2020 at 10:57 AM
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AN ÉMINENT CRÉMANT
Alongside their world-class white and red wines, did you know that Burgundy produces excellent sparkling wines too? The Appellation, known as Crémant de Bourgogne, can be used for white or rosé sparkling wines (though if they are red then the term Bourgogne Mousseux is used). The sparkling wines of this region are not only superb in terms of quality, but they are also refreshingly reasonably priced too, compared to their more famous cousins to the North in Champagne. The Crémant Appellation covers around 400 communes from Chablis to Beaujolais (in other words, right across Burgundy), each area producing wines of rich variety and complexion. Continue »
Dec 1, 2020 at 11:00 AM
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AUTUMN IN BURGUNDY
Every season in Burgundy is distinctive and special. And while we appreciate what each one brings, there is something special about autumn. A feast for every sense, the months of September through to November offer a heady combination of golden hues cast on the restful vines, blushing pink mornings, and the deep scent of rich earth hanging in the air. As the poet John Keats noted, this is the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. Continue »
Nov 16, 2020 at 11:07 AM
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EVERY UNDERDOG HAS ITS DAY – ALIGOTÉ, BURGUNDY’S LESSER-KNOWN GRAPE
When something is difficult, it’s often a sign that it is worth doing. Sometimes, you know you’re onto a good thing because it’s tough. And while this may be a general truism, it’s particularly apt when you’re talking about Aligoté, the second white grape of Burgundy. It’s always been a hard sell, irregular in quality, and hence often described as a ‘small wine’, unlike its more famous (and more compliant) cousin Chardonnay. Continue »
Sep 1, 2020 at 9:52 AM
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THE COUCHOIS
The turn of the new millennium was a special time for many reasons, but in particular it marked an important event in the Couchois region, just to the south of Maranges in Burgundy. For here it was that a new Appellation was born – the Bourgogne Côte du Couchois. Continue »
May 20, 2020 at 9:56 AM
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MARANGES AND SANTENAY
At the southern tip of the Côte de Beaune lies the somewhat lesser-known appellation of Maranges. It’s a neighbor of Domaine de Cromey, the home of Elden Selections and illustrates nicely how much things have moved on in this area over the last thirty years or so. When we first arrived in Burgundy, nearby Santenay was considered to be rustic and no one even mentioned les Maranges. Now, producers like Bernard Regnaudot and his son Florian are among the locomotives of quality wine production in the area, and the appellation is the chou-chou of the local wine world. Continue »
May 4, 2020 at 11:07 AM
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AUXEY-DURESSES
Just as in the Chablis region, the growers in the rather discrete appellation of Auxey-Duresses suffer from the cold in springtime and must guard against frost damage like their more northerly cousins. Indeed, being situated in a side-valley of the Côte de Beaune means that the climate of Auxey-Duresses is quite cool, producing a different style of Burgundy than other warmer zones. Continue »
Apr 27, 2020 at 11:11 AM
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IN VINO VERITAS – AUTHENTIC WINES ARE THE REAL DEAL
Looking behind a product’s branding and marketing is what an increasing number of us are doing, it seems. In this era of ‘fake news’, we don’t just want to take a company’s word for a product and what it’s made from – we want details. Continue »
Apr 20, 2020 at 11:14 AM
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Beaujolais
Until Beaujolais Nouveau arrived, it was much easier for Burgundy to consider Beaujolais as one of its own. Despite the fact that it has a completely different soil make-up, uses a totally different grape variety (Gamay), and is in reality not in Burgundy at all, Burgundians have always had a soft spot for Beaujolais. And we at Elden Selections agree. Continue »
Apr 13, 2020 at 11:44 AM
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FINED AND FILTERED – FOR THE SAKE OF CLARITY?
Ever since Robert Parker railed against overly filtered wine in his 1999 Wine Buyer’s Guide, we’ve seen ‘unfiltered’ become another of the supposed gauges of quality in boutique wine production. While Parker was right to rail, the reaction to his criticism was predictable. Why is the world so reactionary? Why do consumers now think that because one wine is manipulated less than another that it is superior? Continue »
Apr 6, 2020 at 11:47 AM
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Chablis
Chablis has been, from the earliest days of Elden Selections, by far our most popular white Burgundy. It’s also the region that most easily lends itself to our didactic approach to wine drinking! Continue »
Mar 30, 2020 at 12:36 PM
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ALOXE-CORTON – THE EMPEROR OF BURGUNDY WINES
The village of Aloxe-Corton (pronounced “Alosse”) was mentioned as far back as 696 and is the natural geological link between the regions of Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. It is dominated by the great Corton Hill. The AOCs of Ladoix-Serrigny and Pernand-Vergelesses share the hill alongside Aloxe-Corton, with some overlap in classification. Continue »
Mar 23, 2020 at 12:38 PM
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CHARDONNAY – THE ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF TERROIR
It is hard to argue that the chardonnay grape did not originate in Burgundy. There has been a village of the same name in the north of the Maconnais since Roman times. But whether it did or not, one thing is certain. Burgundy is its natural home. Continue »
Feb 24, 2020 at 12:40 PM
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GOUGÈRES – BURGUNDIAN CHEESE PUFFS
Gougères are the nibble in Burgundy. That and a kir (dry white wine with a dash of crème de cassis), and you know you’re in Burgundy. Gougeres are cheese puffs made with pate a choux, one of those mother recipes of French pastry. They should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are easy to make and extremely versatile. Continue »
Jan 23, 2020 at 12:41 PM
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Hitting the Right Notes
Those of you who have been following Elden from the early days will not find this surprising. But I received the following e-mail this week. As we bring our small-production Burgundy to a wider audience, it does my heart good to see that we are hitting the right notes.... Continue »
Sep 1, 2017 at 3:01 PM
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BURGUNDY 2015 VINTAGE REPORT
We have resisted writing the Elden Selections Burgundy 2015 harvest report until now (May 2017), mainly to let the hub-bub and hyperbole settle down, but more importantly to be sure that the claims we are about to make are justified. We’ve seen too many vintages vau... Continue »
May 12, 2017 at 2:35 PM
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James the Wine Guy Review
I met James Melendez (James The Wine Guy) when I was last in San Francisco. We did a little tasting of eldenselections small-production Burgundies, and he was genuinely moved. Since then we have seen a couple of these tasting videos where he shows that he does get it. Thanks to James for the nice co... Continue »
Dec 1, 2016 at 3:17 PM
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Arrete Already!
The 'Climats' of Burgundy Climat Change A beautiful summer’s evening in Burgundy, and for some reason we’re watching re-runs on the BBC of this fellow in the north of England trying to convince us that chips and pies constitute regional cuisine. ... Continue »
Jul 1, 2016 at 3:10 PM
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Not Again!
If all the French you know is ‘deja vu’, here’s your chance to use it. We are sad to report that, for the second year running, the Cote de Beaune has been pulverized by hail. Last Tuesday, at around 3:30 in the afternoon, the skies opened over Pernand-Vergelesses and a violent summer storm... Continue »
Jun 1, 2016 at 3:12 PM
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A Clutch of 07s
Domaine Potinet-Ampeau 2007 Whites 2007. The locals say it was the worst summer in 30 years. We have seen 30 first hand, and this one was undoubtedly the strangest. There was no winter to speak of. We did have a very pretty snowfall in late January; but overall the year started o... Continue »
Sep 1, 2015 at 3:07 PM
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SPAT IT ALL – A VERY DISCREET TASTING
This may be my weirdest tasting ever. An overall lousy morning: my wine pick-ups were all screwed up in one way or another, so the warehouse rejected my Customs paperwork, so I had to spend lunchtime scrunched over the steering wheel duplicating in duplicate. I turned up at the Domaine Rapet Pere... Continue »
Jun 1, 2015 at 2:33 PM
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An Exceptional Tasting
Generous Burgundy This past weekend the Domaine Rapet Pere et Fils in Pernand-Vergelesses invited their friends for a tasting of 30 vintages of their Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru ‘Ile des Vergelesses going back to 1984.... Continue »
Apr 1, 2015 at 3:09 PM
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Dijon. It’s Official!
Ever since French Cuisine was officially inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list, the French government (from the ministries down to the mayors of cities with serious gastronomy credentials) has been planning what they are calling an official ... Continue »
Jan 21, 2015 at 3:02 PM
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Vines in the Auxois Hills Once Again
THEN AND NOW We had a white wine from Viserny last week. That’s Viserny there in the photo. It’s just down the road from where we live. And you would never guess but it’s the most important wine village in the area. The wine we tasted was a well-made-home-made inscrutable, ... Continue »
Dec 1, 2014 at 3:00 PM
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Mighty Neighborly
We’re just in the door from six weeks of tours in the Veneto. It’s always good to be home, to get back to Burgundy. But our long absence means that a huge pile of mail and a long to-do list await our return. So we usually allow a few days to regroup before we announce to the world that... Continue »
Nov 3, 2014 at 2:44 PM
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Burgundy 2013
Burgundy 2013 was yet another small crop. The fourth in as many years. Some of it will be very good, in both red and white. But for some producers it was a disaster. As we always do, let’s start with a run-down of the weather conditions over the growing season (what the locals tellingly call ‘th... Continue »
Aug 1, 2014 at 3:03 PM
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Burgundy 2014: Early July
They always say not to count your chickens. And last week the aphorism hung heavy in the air. The violent hail storms that once again ravaged Burgundy, and pulverized (for the third consecutive year) the vines of Pommard and Volnay, broke the spirit of the region. Until then, a mood of optimism had Continue »
Jul 1, 2014 at 3:13 PM
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Burgundy Vicariously
I'm back in Burgundy after a great (albeit snowy) week in New England and a very fulfilling Boston Wine Expo. As we have been telling you for the past few weeks, we conducted a Burgundy seminar at the BWE. And it went off to great acclaim for a sold out room. The wines were drinking well and the mes... Continue »
Mar 1, 2014 at 2:58 PM
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Scarce, But In No Way Lacking
The 2014 Chablis Concours The 28th Chablis Concours took place last week (yes I am late in reporting on this…), as always at the BIVB headquarters in the Petit Pontigny in Chablis. This event has grown in competence and stature over the years, and is today one of the events in ... Continue »
Feb 3, 2014 at 2:46 PM
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Our Barrel from the Hospices
Nearly 2 months after the excitement of the annual wine auction at the Hospices de Beaune, we went to the Hospices’ cuverie to pick up our prized barrel. It’s a Volnay 1er Cru ‘Santenots’ Cuvee Gauvin (could you have missed our earlier posts?) and we’re as excited today as we were at the e... Continue »
Jan 21, 2014 at 2:56 PM
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Exceptional in Every Way
The 153rd Wine Auction at the Hospices de Beaune It’s always a wild ride. But 2013 was a white-knuckle experience. And Elden was there.... Continue »
Dec 21, 2013 at 2:40 PM
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From the Vine to the Vat
I was down in the Cote d’Or yesterday to see how the harvest finished and to smell that first whiff of fermentation. These past few weeks we have been hearing all sorts of reports from all over Burgundy.... Continue »
Oct 11, 2013 at 2:42 PM
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The New Phylloxera?
This post was scheduled to appear last month, but in light of the recent legal actions taken against Burgundy wine grower, Emmanuel Giboulot, we decided to wait to see how the case would develop. A recent NY Times op-ed piece about the situation and various support groups for Emmanuel Giboulot have ... Continue »
Aug 1, 2013 at 2:43 PM
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What a Surprise – Vintage 2012
Here in Burgundy last year at this time, the mood was dour. We were in the middle of a four month period of rain and miserable cold. Hail storms had machine-gunned huge swaths of the Côte de Beaune. And the threat of rot dangled over the vineyards.... Continue »
Jul 1, 2013 at 3:16 PM
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Much Ado
That was one nerve-wracking month of May! While we were down in the Veneto with our tours, Burgundy was deluged with a-foot-and-a-half of rain, turning the vineyards to mud pits. We watched from a distance as our winemaker friends tried to cope with conditions that teetered on disastrous.... Continue »
Jun 17, 2013 at 2:55 PM
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Easter Monday with the Borgeots
Lundi de Paques Those of you who have followed these posts in their various guises over the years know that Easter Monday at our house means that the Borgeots are coming. It’s become such a tradition that we don’t even have to 'invite' them anymore; they just turn up! Pascal ... Continue »
May 1, 2013 at 2:57 PM
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