tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53674246790326511222024-03-09T06:41:53.523+01:00Mad about WineThomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.comBlogger765125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-45255837317252901692019-04-25T14:04:00.000+02:002019-09-04T13:36:37.041+02:00Envinate<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I simply have to open the blog again with this post….it’s rare that I encounter a wine with such an emotional impact. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For a long time I’ve wanted to taste the wines from Envinate. No – let me rephrase. For a long time I’ve wanted to learn more about Spanish wine. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">I am a novice when it comes to Spanish wines. Sure I’ve have tasted Vega Sicilia, Pingus etc. – but most of my encounters with Spain makes me feel somewhat embarrassed. They were based on high Parker scores. I explored nothing – I obtained zero information – I simply chased the point. I guess I have to archive it under trial and error and start over again.<br /><br />For a long time Envitate has popped up on my Instagram feed. Having read about the philosophies of the 4 friends behind the Envinate winery (Roberto Santana, Alfonso Torrente, Laura Ramos, and José Martínez) I imagined a possible match. The quartet sources </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a;">indigenous grape varieties</span><span lang="EN-GB"></span><span lang="EN-GB">from Ribeira Sacra in Galicia, Extremadura and the Canary Islands. Pure and authentic seems to be their aim with only picking by hand - feet in - no chemicals and only using wild yeast. Furthermore only used old barrels and small doze of sulphur at bottling. </span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3 weeks ago – the Danish importer presented a range of Envinate wines and I think I tasted around 7 or 8 different wines. Many were super interesting– but if to pick one – it was definitely the <b>2017 “Parcela Margalagua”</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnUWQLCzB2NsU2EFJCBGYhHm4rMmzqP8CPD5e7QNPxmcU6YleVMXe3QAHZ7c8Fpqn32xGKuls8fG2v7U5M2bVTRcy0TjaZa_loTam5obxZlEq5jYx927rMfTOY9YLjKx-ATyztEFNk34/s1600/IMG_3166+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnUWQLCzB2NsU2EFJCBGYhHm4rMmzqP8CPD5e7QNPxmcU6YleVMXe3QAHZ7c8Fpqn32xGKuls8fG2v7U5M2bVTRcy0TjaZa_loTam5obxZlEq5jYx927rMfTOY9YLjKx-ATyztEFNk34/s320/IMG_3166+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Parcela Margalagua” comes from the northern part of Tenerife. A single organic farmed vineyard with over 100 years old ungrafted vines (</span>the Canary Islalands were never infected by phylloxera) <span lang="EN-GB">– roughly 200 meters above sea level, planted with a wide mix of local grapes; L</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a;">istan Negro, Listan Prieto, Baboso, Negramoll, Malvasia Negra and many many more. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a;">So last week I tasted it at home on a crisp spring day – judgement day; glass was Zalto Bordeaux.<br /><br />Bright transparent red – already a good indication on the colour, if you like me prefer a light and fragrant wine. The nose is to die for and where do I start – and how do I explain how phenomenal this wine is. It welcomes you with open arms, free as a bird - bright red fruit; raspberries, cherries with underneath brushings of forest soil - candy like liquorice, currant and verbena. But the best thing is the volcanic baseline, which brings so much life, mineral tallness with notes of iron and iodine. The taste is stunning; silky, energetic, vibrant and utterly pure juice. On the last meters you have that inner soul of volcanic warmth. Imagine a Chambolle-Musigny had a twin brother called Brunello - they had a cousin called Pfifferling and the lived on Etna…what I am saying…???...I am basically running out of words – MAGIC WINE…WOW!!!</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-58014547196546621412018-12-19T09:22:00.000+01:002018-12-19T20:20:36.669+01:00Long time no see - action is now on Instagram<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I am posting on Instagram now. You can follow me <a href="https://www.instagram.com/togathomas/?hl=da" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Notes are shorter - but images are still done from scratch with my old and bulky camera without any Instagram filters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Here are some teasers. (Click image to see full size)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdflqsHxTUB7m6wrlnVGkPey8KMkhASxIJk8IQcJOU9FyOMeWCLhbIRtDvsh_pecdJsWQAwuahqNiE2ArQ8xpfwt5gJKf3BBS7kTWLIW-TeOfPZykQS6Cu2Wd9T-7I8CTXq9tg7czKjEw/s1600/IMG_0265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdflqsHxTUB7m6wrlnVGkPey8KMkhASxIJk8IQcJOU9FyOMeWCLhbIRtDvsh_pecdJsWQAwuahqNiE2ArQ8xpfwt5gJKf3BBS7kTWLIW-TeOfPZykQS6Cu2Wd9T-7I8CTXq9tg7czKjEw/s320/IMG_0265.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(liquid Gold)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSomy4rqhMnJ9GsQ_RcecJI8NNafChaG2S0KGbN8u7xyHSds0jsKdM1IEseeYBc4MuG4vKRi31_n4Iub91ov7YWY-BHNwOdztUlCbQJKQaIaycAx3w8wRTFNUB_O2EAAkUb-cY2z9_smA/s1600/IMG_0372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1600" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSomy4rqhMnJ9GsQ_RcecJI8NNafChaG2S0KGbN8u7xyHSds0jsKdM1IEseeYBc4MuG4vKRi31_n4Iub91ov7YWY-BHNwOdztUlCbQJKQaIaycAx3w8wRTFNUB_O2EAAkUb-cY2z9_smA/s320/IMG_0372.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Zalto Magnum)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IKXnicLO22kxiLHUk2fOFV_wTYptUdRmGzS8D0xyD8So8iJUTlXqxk1C4up6iVI7Fv0cT1uZYxoWGAodMSU1YSMMWVk931kTdqS3fevYrXK3Mc1-WwaWVukLj3nWduGoYYPn9LPVC5Q/s1600/IMG_0378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IKXnicLO22kxiLHUk2fOFV_wTYptUdRmGzS8D0xyD8So8iJUTlXqxk1C4up6iVI7Fv0cT1uZYxoWGAodMSU1YSMMWVk931kTdqS3fevYrXK3Mc1-WwaWVukLj3nWduGoYYPn9LPVC5Q/s320/IMG_0378.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>("Chardonnay" by Cossard - grapes from Ganevat)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSKXUWhTUB-xaCol9vn9G1yCLl0qOJTsAHoKuDcM5sYOiDb7Wbp_N8EcvUkCjHPqD7CPX39crTt3vaVNZCy_-lgZzRxLlmuUATXDN1j2Wm1XUS4Y_R2-KsCnncNn8Zspu_cu0NXeqCac/s1600/IMG_0885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="1600" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSKXUWhTUB-xaCol9vn9G1yCLl0qOJTsAHoKuDcM5sYOiDb7Wbp_N8EcvUkCjHPqD7CPX39crTt3vaVNZCy_-lgZzRxLlmuUATXDN1j2Wm1XUS4Y_R2-KsCnncNn8Zspu_cu0NXeqCac/s320/IMG_0885.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Foradori)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qPAEL1A6hQ636gLRX5q1EtugbTnCFX7hyphenhyphen1crRXyg6Fp7TxBa3YVHEuY0pZ-XFRoa3OK339temg-S21qyJV3vAAc0ZPHMm2x9vJt1jEi5oiopOqvNLMVFT5SiDHDbzyrUm0t8vG74CqQ/s1600/IMG_0920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1600" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qPAEL1A6hQ636gLRX5q1EtugbTnCFX7hyphenhyphen1crRXyg6Fp7TxBa3YVHEuY0pZ-XFRoa3OK339temg-S21qyJV3vAAc0ZPHMm2x9vJt1jEi5oiopOqvNLMVFT5SiDHDbzyrUm0t8vG74CqQ/s320/IMG_0920.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Fantastic Rosé from Marguet)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPMmVAgnzViPdbdd3g_qM6z4SyzoP4Vux4F-49edF6K8s2ZDet7034hozuzGjT84WMd8JvnFPBPYsg0ITdjo9OoLJD1cTTNPJDNHVl8e6TUF91sjLwKTPoepM98zbHM6oQY_Y5UNFOYQ/s1600/IMG_1008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="1600" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPMmVAgnzViPdbdd3g_qM6z4SyzoP4Vux4F-49edF6K8s2ZDet7034hozuzGjT84WMd8JvnFPBPYsg0ITdjo9OoLJD1cTTNPJDNHVl8e6TUF91sjLwKTPoepM98zbHM6oQY_Y5UNFOYQ/s320/IMG_1008.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Summer and Rosé)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDcq-55Oj3jaED5isf-YZ4jN3ePKvN1NSmWsf4KVUUQhmMhozLBgdqBJWai_iKkSi7SFq5owxQovVzDoCj_Yq1EYLBpFHhWKw3NIQg2dHvyA_kyTn6OA4zsZiQ2fo8G1b0q87ML22r18/s1600/IMG_1091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDcq-55Oj3jaED5isf-YZ4jN3ePKvN1NSmWsf4KVUUQhmMhozLBgdqBJWai_iKkSi7SFq5owxQovVzDoCj_Yq1EYLBpFHhWKw3NIQg2dHvyA_kyTn6OA4zsZiQ2fo8G1b0q87ML22r18/s320/IMG_1091.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Arnot-Roberts)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZWJAlWUrTFAlBfzBBuFdzlIJDxI4CkFOGq2whLcXmN33Izzu_o1xJWNOtxk-lQc7o0srue49ETJi6OTSDueoIhyi-WN1CHn8X_R_QWtV1EJYOnJS1cfFIhbOImHm1chWh-Bkk7F1OtQ/s1600/IMG_2037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZWJAlWUrTFAlBfzBBuFdzlIJDxI4CkFOGq2whLcXmN33Izzu_o1xJWNOtxk-lQc7o0srue49ETJi6OTSDueoIhyi-WN1CHn8X_R_QWtV1EJYOnJS1cfFIhbOImHm1chWh-Bkk7F1OtQ/s320/IMG_2037.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Arnot-Roberts - Trousseau in the glass)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl7aa3AzHvZNhhqd7TwhQsyMlypywBB4-M4R-dYWUNdppctd2woUXCwSDwoE8kf8Ndhyphenhyphen2cseUrdnrNyAOv9wMWez-5Ngl36lfVYgf0qrFPZhX5tce8OgILNq00eAlKWD-r_cwTGDNDAk/s1600/IMG_2053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="1600" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl7aa3AzHvZNhhqd7TwhQsyMlypywBB4-M4R-dYWUNdppctd2woUXCwSDwoE8kf8Ndhyphenhyphen2cseUrdnrNyAOv9wMWez-5Ngl36lfVYgf0qrFPZhX5tce8OgILNq00eAlKWD-r_cwTGDNDAk/s320/IMG_2053.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>((Arnot-Roberts - Trousseau)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqvqTLgaVdfNptgJD4K6ho6uwrsum_9yqHOkCaiw8kHc6EumuSL5SuIlgvH1zMAcrq8FLKmAiTPTPaLDLy6xm_L9Y7GN5unhPoInYOFclSgx8-f2r6I0BN-n1lUdEZrykjYh7bKf_ZUM/s1600/IMG_2073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1600" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqvqTLgaVdfNptgJD4K6ho6uwrsum_9yqHOkCaiw8kHc6EumuSL5SuIlgvH1zMAcrq8FLKmAiTPTPaLDLy6xm_L9Y7GN5unhPoInYOFclSgx8-f2r6I0BN-n1lUdEZrykjYh7bKf_ZUM/s320/IMG_2073.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Zalto - before the guests arrive)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE5E8JV89dWMpLGjoW9uJZqzCckBiexwhfMrRxfOyLYF7lnzDRgMPxnqo7faiOT643SsCDndFtr361SarkLbP6rIHg834nstouv4R128hYliXnf6K4UFaN9hAk7fxs3oPisW1J3d_jpo/s1600/IMG_2394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1177" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE5E8JV89dWMpLGjoW9uJZqzCckBiexwhfMrRxfOyLYF7lnzDRgMPxnqo7faiOT643SsCDndFtr361SarkLbP6rIHg834nstouv4R128hYliXnf6K4UFaN9hAk7fxs3oPisW1J3d_jpo/s320/IMG_2394.jpg" width="235" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Fantastic Rosso di Montalcino from Stella di Campalto)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZkrD1EPFQBdzW6T-BBcYvvHJwW1xNrS5N_NKrTyN0cXkVRLN9s29gYsxQA9zWM3rwGJ7zmXjRUOjNjkHBzR4f1WIiw2vcH2j0RVJQJSAC1uY79lOhEvM__pKZD1NDN0WTYbyuH987hQ/s1600/IMG_2495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZkrD1EPFQBdzW6T-BBcYvvHJwW1xNrS5N_NKrTyN0cXkVRLN9s29gYsxQA9zWM3rwGJ7zmXjRUOjNjkHBzR4f1WIiw2vcH2j0RVJQJSAC1uY79lOhEvM__pKZD1NDN0WTYbyuH987hQ/s320/IMG_2495.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Fantastic white from Foradori)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHn4z93WI7awCSJ92v2zamNjF4js5LTL8k-2SBIQiqgJ8UMD5SR6pkfKdsWSs1mqL-JQWEUubJqq11_Y6Ai4pNx_KJgLLREisVAFQpXtvUYVPUY7lILZCwEZu5gQ_KrEcpebI9Lc5TeA/s1600/IMG_2505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHn4z93WI7awCSJ92v2zamNjF4js5LTL8k-2SBIQiqgJ8UMD5SR6pkfKdsWSs1mqL-JQWEUubJqq11_Y6Ai4pNx_KJgLLREisVAFQpXtvUYVPUY7lILZCwEZu5gQ_KrEcpebI9Lc5TeA/s320/IMG_2505.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Foradori and decenting)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtbq1GG8chPiPxDiEeZqiiTnAoDCdemFQ6BXvwCJQLrgK-K2HeZsuk-11pKy6JcAPURUW554TqIuNqbnc6uvB4ZkXgPczkO0q3QwZtoVpYhm8RA7SQmyEo8Z9X7hCXe4Uhn3_cITW02Y/s1600/IMG_2527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1600" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtbq1GG8chPiPxDiEeZqiiTnAoDCdemFQ6BXvwCJQLrgK-K2HeZsuk-11pKy6JcAPURUW554TqIuNqbnc6uvB4ZkXgPczkO0q3QwZtoVpYhm8RA7SQmyEo8Z9X7hCXe4Uhn3_cITW02Y/s320/IMG_2527.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Tirade Rosé from Lassaigne...and me)</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhnk4lHM_t4mg9JOIg_CbyPMmvOYPzVDtHdgv7Zr84GVA7vUJuQOHH9j9BLcHg5RQCcWBwRYAFunmLU4gpgToPzPssmh3b2xdGMmJMtGpZfOBw3ux1u6bROGVDRnd2JCZkMi76nW9g3E/s1600/IMG_2558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1600" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhnk4lHM_t4mg9JOIg_CbyPMmvOYPzVDtHdgv7Zr84GVA7vUJuQOHH9j9BLcHg5RQCcWBwRYAFunmLU4gpgToPzPssmh3b2xdGMmJMtGpZfOBw3ux1u6bROGVDRnd2JCZkMi76nW9g3E/s320/IMG_2558.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(1996 Seloose Vintage)</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2_nvNjJc65al28mIPUuT_0muNiVcNy2DyFlDrtM73QdUkqLSoSWvYLS55RNwvuqm2_CMRVBR49cgbNuHRAXu5cwk1iz1WBBKvydTYCwQebIJsscWzPJIIR-RBWbRl9x83_rcqER92ho/s1600/IMG_2641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="1600" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2_nvNjJc65al28mIPUuT_0muNiVcNy2DyFlDrtM73QdUkqLSoSWvYLS55RNwvuqm2_CMRVBR49cgbNuHRAXu5cwk1iz1WBBKvydTYCwQebIJsscWzPJIIR-RBWbRl9x83_rcqER92ho/s320/IMG_2641.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(L'Artiste 2008)</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TKfJuM8tE2NDF_WEEWh5Jxbh6_6bM5tttq0WEAFXCUX8XoZJXsYYSAFPXyLRPrCVBeVKfArSbsl9pAWvsVj9QRVKUVxbsEClvFUintSJ81GmXH19oZ_Ry6AC3jxbiKiMCSX-3AbgR_I/s1600/IMG_0511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="1600" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TKfJuM8tE2NDF_WEEWh5Jxbh6_6bM5tttq0WEAFXCUX8XoZJXsYYSAFPXyLRPrCVBeVKfArSbsl9pAWvsVj9QRVKUVxbsEClvFUintSJ81GmXH19oZ_Ry6AC3jxbiKiMCSX-3AbgR_I/s320/IMG_0511.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(David Leclapart)</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEm8RgkVoUFu78JhdZDR7nrPWwTfE9Rywk_-BjeECWyqEbMWnN3CdkpPlv2jBRKom0NnWcB-81qHztGLXmMBB4Syj_Y-ofacZ1TtLrJnQ1g1rMMn-o9sK3XwbDr9WTbCGzddSrYjCQCg0/s1600/IMG_0569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEm8RgkVoUFu78JhdZDR7nrPWwTfE9Rywk_-BjeECWyqEbMWnN3CdkpPlv2jBRKom0NnWcB-81qHztGLXmMBB4Syj_Y-ofacZ1TtLrJnQ1g1rMMn-o9sK3XwbDr9WTbCGzddSrYjCQCg0/s320/IMG_0569.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(The Agraparts)</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYZlDn1aHZCFp8-LXuCcntRUkq006a4PoZ9I6ZaiTm-g8qT55RucKJCDo89jdI0Q9ZsIik7N9RDp7DYP0yzIU7RJ0jG_TwXLLZP806dBfdLsM5ZeD7QkPbVaUhIjT4AZcekbNE1BS3nc/s1600/IMG_0618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1600" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYZlDn1aHZCFp8-LXuCcntRUkq006a4PoZ9I6ZaiTm-g8qT55RucKJCDo89jdI0Q9ZsIik7N9RDp7DYP0yzIU7RJ0jG_TwXLLZP806dBfdLsM5ZeD7QkPbVaUhIjT4AZcekbNE1BS3nc/s320/IMG_0618.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Aurelién Lurquin)</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ICOUapF1aAGdcUWEkbKHjNLyIDE7QkhXy54p8zEO5Hw-LyxcISnAs2vZhLD8ZPGYiaKOd2Jr-XW5v-YVneJfoJo-_ypO1RCbcBK65OH5vr4VrnmyPnXo5IA87YlP00j-PMx57K4_1fE/s1600/IMG_0683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ICOUapF1aAGdcUWEkbKHjNLyIDE7QkhXy54p8zEO5Hw-LyxcISnAs2vZhLD8ZPGYiaKOd2Jr-XW5v-YVneJfoJo-_ypO1RCbcBK65OH5vr4VrnmyPnXo5IA87YlP00j-PMx57K4_1fE/s320/IMG_0683.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Jérôme Prévost)</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcNcP1O9swhlbuXt8NIXoVb6nCGpRIvwYPqDoGFhKZp1PCU9ryDiuz1NNjtMAyl0soe4NjnNdHXjBj1pT7zAbRz9-NUW7VWkkAcLr_xxefqwDwuUrBLCRSeU2ffcc8yHjgsB2idNJ0g0/s1600/IMG_0763+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcNcP1O9swhlbuXt8NIXoVb6nCGpRIvwYPqDoGFhKZp1PCU9ryDiuz1NNjtMAyl0soe4NjnNdHXjBj1pT7zAbRz9-NUW7VWkkAcLr_xxefqwDwuUrBLCRSeU2ffcc8yHjgsB2idNJ0g0/s320/IMG_0763+1.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Cédric Bouchard)</i></span></div>
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-79858842519844620642016-10-18T10:49:00.002+02:002016-10-18T10:55:28.696+02:00Bulles Bio 2016 – Copenhagen Edition <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCldpuA0JbbXOYvPnPoGUwU3Cikc9g85qYQJIMA5nJNXg5LxVnepF4tw4VBxcysHWTONf0RBEi5hfKculp6Csa_Y5gIs07Mq1kJEArqsY1caGplr8ZauKaIt1ERKnyllbAqwVwRhMWT4/s1600/14520580_316137172096200_7228548378670812074_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCldpuA0JbbXOYvPnPoGUwU3Cikc9g85qYQJIMA5nJNXg5LxVnepF4tw4VBxcysHWTONf0RBEi5hfKculp6Csa_Y5gIs07Mq1kJEArqsY1caGplr8ZauKaIt1ERKnyllbAqwVwRhMWT4/s320/14520580_316137172096200_7228548378670812074_n.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A must for real Champagne lovers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Date: 29th of October 2016</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Time: 11:00-17:00</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Location: Kunsthal Charlottenborg. Nyhavn 2, 1051 Copenhagen K</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Price: DKK 250,- (approx: €34)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<a href="https://billetto.dk/events/154297" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tickets:</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>Producers:</u> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="Standard" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Avenir;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Champagne Barbichon<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="font-family: Avenir;">Champagne Barrat-Masson<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="font-family: Avenir;">Champagne Bourgeois Diaz<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="font-family: Avenir;">Champagne Bruno Michel<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="font-family: Avenir;">Champagne Charles Dufour<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="font-family: Avenir;">Champagne David Léclapart<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="font-family: Avenir;">Champagne Durdon-Bouval<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="font-family: Avenir;">Champagne Fleury<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Avenir;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Champagne Georges Laval<br />
Champagne Lelarge Pugeot<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="font-family: Avenir;">Champagne Marguet<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="font-family: Avenir;">Champagne Pascal Doquet<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="font-family: Avenir;">Champagne Ruffin<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="font-family: Avenir;">Champagne Ruppert-Leroy<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="font-family: Avenir;">Champagne Thomas Perseval<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="font-family: Avenir;">Champagne Val'Frison<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="font-family: Avenir;">Champagne Vincent Couche<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span style="font-family: Avenir;">Champagne Vouette-et-Sorbée<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">See you there.</span>Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-70173416590173856342016-10-15T16:07:00.002+02:002016-10-16T12:39:58.416+02:002008 Jérôme Prévost “Les Béguines”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiv59oDxUC8gs99ZUXX_h6TTmUd29Z_8vofBdA1d5xKm5wBIWs4ANGaxIM3HTcve1qGv0InvE-_f04ZAKD2g4_cth2eBvvsC5PdblYuswpk5AGsmGtlJhh9G0vrxy4A31ajoD1dcNDmI/s1600/IMG_6944ppi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiv59oDxUC8gs99ZUXX_h6TTmUd29Z_8vofBdA1d5xKm5wBIWs4ANGaxIM3HTcve1qGv0InvE-_f04ZAKD2g4_cth2eBvvsC5PdblYuswpk5AGsmGtlJhh9G0vrxy4A31ajoD1dcNDmI/s320/IMG_6944ppi.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How do we
inspire each other when it comes to wine?</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is
the somewhat odd accountant exercise; we call the Tasting Note, where we put
together the fragmented pieces into a final result. I hate it – yet I have done
it thousand of times before and continue to do it. It’s the poor mans version
of an individual emotional experience, which somehow only tells the story of
what we can measure and weigh. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So I end up
in the same blind alley as everyone else. Yet sometimes – like yesterday - I
can’t hold back the experience I had. I want to share. I want to inspire. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t we all? I think most of us know
that fragmenting wine is ridiculous. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The real mojo of wine lies in the things we can’t
explain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Before I
take you into my Champagne experience, I should write a small disclaimer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For some
Champagne growers and I am no way neutral, when I share my opinion. Why should I?
I am not your consumer guide, but merely a kind of diary storyteller on wine. I
like to think of true wine lovers as constant subjective individuals, emotional
effected by all the impressions they have obtained. When it comes wine, we
should throw away reason and embrace chaos. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A glass of
Champagne from</span><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Jérôme Prévost is not just a bubbly neutral
thing, which I can compare neutrally with wine A to Z. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the work of a dear friend. Jérôme have
showed my so much kindness and made me understand how he thinks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is
laugh, joy and inspiration stored in my memories and I constantly wish I could
visit him more often. I want you all to know how gifted Jérôme are and how he
like no other can tame the Pinot Meunier grape. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Just one
thing more. I have often said, that I really don’t pay much attention to
vintages. It’s not that I think it’s both important and educational to know as
much as possible about each vintage. Vintages are fascinating in terms of how
unforeseeable nature is and how dramatic each growing season can be. I am just
saying, that sometimes we, as consumers, miss out on the smaller vintages
because we are constantly trying to cherry pick. Small vintages are not to be
missed, as they often just add to the diverse understanding of wine. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But here
it’s the other way round. The glorified 2008 vintage in Champagne. So can it
(and Jérôme) live up to the expectations or was it just another overhyping coincidence?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Recently I
have become somewhat allergic to Champagne with some age. Allergic is a strong
word. I know. But the more Champagne I drink, the more I see myself drawn to
the youthful side of Champagne. <i>I will hopefully come back to this in other
thread, where I will illustrate my thoughts on; “Young”, “Mature” and
“Old-Champagne”. </i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGNMblFkkxVkfUfqkpDY3avxnHWORy0iPpAW545sHbPBb0xS4tJ0FlmL64RQCz1lRKTFqQbjokcWm36XG6YY8NRQn9uQ0FWNca-xPCqUozTVzzDaTcVGSM2XBpxlYlfVi6HEZcxoXwfU/s1600/IMG_8398+copytext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGNMblFkkxVkfUfqkpDY3avxnHWORy0iPpAW545sHbPBb0xS4tJ0FlmL64RQCz1lRKTFqQbjokcWm36XG6YY8NRQn9uQ0FWNca-xPCqUozTVzzDaTcVGSM2XBpxlYlfVi6HEZcxoXwfU/s320/IMG_8398+copytext.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYN8HFSw534FHnC_6EWAv6PBSBq3CApy-3uKesuBaKqBRMXCQBoYmHm2h8ITW13JgLrvb-ps51wOu4DRp65eNAnu0Q9VgVx4l79nlXypWn9qaUvoOd-pYPnMpqlQG7_2ckYi5wy59H50/s1600/IMG_8398small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>2008 Jérôme
Prévost, La Closerie “Les Béguines”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Blend: 100%
Pinot Meunier</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Terroir:
Sand & Calcareous elements<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Vinification:
Oak 450- to 600-liter barrels<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Age of
vines: 45 years old<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Location:
Village of Gueux – located west of Reims.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dosage: 1-2
g/l.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Glass: Zalto
“White Wine”</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I
opened the 2008 "Les Béguines" I immediately detected some classic notes of
mature Champagne. Some autolysis notes came forward, presenting themselves
rather conservative with its notes of dark bread, touch of mild caramel and
hazelnuts. The more Champagne I drink – the more tiresome I find these
secondary notes, as they are rather monotone and overpowering both terroir,
freshness and singularity. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But it took
about 30 seconds before all of my reservations were proved wrong. Like the sun
burned away the morning mist, the last drops of funky aromas were cleared.
Underneath a landscape of beauty unfolded. Never ever have I smelled such
sophistication from Pinot Meunier. We are again at a level, where it makes no
sense to fragment the Champagne and list each note. Once again I am even sure I
can get them right and I paid only attention to the superb balance of this
Champagne. You had all imaginable things in play here. A super rich Champagne,
filled to the brim with the most healthy fruit zest you can image. You feel
these fruit driven notes all the way from nose – to the tip of the tongue<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- to the finish line, were it delivers
so much </span></span><span style="color: #212121; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">sizzling energy,</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"> clarity and acidity kick.</span><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They are
all kinds of herbs and spices flying around and lots of them have Asian roots. The
oak is present – but just filling in superb roundness and highlighting how
complex it is. You sense it has some evolvement present, but just with small
pockets of oxidation. No way near a nutty nightmare, but it felt more like the
aromas from when you toss in freshly churned butter in a bowl of pasta.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But here
comes the interesting part. I rested (or should I say, hid1/3 of the Champagne
from my wife) and returned 2 hours later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Champagne has completely contracted. Where it before felt like a
Champagne just entering a perfect maturity window, it now felt like a one year
old Champagne. The deeper and rounder notes, where replaced by freshly squeezed green
apple juice. The clarity was even higher, still so complex and constantly fired
up with a frightfully high acidity. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Completely
insane Champagne and by far the finest "Les Béguines" I have ever tasted.</span></span></div>
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-58687663257048953292016-10-02T16:23:00.000+02:002016-10-08T16:39:04.368+02:002010 Cédric Bouchard “Le Creux d’Enfer”<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This Friday
I hosted a Champagne tasting for my old wine club. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It’s always
an extra treat to taste wine with these guys. Though we have our individual
preferences we seemed to have joined forces in the appreciation of elegant and lighter
wines. We all love to share our designated preferences, but none of us claim to
know the true meaning of wine. I regard these rare tasting occasions as the
perfect window to share -inspire and be inspired.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fridays
theme was Champagne + a few extras <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2012 Benoît
Déhu “La Rue des Noyers” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2010 Cédric
Bouchard “La Bolorée”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2013
Vouette & Sorbeé “Textures”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2010 Cédric
Bouchard “Le Creux d’Enfer”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2010
Jacques Lassaigne “Tirade Rosé”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2008
Agrapart “Venus”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2008
Georges Laval “Les Chênes”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2008 Cédric
Bouchard “La Haute-Lemblé”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2011 Benoît
Lahaye “Le Jardin de la grosse Pierre”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2010
Jacques Lassaigne “”Autour de Minuit”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1999
Jacques Selosse “Vintage”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Bonus<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2001 Soldera
Brunello di Montalcino “Case Basse”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">2001 Poggio
di Sotto “</span><span lang="EN-US">Il Decnnale</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I want to
focus on one Champagne in particular, which took us all into wonderland. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJpBlmC8bAplCx8_hdBMNIRmrDZWknK25JC0l0mXwz-5UIe5SF3BB7ucm71Jqfjdr4DXrDMEmR0iRqqKwytHAyYCqgVApkiTu26LDkQJk7RaWnYe7-7Pifrf1ooze3d4nHLSxS18BevQ/s1600/IMG_8336small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJpBlmC8bAplCx8_hdBMNIRmrDZWknK25JC0l0mXwz-5UIe5SF3BB7ucm71Jqfjdr4DXrDMEmR0iRqqKwytHAyYCqgVApkiTu26LDkQJk7RaWnYe7-7Pifrf1ooze3d4nHLSxS18BevQ/s320/IMG_8336small.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>2010 Cédric
Bouchard “Le Creux d’Enfer”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Blend: 100%
Pinot Noir<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Terroir: Argilo-Calcaire<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Vineyard: 0,032ha<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- Lieu-dit west-facing parcel planted
in 1994.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Style:
Crushed by foot – maceration “Saignée method”<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Viciculture:
Organic<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Dosage:
Zero<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Production:
approx. 550 bottles<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Disgorgement:
April-2014<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Glass:
Zalto White Wine</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The
Champagnes from Cédric Bouchard have never been about a check-box exercise,
were you end up with a long list of aromatic notes. Fragmenting is in general
irrelevant in my opinion and with Cédric’s Champagnes it’s completely
pointless. They always play on a feeling were you focus much more of the
overall personality of the Champagne. “Le Creux d’Enfer” is no exception. Sure
you have notes of verbena, mild liquorice, roses and some boysenberry. However
I am not really sure I got those notes right and it doesn’t really matter.
Because the Champagne is the most fragile, complex and delicate Rosé I have
ever tasted. “Le Creux d’Enfer” have that sublime perfumes of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“red” and a touch of saltiness, which
makes it so appealing. Despite its insane seductive appeal it makes it’s impression
with no noise at all. Its understated character signals so much class and fuels
it’s graceful profile. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The
balance….talk about balance. Never ever have I tasted a rosé with such harmony.
The low pressure of Cédric Champages naturally suppresses the bubbles and it’s
feeding an almost silky and luxurious mouth feel. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Probably
the best rosé Champagne I have ever tasted. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-30270568015588119822016-08-23T11:00:00.002+02:002016-08-23T13:34:49.094+02:00"Textures"<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Few would
argue, that Vouette & Sorbée have always been one of the most significant </span></span>Producers in
the Côte des Bars. In short Vouette & Sorbée are Bertrand Gautherot. I have
met him a few times before – but I can’t say that I know him that well. I
sensed, from my fist meeting in 2009, that he was a man with deep influence in
heart and mind by the rhythm of nature. He is also an earlier mover towards biodynamic
winegrowing. Nor is he afraid of speaking his mind and highlighting some of the
obvious contrasts in Champagne.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In terms of
the Champagnes from Vouette & Sorbée - their strength have always been a
striking intensity. Vouette & Sorbée are right in your face Champagne. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>V&S are one of the only producers I
buy nowadays with a clear intend of actually cellaring. Cellaring brings out so
many nuances in these Champagnes and tames the oak. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This
especially goes for "Blanc d’Argile" (100% Chardonnay). A super intense Kimmeridgian
soil Champagne, which I bought already from 2004 vintage. Back then the cellaring
didn’t improve the wine, as the oak overpowered the fruit with age. Now (from
2006) it’s the other way round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The 100%
Pinot Noir Carbonic maceration Rosé “Saignée de Sorbée” has always been a
beast. A super structured Champagne, with notes iron and Campari. Born for food
pairing and it<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>needs at least 4-5
years in the cellar for my palate. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The entry-level
Champagne; “Fidele</span><span style="font-family: "\\22 georgia\\22 " , "\\22 times new roman\\22 " , serif;">"</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> (100% Pinot Noir) might be more forward, but recent vintages
have showed a more reserved wine when young.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So when you
thought you had everything covered and has laid out the perfect profile on
Vouette & Sorbée, Bertrand turns everything upside-down with “Textures”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVwTSpuFN-gbYr_RgYmoL8YdD9E5P0OiARnCQYrUTLD7lI7hXTu7qTY8k9F27wFJxv_fZJEUnU8RqYTzm_lupwfpT3IWNqLx3kIO1HtGfHY7i__DdYAghDByJqgN0LnD8tbMJvL277as/s1600/IMG_8056+copysmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxVwTSpuFN-gbYr_RgYmoL8YdD9E5P0OiARnCQYrUTLD7lI7hXTu7qTY8k9F27wFJxv_fZJEUnU8RqYTzm_lupwfpT3IWNqLx3kIO1HtGfHY7i__DdYAghDByJqgN0LnD8tbMJvL277as/s320/IMG_8056+copysmall.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>2013 Vouette & Sorbée
”Textures”</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Blend: 100% Pinot Blanc<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US">Soil: I am guessing </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">Portlandian and Kimmeridgian</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">Vineyard:
Pinot Blanc planted in 2000</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">Viciculture:
Bio (Demeter since 1998)</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">Vinification:
3months in Tonneaux and 6months in Georgian amphora</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Dosage:
Zero<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">Disgorged:
28<sup>th</sup> of October 2015</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><i>Glass:
Zalto White Wine</i></span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I first
tasted "Textures" at <a href="http://www.biochampagneardenne.org/nos-actions/agenda/50-bulles-bio-2016" target="_blank">Bulles Bio in Reims </a>and was blown away. In July, I shared it with friends in the
South of France under very relaxed conditions. The third time was about 3 weeks
ago. Once again I was in the magic zone. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To me this
is greatest Champagne Bertrand have ever produced. Somehow it makes perfect
sense that Bertrand should make this cuvée. Not because amphora is <i>en vouge</i>,
nor because Pinot Blanc is exotic. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No! – Textures
simply takes you directly into the Vouette & Sorbée engine room. It’s the
purest juice I have ever encountered from Bertrand . It’s feels like drinking
directly from the press and it’s as fresh as a Vin Clair. The amphora acts not
only as a clarity guarantee, but also as an enhancer membrane, which spins the
utterly pure juice into a sophisticated texture. The name is actually spot on.
The aromatic notes goes into the direction of dried banana, candied citrus
fruits, pear zest and lime. The taste is utterly divine, super precise and
elegant. WOW!. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have no idea how long it can cellar – but who can resist it
now? </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-80026556485126045772016-07-25T20:34:00.000+02:002016-07-28T20:21:10.458+02:00Benoît Déhu <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2Joz1zi3Mdw523auDleOnSOpOB2YLK-XF-_7hVg3-2JEgGfZNFOVr4VUdAsV3tMvNBcHjwdO5w0lgRi43LDFrqdMuoN-LzSrQVJwyTqLdVBtMsiK4xuWS7cHx1htUgMOkHewPEkg_dw/s1600/IMG_0953small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2Joz1zi3Mdw523auDleOnSOpOB2YLK-XF-_7hVg3-2JEgGfZNFOVr4VUdAsV3tMvNBcHjwdO5w0lgRi43LDFrqdMuoN-LzSrQVJwyTqLdVBtMsiK4xuWS7cHx1htUgMOkHewPEkg_dw/s320/IMG_0953small.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I first discovered
Benoît Déhu back in 2014. Déhu was (and still is) part of the <a href="http://origines-champagne.com/fr/" target="_blank">“Origines” </a>group,
which are among many of the tastings you can visit, in what we now know as the
Champagne week in April.</span><br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://origines-champagne.com/fr/" target="_blank">Origines</a>
are a group very friendly people, good intend, curiousness and the willingness
to be inspired. However, back in 2014 I witness way too much Chaptalization. Of
course I am rudely generalizing (forgive me), but on that day, the bone dry
2011 (1g/l dosage)“La Rue des Noyers” was easy to fall in love with. </span><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dehu also
served some still wines at Origines. They were pretty bold in character and
might have had a bit too much wood infusion – yet quit intense for Coteaux
Champenois. I will have to re-taste these wines someday.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Since then
– I have tasted the 2011 “La Rue des Noyers” on several occasions and have
always appreciated it. It’s a Champagne, which combines the sophisticated side
of Pinot Meunier, which has its roots in high pitched energy and spices. It’s
far from the heavy and baroque style of Meunier, which is really not my thing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“La Rue des
Noyers” has a phenomenal linear energy, which is intensified by a singing
clarity. In 2011 the Champagne is obviously greener and herbal – which is
typical for the vintage. However somehow it works here, though I believe that
the 2011 should be drunk young. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Almost
since I first tasted the 2011 - I have been eager for the 2012 to be released.
It happened earlier this year and a few days ago I tasted it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNgGKGCYGyUGL9py00utEyVNKY-hGC4kG2i7n6oZOfEnrLF-vFs6WztMmtcdD2uKusjf14YaCtGsa3aJ6UUZEcnZOOB6zUXNlab_FqDcFbRtjuLVLChmiylyJL3fLLzDZUeMVDSqo9WY/s1600/IMG_8030small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNgGKGCYGyUGL9py00utEyVNKY-hGC4kG2i7n6oZOfEnrLF-vFs6WztMmtcdD2uKusjf14YaCtGsa3aJ6UUZEcnZOOB6zUXNlab_FqDcFbRtjuLVLChmiylyJL3fLLzDZUeMVDSqo9WY/s320/IMG_8030small.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>2012 Benoît Déhu “La Rue des Noyers”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Blend: 100%
Pinot Meunier<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Soil: Black
limestone<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Vineyard: 1,7ha
in </span><span lang="EN-US">Fossoy (roughly 57
km west of Reims)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Vines: 40-45 years
old<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Viticulture: Bio<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Vinification:
Oak 228L (comes from local forrest in Fossoy). No Malo<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Dosage:
Zero<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Production:
2.000 bottles<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Disgorgement: 14 October 2015</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Glass:
Zalto White Wine.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The nose is
really tense and packed with dynamite young juice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 2012 are a sizzling fruit sensation, which feels like
small frozen crystallized particles waiting to defrost and explode. Normally
you would rarely hear me say, that a Champagne is too young. There is always
something to learn and explore from a youthful Champagne and in fact - 9 out of
10 times I prefer a young Champagne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But this is
really youthful. But goddamn I would still recommend you take a dive here as
it’s, filled with lime zest, flowers, apples and mint. In the background you
have a slight smokey touch from the oak, which is in perfect harmony, as the
fruit overload is so massive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
taste is awesome, both in terms of purity, energy and a nerve-wrecking acidity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hunt it, if
you can find it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>P.s. Dehu
Also makes a cuvée called “Le Pythie”, which I have yet to taste. </i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-48143598277160446042016-05-05T21:39:00.001+02:002019-06-07T14:21:32.676+02:00Images from 2016 Terres et vins de Champagne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrRy3z98aROVbikX-9vB7_FSeg_cvEhmFvQCqIw3f-IxZJJ3LvtaJgpW8YnPZG5fnPSweWZAbEo1JQCaouvtwgXrPylKMoi65R6NLNpPmaJgUECEhlKYo9K4-JMPK8zTC4aNTUeVNRqk/s1600/IMG_6663small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRrRy3z98aROVbikX-9vB7_FSeg_cvEhmFvQCqIw3f-IxZJJ3LvtaJgpW8YnPZG5fnPSweWZAbEo1JQCaouvtwgXrPylKMoi65R6NLNpPmaJgUECEhlKYo9K4-JMPK8zTC4aNTUeVNRqk/s320/IMG_6663small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">(Bottles from reception)</span></em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDiTcQ2a4eaQRaZrdlVZhyYPKImbJ8Lcx-0naYLofljrvBNkHZnogbIEp14uNtiz_l88JQgYdIecuemY6VM6J0u8nW3bn8aqdXIf8QDgbeUTt9zJGPIjotJhEVYdIMfTR5TkwX7p1MUU/s1600/IMG_6666small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDiTcQ2a4eaQRaZrdlVZhyYPKImbJ8Lcx-0naYLofljrvBNkHZnogbIEp14uNtiz_l88JQgYdIecuemY6VM6J0u8nW3bn8aqdXIf8QDgbeUTt9zJGPIjotJhEVYdIMfTR5TkwX7p1MUU/s320/IMG_6666small.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Lahaye red)</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKpoaABuX-FjC65R7IIn4iyEF1SUYItbodlhbkTFXEl4i3QKVW9tL-giHKnhXXFHuEPsRIjvDmuj-0DaAyf_r336pODWAjXWm0xcje17n3fEKOfuMn91BfZwqsXTuJiUCZeweVtyqFwo/s1600/IMG_6669small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKpoaABuX-FjC65R7IIn4iyEF1SUYItbodlhbkTFXEl4i3QKVW9tL-giHKnhXXFHuEPsRIjvDmuj-0DaAyf_r336pODWAjXWm0xcje17n3fEKOfuMn91BfZwqsXTuJiUCZeweVtyqFwo/s320/IMG_6669small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>(4 X Champagne)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPOnk65nI_fiKI3H0e6za3IS3rf3abFbflHHLaaDl4SecSuDWYQlVMauLYHAash2obmZByPBAK34bfhgCJa8Gt9JT7HMdpxj78RQ4-N0WaIK61Ol7Y0b4cQ2cgrZnRaJ1N7vlfCt80zU/s1600/IMG_6670small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPOnk65nI_fiKI3H0e6za3IS3rf3abFbflHHLaaDl4SecSuDWYQlVMauLYHAash2obmZByPBAK34bfhgCJa8Gt9JT7HMdpxj78RQ4-N0WaIK61Ol7Y0b4cQ2cgrZnRaJ1N7vlfCt80zU/s320/IMG_6670small.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(1975 Suenen)</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtqVywdv9NNtB_BEXPDpkS5ktDqlEFp9XVYzqImNqkaMXSCWYImZ02GRN2-n0TUGK7fH3sSZJA2wPuHpXXyq4rOesEGLjMJUyUfo0Dx2QqCAgzqPcvqec5IavnyKiRPz32I4PeP4jN9k/s1600/IMG_6677small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtqVywdv9NNtB_BEXPDpkS5ktDqlEFp9XVYzqImNqkaMXSCWYImZ02GRN2-n0TUGK7fH3sSZJA2wPuHpXXyq4rOesEGLjMJUyUfo0Dx2QqCAgzqPcvqec5IavnyKiRPz32I4PeP4jN9k/s320/IMG_6677small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(3 happy ladies)</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZWTLa4kHaEZnQJ_f0_xeBEPwjRZUwUQ8nOEUfhfuv0JEd3hNAiR5PsvWeDaSpzQtLoWkhKRHRTjYX3CF7eAS-VkWsAQIrpta1_XCEYiY2adg-A33h8VlB6XwC7sR47B7gCnm7-4F4v0/s1600/IMG_6707+1small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZWTLa4kHaEZnQJ_f0_xeBEPwjRZUwUQ8nOEUfhfuv0JEd3hNAiR5PsvWeDaSpzQtLoWkhKRHRTjYX3CF7eAS-VkWsAQIrpta1_XCEYiY2adg-A33h8VlB6XwC7sR47B7gCnm7-4F4v0/s320/IMG_6707+1small.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Pascal Agrapart)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYpiT7MIgEyHcU_ZNDtYBmFF06V496SMsAEFdz3UrQ0l8OH9csLH3oI9qVFVximXyrOJHBgwVO2zDUux3kj8FEkYsCVklWBQl6d5kwSbXnpnx62SBgnF-9lvrIWjHXUgOMsc4tdh1_jA/s1600/IMG_6708small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYpiT7MIgEyHcU_ZNDtYBmFF06V496SMsAEFdz3UrQ0l8OH9csLH3oI9qVFVximXyrOJHBgwVO2zDUux3kj8FEkYsCVklWBQl6d5kwSbXnpnx62SBgnF-9lvrIWjHXUgOMsc4tdh1_jA/s320/IMG_6708small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Olivier Paulet)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TZabAicOoy64vyHAfxZbiJcp23BHktonH43M3LN1L_eCHARDqgagtZhwDpnE4iVhhaNY6z6T0osYAXewX0h4xuae6_Gtq3ZzeYOzDiZfTBR0F_H13rNfva6zE4P8JW6-jHNKsMifMK0/s1600/IMG_6715small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TZabAicOoy64vyHAfxZbiJcp23BHktonH43M3LN1L_eCHARDqgagtZhwDpnE4iVhhaNY6z6T0osYAXewX0h4xuae6_Gtq3ZzeYOzDiZfTBR0F_H13rNfva6zE4P8JW6-jHNKsMifMK0/s320/IMG_6715small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Sebastien Crozatier)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_w4vR6Y1U0M6dEmzrbhd2UWQ7zfGeKn3PxhSz3VjFNo5jdvBaHc7n_iEgDB47p8khObxvbHmj6IjGVK4HF3BmGSeLMw9T6eo9vgFQUOUOkdN9OhFojrCDb9FFKsduBR65yZcuPmnLEg/s1600/IMG_6718+1small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_w4vR6Y1U0M6dEmzrbhd2UWQ7zfGeKn3PxhSz3VjFNo5jdvBaHc7n_iEgDB47p8khObxvbHmj6IjGVK4HF3BmGSeLMw9T6eo9vgFQUOUOkdN9OhFojrCDb9FFKsduBR65yZcuPmnLEg/s320/IMG_6718+1small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Benoît Tarlant)</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh335v9Q5QZjrcbMuLAmM4bne2dOxqiHaSuurEPh427AclEX0_OV-Nm2gWJGbUA79K3o60Ep8advguOcVhOVtceVqOr-QlUdw9zllSjEPTSxrNoTZC0glXTAlqlU9630RpJOAvqfDQGSX8/s1600/IMG_6734small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh335v9Q5QZjrcbMuLAmM4bne2dOxqiHaSuurEPh427AclEX0_OV-Nm2gWJGbUA79K3o60Ep8advguOcVhOVtceVqOr-QlUdw9zllSjEPTSxrNoTZC0glXTAlqlU9630RpJOAvqfDQGSX8/s320/IMG_6734small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFgmzSXDanoZ9aPw15U_hkY9d99fPpkl7MPK6Z6QdCmh_8ST3l6PKINc-ZTSV7qe2eS3IQEPZnrL_yp_ZT9ZhQHATtm5mPavS2PiBf_rLBR2MEcZGxd3824SGa06sjF7ptLZh8-lsN8U/s1600/IMG_6746+2+copysmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFgmzSXDanoZ9aPw15U_hkY9d99fPpkl7MPK6Z6QdCmh_8ST3l6PKINc-ZTSV7qe2eS3IQEPZnrL_yp_ZT9ZhQHATtm5mPavS2PiBf_rLBR2MEcZGxd3824SGa06sjF7ptLZh8-lsN8U/s320/IMG_6746+2+copysmall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Restaurant Lallement)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7IB3QhTj1M2DVsKMxshO_VfkXpiaGAN4lsnNgfRMIeAapnu7XkfpD6UUJLGFCpbmr1Gc38CF0nfRVDJUmPN34Hg5GGAHIdfFhKGS868MOs1habQYYWTcZRMwT3OOVFXa_mWrAMTZKDk/s1600/IMG_6748small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7IB3QhTj1M2DVsKMxshO_VfkXpiaGAN4lsnNgfRMIeAapnu7XkfpD6UUJLGFCpbmr1Gc38CF0nfRVDJUmPN34Hg5GGAHIdfFhKGS868MOs1habQYYWTcZRMwT3OOVFXa_mWrAMTZKDk/s320/IMG_6748small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Zalto Champagne)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOZZSc_JOBRQtgpfDL50__y8GApJwO7RCupl3UioMoAuxRuAiVHp6PxaNQ-syfP6o9rH2HdxvKauTVCxeV4s9rj7tzR7Wmr_DfwFQMqPvCPjfDdgvVLtK021kOevH2rsEJgrxt1bLKGo/s1600/IMG_6757small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOZZSc_JOBRQtgpfDL50__y8GApJwO7RCupl3UioMoAuxRuAiVHp6PxaNQ-syfP6o9rH2HdxvKauTVCxeV4s9rj7tzR7Wmr_DfwFQMqPvCPjfDdgvVLtK021kOevH2rsEJgrxt1bLKGo/s320/IMG_6757small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Cristine)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusIVZlFbJVqGDZxpnm7X0-uxbaDRhdhzjrsXMTPr0xKwSqTVjrdAhzDhYHbJNDVLtrt14aFK-xVtrs7J1pbL3WrDi0B7WRy84xb52vLm8BSn8xn8HtKEwQNBTmwI_VjSqk1mnuLKRENY/s1600/IMG_6760small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusIVZlFbJVqGDZxpnm7X0-uxbaDRhdhzjrsXMTPr0xKwSqTVjrdAhzDhYHbJNDVLtrt14aFK-xVtrs7J1pbL3WrDi0B7WRy84xb52vLm8BSn8xn8HtKEwQNBTmwI_VjSqk1mnuLKRENY/s320/IMG_6760small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Mélanie Tarlant)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AngJ7S68YCvZTxsQ_Xt2cnAluapXdgl0NYkxPkfThOsEbSEuyLBf8nhXUVvxf26L8aDVcrwhCIEqGeZAQx0MHMU_JzfHtEzomoue8W5GetT8_qxJzjDS3sqo8x6pGIT-az04DO7f_Uw/s1600/IMG_6768small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AngJ7S68YCvZTxsQ_Xt2cnAluapXdgl0NYkxPkfThOsEbSEuyLBf8nhXUVvxf26L8aDVcrwhCIEqGeZAQx0MHMU_JzfHtEzomoue8W5GetT8_qxJzjDS3sqo8x6pGIT-az04DO7f_Uw/s320/IMG_6768small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Olivier Paulet)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUNYXbtaXBlcvsuMdolkHc2wgS2__ImfGJv3E6SPSpd5CDCnQoROqctoKaygT4Jnv6eiSnVzNdTmoz6KNpmhQm-GELNH57JPvZYerkyfr1bRLUeHBwDImwW6R9_LnFXHpUQrUjWL8WfQ/s1600/IMG_6773small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUNYXbtaXBlcvsuMdolkHc2wgS2__ImfGJv3E6SPSpd5CDCnQoROqctoKaygT4Jnv6eiSnVzNdTmoz6KNpmhQm-GELNH57JPvZYerkyfr1bRLUeHBwDImwW6R9_LnFXHpUQrUjWL8WfQ/s320/IMG_6773small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Emmanuel Brochet)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcC0TxJ2nmzcyqHprSLiIAWwT0Kzi8lK6WPI0RC9qNSSiy6KGa0gAJ8CNuM76v_5HAnRqMEbkLxex9XdLQE2puGWQ6w3iMktsjj86j1-80fOFCGkpsBcluqJPvUOnnEeozmCPgohfW4Y/s1600/IMG_6774small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcC0TxJ2nmzcyqHprSLiIAWwT0Kzi8lK6WPI0RC9qNSSiy6KGa0gAJ8CNuM76v_5HAnRqMEbkLxex9XdLQE2puGWQ6w3iMktsjj86j1-80fOFCGkpsBcluqJPvUOnnEeozmCPgohfW4Y/s320/IMG_6774small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Françoise Bedel)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPqWwcvpQrJBWEMUW2Auhsb89d0a82YW3HjSs7DPWWap47VEkZvaOmM3NHftFMFOwlVD69IrZAQBABhInu_2TZYr1tODaiekYVObk0Nzrk-09JdzjfmhVJaQjIGp-5vSrYo3ehutX8AI/s1600/IMG_6795small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfPqWwcvpQrJBWEMUW2Auhsb89d0a82YW3HjSs7DPWWap47VEkZvaOmM3NHftFMFOwlVD69IrZAQBABhInu_2TZYr1tODaiekYVObk0Nzrk-09JdzjfmhVJaQjIGp-5vSrYo3ehutX8AI/s320/IMG_6795small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Aurélien Suenen)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7onWwjev_kaDzLM3CpzAer_-gJirztH7Pifppav8E3SbsciHaUROGCKuEe1c8Q8RkWne354LyroiGYNplyVooR9Jh89sBupNWHEUH-pGbps2u0lEeOJQWZQ7jMGuQU__GfxKyZMYI70A/s1600/IMG_6799small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7onWwjev_kaDzLM3CpzAer_-gJirztH7Pifppav8E3SbsciHaUROGCKuEe1c8Q8RkWne354LyroiGYNplyVooR9Jh89sBupNWHEUH-pGbps2u0lEeOJQWZQ7jMGuQU__GfxKyZMYI70A/s320/IMG_6799small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Raphaël Bérèche)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QB-6it8joh60UlkyHWkIfWXhYrThKuZ1l8PrqBd217CWdO55vbw945ZXEDxMz-8eIihhURA7xpOQQwOXCLzGONrLZFgtpRlRCrXr30UI2HV5zFd6461yGwtPfKHyiUTQnlEIlz8m0N8/s1600/IMG_6800small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QB-6it8joh60UlkyHWkIfWXhYrThKuZ1l8PrqBd217CWdO55vbw945ZXEDxMz-8eIihhURA7xpOQQwOXCLzGONrLZFgtpRlRCrXr30UI2HV5zFd6461yGwtPfKHyiUTQnlEIlz8m0N8/s320/IMG_6800small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Raphaël Bérèche)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCC8inJjvOghGULQ0TlxpRn8tSPT5jiy73Es8EZ8Jw_RuqxkkIDqg6aFqFE5pNaJWiIR8XFEsbYdTwtcMqxZR0SI7FDJnEqQirx0oT02RUUreYbEFclJo5i-Kj0iwOXY4-d0s0CWaZQU/s1600/IMG_6801small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCC8inJjvOghGULQ0TlxpRn8tSPT5jiy73Es8EZ8Jw_RuqxkkIDqg6aFqFE5pNaJWiIR8XFEsbYdTwtcMqxZR0SI7FDJnEqQirx0oT02RUUreYbEFclJo5i-Kj0iwOXY4-d0s0CWaZQU/s320/IMG_6801small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Tasters)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwe-X9uV-jz_CcnspojZrdBPy0Rfs-y8NU5lQUsRRFoFsLB-gSH5IJPL4RHzSAJx-Rh77YFgQRtVdX4kp12fYQWT2DoFXvh3S2Ehxha2LCpoXdKJesEvmW78Bot9wouKABqlU68jkc0I/s1600/IMG_6805small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwe-X9uV-jz_CcnspojZrdBPy0Rfs-y8NU5lQUsRRFoFsLB-gSH5IJPL4RHzSAJx-Rh77YFgQRtVdX4kp12fYQWT2DoFXvh3S2Ehxha2LCpoXdKJesEvmW78Bot9wouKABqlU68jkc0I/s320/IMG_6805small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Vincent Laval)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxr1mwPtCtue1oAGLqR27Xx7OuB_EFwG73lSp6_gG_o2BupcCynUxmAJZfLw3BbdQLS4b5ZY0PNdP5m-R62qbaM3rBKsUvDniapNMjAglShvOiuv9DX17nEGCG0PxuffL_nRwcwnztjc/s1600/IMG_6816small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxr1mwPtCtue1oAGLqR27Xx7OuB_EFwG73lSp6_gG_o2BupcCynUxmAJZfLw3BbdQLS4b5ZY0PNdP5m-R62qbaM3rBKsUvDniapNMjAglShvOiuv9DX17nEGCG0PxuffL_nRwcwnztjc/s320/IMG_6816small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Pascal Agrapart)</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVp5v8gYwhyphenhyphen_L0uV7Jz-CUIci4Bq2hVgwqTqq3Q4LDh881ljnsL9r-isx4wObWsx5VXn6yCBz5e37OWRfLAqGl8dWPSGHFITaCCVAIli2JOocE_LumVv0dNpyWQvG8AkTZl63ygsLJ3Y/s1600/IMG_6821+2small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggVp5v8gYwhyphenhyphen_L0uV7Jz-CUIci4Bq2hVgwqTqq3Q4LDh881ljnsL9r-isx4wObWsx5VXn6yCBz5e37OWRfLAqGl8dWPSGHFITaCCVAIli2JOocE_LumVv0dNpyWQvG8AkTZl63ygsLJ3Y/s320/IMG_6821+2small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Fabrice Pouillon)</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Uq11b1cG1nvro2BYqdWP5YGcZ87WzAMQrcxz7rpgGHrU2s3lQ3j80F3tc1Mj0Er2iUcu2UC7DQ3GqLQPbpMwI6m-gxDfqbgVuRP3j-KTiUK29EOCO4IVDhtbniJ1PisIFDKlvSIKNgM/s1600/IMG_6827b%2526wsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Uq11b1cG1nvro2BYqdWP5YGcZ87WzAMQrcxz7rpgGHrU2s3lQ3j80F3tc1Mj0Er2iUcu2UC7DQ3GqLQPbpMwI6m-gxDfqbgVuRP3j-KTiUK29EOCO4IVDhtbniJ1PisIFDKlvSIKNgM/s320/IMG_6827b%2526wsmall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Alexandre Chartogne)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZxsDJCebv04b3iWZh6zRamdMv6lQlJUr2xO0GPMWT-od7c5rbkkUuG-n85pPRxR4Mii1r30TYfKliW7k4tFVBUnQPH7C3vKtKnVRqdEHkw-rmstv5cjbM_nDv-phaaxDdMC6AUdNxFQ/s1600/IMG_6852small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZxsDJCebv04b3iWZh6zRamdMv6lQlJUr2xO0GPMWT-od7c5rbkkUuG-n85pPRxR4Mii1r30TYfKliW7k4tFVBUnQPH7C3vKtKnVRqdEHkw-rmstv5cjbM_nDv-phaaxDdMC6AUdNxFQ/s320/IMG_6852small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Vincent Bedel)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJwnr40lHATYO5PO2GblYspqxp2pnBAz7f2ZuYJpTh-VBG-8kRXwyGO2hQWDLk7SDO2GAKEhgT596enksh9SoGjhQJMMUmFq1Rmu9wa1LGrMLLoP9WKDg9wOkpDkoIpcfPuIqsOlgahM/s1600/IMG_6856small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJwnr40lHATYO5PO2GblYspqxp2pnBAz7f2ZuYJpTh-VBG-8kRXwyGO2hQWDLk7SDO2GAKEhgT596enksh9SoGjhQJMMUmFq1Rmu9wa1LGrMLLoP9WKDg9wOkpDkoIpcfPuIqsOlgahM/s320/IMG_6856small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Notes)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmc22q4SGdccyzAKvFU6nLeBEWCgDDMCW_Fw3ju-C4jhWbBXTyFXEyesSLH5EJ9NUKIzLbiiN2pAAOtac3rymBzfsch05jpOyw3snM5FZjURw0-LUS97n2OSMujENV73r1GErtbp980oc/s1600/IMG_6859small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmc22q4SGdccyzAKvFU6nLeBEWCgDDMCW_Fw3ju-C4jhWbBXTyFXEyesSLH5EJ9NUKIzLbiiN2pAAOtac3rymBzfsch05jpOyw3snM5FZjURw0-LUS97n2OSMujENV73r1GErtbp980oc/s320/IMG_6859small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Zalto and lady)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQjaEjaYsuXzAb9ezfkOhVZGolYNKAxMdTF8G3gfN4QjD2p_Gf241IaPcZFKgZHM3SboCF2Bi3ZVCHA18EX0pxu6_BaszxNjgg_TmxAKLw1zpAz5lQ7qe5wW9SAtY2c8yxDO5NvJ9_GY/s1600/IMG_6886small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQjaEjaYsuXzAb9ezfkOhVZGolYNKAxMdTF8G3gfN4QjD2p_Gf241IaPcZFKgZHM3SboCF2Bi3ZVCHA18EX0pxu6_BaszxNjgg_TmxAKLw1zpAz5lQ7qe5wW9SAtY2c8yxDO5NvJ9_GY/s320/IMG_6886small.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(David Léclapart)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCvGkC5UWob868Cb4NzaJiIcNQ4PBGeRGvccwk6zhF28h_Aa_shlvucckl74i0rq_U5v642YECYyu82j1U1MAeMOTsYn1i5rsCbuzJjAP8gTXctrMBoe9vvDuOgmHP4bm13Nv75Llmho/s1600/IMG_6895small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCvGkC5UWob868Cb4NzaJiIcNQ4PBGeRGvccwk6zhF28h_Aa_shlvucckl74i0rq_U5v642YECYyu82j1U1MAeMOTsYn1i5rsCbuzJjAP8gTXctrMBoe9vvDuOgmHP4bm13Nv75Llmho/s320/IMG_6895small.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Dominique Moreau)</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxp3PlSkTesf25mGlTf3m6E-Mjwr5t14S7E6lLevSuql0qmUAB-D0434msbzp5D-8OHBauAQVmu5rACSkdsb4LUMUo3DLKXtQ7BOt7hMYxj0ffGMBcjxRCTnA77UnELBJrlJknTj1829k/s1600/IMG_6903+1small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxp3PlSkTesf25mGlTf3m6E-Mjwr5t14S7E6lLevSuql0qmUAB-D0434msbzp5D-8OHBauAQVmu5rACSkdsb4LUMUo3DLKXtQ7BOt7hMYxj0ffGMBcjxRCTnA77UnELBJrlJknTj1829k/s320/IMG_6903+1small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Franck Pascal)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmV5Z-_RXwO_7KkPewwBdnVSuBZ3_7j7m6ucjn-jLFpPo-xwmZjON0kgSbcVm6xLsJa0BZT9wNk6yF5ivGoTgdwDPsxRDww7dwK8GiJr56TFJoNALwXlfjAS9HQiWn60AOtZORE-N1yU/s1600/IMG_6913small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmV5Z-_RXwO_7KkPewwBdnVSuBZ3_7j7m6ucjn-jLFpPo-xwmZjON0kgSbcVm6xLsJa0BZT9wNk6yF5ivGoTgdwDPsxRDww7dwK8GiJr56TFJoNALwXlfjAS9HQiWn60AOtZORE-N1yU/s320/IMG_6913small.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Françoise Bedel)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQove4daXHf7sEOzQMimmp7_GI8TbPwsZpiOA9atSVqOzmEPpe-TBFqXD8e9afLRSjfwWmOU6va2fZFtYeQJBy4qw133MStABt_S60aqNvsAtgVCbWZRIdcFyV2NjT1izBAH_HGc_Yhc/s1600/IMG_6916small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQove4daXHf7sEOzQMimmp7_GI8TbPwsZpiOA9atSVqOzmEPpe-TBFqXD8e9afLRSjfwWmOU6va2fZFtYeQJBy4qw133MStABt_S60aqNvsAtgVCbWZRIdcFyV2NjT1izBAH_HGc_Yhc/s320/IMG_6916small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnZRwE2eKsW212CCE8rHwOvhaXW3XPlc3YrUdyknYEhyphenhyphena6xVDLa0xMaVkQGz-KeGVUju1FcADEbPQukpjE7NH66UGXWzplzJvp_aKlKQRup0_1EvZjB1ftsGiz9tWvW_108_JA2xTWEc/s1600/IMG_6918small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnZRwE2eKsW212CCE8rHwOvhaXW3XPlc3YrUdyknYEhyphenhyphena6xVDLa0xMaVkQGz-KeGVUju1FcADEbPQukpjE7NH66UGXWzplzJvp_aKlKQRup0_1EvZjB1ftsGiz9tWvW_108_JA2xTWEc/s320/IMG_6918small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Bottles)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlXrpxpAY9Ka4iL3pUogudfoAgWfnpvWgi6meYhTB-FDAUBq8dXC3-C5GM_xiiUGrZfEm_-D-rd_JR0Bp_-HwMOae1gVRMraxK8g98BFI4iMRXPegZuN9xtocgbC0jX60VZVxuaFv0wU/s1600/IMG_6919small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlXrpxpAY9Ka4iL3pUogudfoAgWfnpvWgi6meYhTB-FDAUBq8dXC3-C5GM_xiiUGrZfEm_-D-rd_JR0Bp_-HwMOae1gVRMraxK8g98BFI4iMRXPegZuN9xtocgbC0jX60VZVxuaFv0wU/s320/IMG_6919small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Barrel)</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsFLwS4lsoq8wF9K5eLkMZ8Jg9H5WeqFzqOqj3XAuJOqpNpXeI0wGc-MVEk3Idrab49og0slC7PytvQy1bqZoRg5eEvyIMRzRwr2Vl4yJy80SKlYYHOLqUBBalPNYYIwpOzjwCUrDRz4/s1600/IMG_6923small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwsFLwS4lsoq8wF9K5eLkMZ8Jg9H5WeqFzqOqj3XAuJOqpNpXeI0wGc-MVEk3Idrab49og0slC7PytvQy1bqZoRg5eEvyIMRzRwr2Vl4yJy80SKlYYHOLqUBBalPNYYIwpOzjwCUrDRz4/s320/IMG_6923small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Vincent Bérèche)</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7YL8fGnuKsZhvkj5nm9Or5QQ0IPjPpaNOhMoBOVfHfKMAkTxNytQmrKA7CTRT447yWPAW06sHJYB5z0Vyk3Xnym13zzvnlNLHT-igcptcfXuBsTEa6_kiRhLBZ7oYOQAp-5Qvg0uaTw/s1600/IMG_6924small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7YL8fGnuKsZhvkj5nm9Or5QQ0IPjPpaNOhMoBOVfHfKMAkTxNytQmrKA7CTRT447yWPAW06sHJYB5z0Vyk3Xnym13zzvnlNLHT-igcptcfXuBsTEa6_kiRhLBZ7oYOQAp-5Qvg0uaTw/s320/IMG_6924small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Palais du Tau à Reims)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUoWwYcsFavOSMjsoznmUS425Aww3DRXe_8iRhLHbYRkHJHpetloAsXRlsLR1BhuL_ZUoYxqbjt8c4NqZSfUKUgiDKKLRkkjlkw4XFJJxLS-6pNha88ya5lOuDu0yFpOqWMOAbPGoMcIU/s1600/IMG_6930small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUoWwYcsFavOSMjsoznmUS425Aww3DRXe_8iRhLHbYRkHJHpetloAsXRlsLR1BhuL_ZUoYxqbjt8c4NqZSfUKUgiDKKLRkkjlkw4XFJJxLS-6pNha88ya5lOuDu0yFpOqWMOAbPGoMcIU/s320/IMG_6930small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Palais du Tau à Reims)</em></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Palais du Tau à Reims)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekJ9yUK6QiwCk9rvG-dxOhMnfRIWNHjpNAQARQ4AATmN4YtL-Qs6pSGT3JpLlSAiqIh2B_OHo91dIw34Wq1zHB4wrI6uShyA1TvDoZ3x6NhnzBOO6F7t3r9lHqTecaAEs72huhKm-OT0/s1600/IMG_6945small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekJ9yUK6QiwCk9rvG-dxOhMnfRIWNHjpNAQARQ4AATmN4YtL-Qs6pSGT3JpLlSAiqIh2B_OHo91dIw34Wq1zHB4wrI6uShyA1TvDoZ3x6NhnzBOO6F7t3r9lHqTecaAEs72huhKm-OT0/s320/IMG_6945small.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Palais du Tau à Reims)</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpma-zI_BsTYgsiPJqtGwmeVXnOhtR2hjJ18GJkm9jccN7un6-IhCOKDQmkbon4XN1JPoi8OoAJ6yaY1DqpP-VyNSLbw9bowZe55U4E17RczS2Y6QCucLCjFN5OKJNnH1DOS0I78me_o/s1600/IMG_6953small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpma-zI_BsTYgsiPJqtGwmeVXnOhtR2hjJ18GJkm9jccN7un6-IhCOKDQmkbon4XN1JPoi8OoAJ6yaY1DqpP-VyNSLbw9bowZe55U4E17RczS2Y6QCucLCjFN5OKJNnH1DOS0I78me_o/s320/IMG_6953small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Olivier Horiot - check out that T-shirt)</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16o3ELB23kwmBZiiTylOn3_GGPR2xyglftHTXWtf8puuoJkgohK4g4Dpqvp2uKO7lBzN1SpNnGVWNtkF5WeGsEKBv4VBGC5dIrpyDJEHNMH9OCE3D8lvOg0wGpCHxcaIYtq2ldM-gsrs/s1600/IMG_6957+1small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16o3ELB23kwmBZiiTylOn3_GGPR2xyglftHTXWtf8puuoJkgohK4g4Dpqvp2uKO7lBzN1SpNnGVWNtkF5WeGsEKBv4VBGC5dIrpyDJEHNMH9OCE3D8lvOg0wGpCHxcaIYtq2ldM-gsrs/s320/IMG_6957+1small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Aurélien Laherte - "The Gladiator")</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvr07JYYe5PdRR8s8TNokZaE1UY6BVFUYuumpbiBiRay8FkC2MvqexQ25jv12I77e_0Cw9p-f_2bmYAfxlz57l8jVLhgXb12dvceHmWNo5HlOaAnobu7QievI9x-J7ht79j2TyJRfEorw/s1600/IMG_6958small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvr07JYYe5PdRR8s8TNokZaE1UY6BVFUYuumpbiBiRay8FkC2MvqexQ25jv12I77e_0Cw9p-f_2bmYAfxlz57l8jVLhgXb12dvceHmWNo5HlOaAnobu7QievI9x-J7ht79j2TyJRfEorw/s320/IMG_6958small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Zalto "White Wine" glasses)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWdfN8E2X7QfYCRV5IsyUa_kZyrTxslK04n1Oy9ligukOQhDGtkNYfaBr7aiHd3-b00P2cHEHo57EBBI0ljCRG3b9yD6jo_37fkpz3thvsjjzFxXwx11WVy9CiCbWR8r7x1uwtEW8DxQ/s1600/IMG_6961small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWdfN8E2X7QfYCRV5IsyUa_kZyrTxslK04n1Oy9ligukOQhDGtkNYfaBr7aiHd3-b00P2cHEHo57EBBI0ljCRG3b9yD6jo_37fkpz3thvsjjzFxXwx11WVy9CiCbWR8r7x1uwtEW8DxQ/s320/IMG_6961small.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>(Palais du Tau à Reims)</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrG1awYuoOqvn7QcpTPfaZItmVeLacJbWLg0Rs-HSS99sa0FZzBKJL7vv3U3dVUjGGbYHzhmsqPVnybeZCU1ERWQY-Mt5lSA7up1h3O2hMQAIOMiKQQ4twl_a9crPloiFl71zWl22nKOw/s1600/IMG_6964small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrG1awYuoOqvn7QcpTPfaZItmVeLacJbWLg0Rs-HSS99sa0FZzBKJL7vv3U3dVUjGGbYHzhmsqPVnybeZCU1ERWQY-Mt5lSA7up1h3O2hMQAIOMiKQQ4twl_a9crPloiFl71zWl22nKOw/s320/IMG_6964small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Vincent Laval)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclhyphenhyphenC0FZPwdBcDTwhbScU_UNRDo1nO0DZvmL9hJTsESacYGqx-zpUVT4EDAgtcE0mWUVcSN9VoylfS0Q-CMZUqYcp1S_TuIZDSMWpE0feMK_odnSSfXHW5Iij4M7oI01g8PBFEwgoFKQ/s1600/IMG_6970small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclhyphenhyphenC0FZPwdBcDTwhbScU_UNRDo1nO0DZvmL9hJTsESacYGqx-zpUVT4EDAgtcE0mWUVcSN9VoylfS0Q-CMZUqYcp1S_TuIZDSMWpE0feMK_odnSSfXHW5Iij4M7oI01g8PBFEwgoFKQ/s320/IMG_6970small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Emmanuel Brochet)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhDDq6dgHfvqWwY4KKygNnlHueRRnx1ku6ej1G1dogs8xQfoWyYPmVeqv7-5xPFGrq0LpPUq1i6hvNxYkSCtbEV2ISIkr5CqndizPJGaXFgqL5qZ3JiAylmjGSpGQ5BoYPR2KDKEjvtw/s1600/IMG_6971small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhDDq6dgHfvqWwY4KKygNnlHueRRnx1ku6ej1G1dogs8xQfoWyYPmVeqv7-5xPFGrq0LpPUq1i6hvNxYkSCtbEV2ISIkr5CqndizPJGaXFgqL5qZ3JiAylmjGSpGQ5BoYPR2KDKEjvtw/s320/IMG_6971small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Alexandre Chartogne)</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYvDj4qoV2Wtuf-ndWfKErs6jmxKIALfNjUtTmXycj2_wPskXtryLxXDmAN-A8yu9rzaJX0K5v7duIQUD8ti0Snw_JTTz_Lbg2EgCo9h3mt8zfY-ZHCaptmVDHGXArPQJDcFAsVaxI3Q/s1600/IMG_6979small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYvDj4qoV2Wtuf-ndWfKErs6jmxKIALfNjUtTmXycj2_wPskXtryLxXDmAN-A8yu9rzaJX0K5v7duIQUD8ti0Snw_JTTz_Lbg2EgCo9h3mt8zfY-ZHCaptmVDHGXArPQJDcFAsVaxI3Q/s320/IMG_6979small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Palais du Tau à Reims)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTU3r9F371DXxqWq0CHG6sqeUM_Ryls4jSpG0jTemp0vKF8Qdn7krCS_XNHTJmEwa-w5154bIyoH0gmiXsuiGPpuHMtXOvkm07-qLLZdVizMksFw4inZbAB9n0gEOGGqy4AVVKwa51e1g/s1600/IMG_6981small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTU3r9F371DXxqWq0CHG6sqeUM_Ryls4jSpG0jTemp0vKF8Qdn7krCS_XNHTJmEwa-w5154bIyoH0gmiXsuiGPpuHMtXOvkm07-qLLZdVizMksFw4inZbAB9n0gEOGGqy4AVVKwa51e1g/s320/IMG_6981small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Françoise Bedel)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-jFJGrWHq-YxB8fbiORBX3GEbpfW4krFpaXtCYTH3B4Ya3X5s33JoQQAXbBNeqDJ75_F5m85PlO4xLwqsktuqD8E5czn3W8gJtRiUJBRk6M7jXhCTvekAQXhswszqKpKO8M_2cKN3t0/s1600/IMG_6989small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-jFJGrWHq-YxB8fbiORBX3GEbpfW4krFpaXtCYTH3B4Ya3X5s33JoQQAXbBNeqDJ75_F5m85PlO4xLwqsktuqD8E5czn3W8gJtRiUJBRk6M7jXhCTvekAQXhswszqKpKO8M_2cKN3t0/s320/IMG_6989small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Aurélien Suenen)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRdagk9kFpjpCJufIvr4rZKA4QWBD-L1qHUtzN1gOrpvJ3DljKnBjFzB_BDXfm72LYXWDhZ004n9kTgPnyFD1BFAmr8O3b3B_bng7eqVuQuoipTL9bjfBG5FGnsFcpoZuRg9qvw_J7vE/s1600/IMG_6990small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRdagk9kFpjpCJufIvr4rZKA4QWBD-L1qHUtzN1gOrpvJ3DljKnBjFzB_BDXfm72LYXWDhZ004n9kTgPnyFD1BFAmr8O3b3B_bng7eqVuQuoipTL9bjfBG5FGnsFcpoZuRg9qvw_J7vE/s320/IMG_6990small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Aurélien Suenen)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37KY9fbHsgixDwtVYt8RqzT4JcZnzRBQQ-wEflhazdVt1XGX36nCZfBX24rKFE0ajHIou65nf3GEQF6qQykkyySfwSE1-hvTG-E6qdV3_WsVyAn9zZg_59hOyrP2X9Z2klB11O15vCZg/s1600/IMG_6992small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37KY9fbHsgixDwtVYt8RqzT4JcZnzRBQQ-wEflhazdVt1XGX36nCZfBX24rKFE0ajHIou65nf3GEQF6qQykkyySfwSE1-hvTG-E6qdV3_WsVyAn9zZg_59hOyrP2X9Z2klB11O15vCZg/s320/IMG_6992small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Vincent Laval)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrUTbB6RmDwl6yw-xPZ7q6SFzM9WFkvGb1Qhq2r0r-J7IdMtoAGmtY7oOVwLuZ9m0D7XD7JlhDEeyoQaLDcuBIavvWiLqdjwHcTDYxDFJgyeaG2qMmxkq3yZKe2-zoDouy72ucHxrzCA/s1600/IMG_6993small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrUTbB6RmDwl6yw-xPZ7q6SFzM9WFkvGb1Qhq2r0r-J7IdMtoAGmtY7oOVwLuZ9m0D7XD7JlhDEeyoQaLDcuBIavvWiLqdjwHcTDYxDFJgyeaG2qMmxkq3yZKe2-zoDouy72ucHxrzCA/s320/IMG_6993small.jpg" width="213" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Vincent Laval)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWVG_J343R_PXVABqc_sGRSxPFKyxBhcC6vHI434x8EpSAA3kiJmqdmh-dHHUU7zx1MGGJurV4Vfow-RWcf5MvZJfR11Oa1mGlfJ0qE1GJKzjOrlCgwaK2HUOyw-B1GS7dCe8MwKAo7I/s1600/IMG_6994small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWVG_J343R_PXVABqc_sGRSxPFKyxBhcC6vHI434x8EpSAA3kiJmqdmh-dHHUU7zx1MGGJurV4Vfow-RWcf5MvZJfR11Oa1mGlfJ0qE1GJKzjOrlCgwaK2HUOyw-B1GS7dCe8MwKAo7I/s320/IMG_6994small.jpg" width="213" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(David Léclapart)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0O9Y_HcuzppuwZNCagcBWSNaojeIwIuPPV4zHqIBXGQIAeFGo27JbYBHo4WSQfKEWdaVGfXFFoYJSRTSH-auVcZiHrGtyL3B9zFUIQF_GvNNZnWdDL5SQf8WzVZcc0N6BD51OJUJq17I/s1600/IMG_6999small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0O9Y_HcuzppuwZNCagcBWSNaojeIwIuPPV4zHqIBXGQIAeFGo27JbYBHo4WSQfKEWdaVGfXFFoYJSRTSH-auVcZiHrGtyL3B9zFUIQF_GvNNZnWdDL5SQf8WzVZcc0N6BD51OJUJq17I/s320/IMG_6999small.jpg" width="213" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Mélanie Tarlant)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuPp9kpryB3oanEpj4aoXZj7bCG1zIdO0xp0d-D0EbdWxrjX-TbhGwNQyFmcMcT6gFkimp83ZcKOi1QAHHGx4gtvI0On48ArpAeRZJTULi5w_7NgA7yw_B4tvjjgcOskXvyx3Hz9tTHQ/s1600/IMG_7006small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuPp9kpryB3oanEpj4aoXZj7bCG1zIdO0xp0d-D0EbdWxrjX-TbhGwNQyFmcMcT6gFkimp83ZcKOi1QAHHGx4gtvI0On48ArpAeRZJTULi5w_7NgA7yw_B4tvjjgcOskXvyx3Hz9tTHQ/s320/IMG_7006small.jpg" width="226" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Pascal Agrapart)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnih8BxLz_od3z2Y-at4VTccb7eKN5z6wEUzKlJkyFBp1nqrvUb4GWIsBpCrHC3wJTJwwl6VWY3YZXGHc0RhVNMjAspfenX4Fvq6VrovKuTxIedrWshZ52f8iN8LhuK1jnCcNLBSDKx9Y/s1600/IMG_7008small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnih8BxLz_od3z2Y-at4VTccb7eKN5z6wEUzKlJkyFBp1nqrvUb4GWIsBpCrHC3wJTJwwl6VWY3YZXGHc0RhVNMjAspfenX4Fvq6VrovKuTxIedrWshZ52f8iN8LhuK1jnCcNLBSDKx9Y/s320/IMG_7008small.jpg" width="219" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Pascal Agrapart)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdFPX1nrFlGUPErAWgUpKDZ15i7YUmA5lWIWxiksMktNT5qe15E5YjssrYwab3CDhvWyC76NQi5m8n-EzWV9GVfgndT8pnOu3RVrTLHKZ2q8B1grEjAEEBXTHM2T75MT9tKxlpDdHj00/s1600/IMG_7014small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdFPX1nrFlGUPErAWgUpKDZ15i7YUmA5lWIWxiksMktNT5qe15E5YjssrYwab3CDhvWyC76NQi5m8n-EzWV9GVfgndT8pnOu3RVrTLHKZ2q8B1grEjAEEBXTHM2T75MT9tKxlpDdHj00/s320/IMG_7014small.jpg" width="213" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>((Pascal Agrapart))</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW34P6NOAzjJ2k-y8vrbleSAXIxemtYw2QK7RDE4wAkjZ-oqg0CYE7C0r6Huu9MqWGuiKXXQFYBxEZSxmLbH3B4v2Oq7IKn_yxJvGJG7dGhrswJxMxD_Ycak54gXf5dYzZlHiuJlLpmjg/s1600/IMG_7024+1small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW34P6NOAzjJ2k-y8vrbleSAXIxemtYw2QK7RDE4wAkjZ-oqg0CYE7C0r6Huu9MqWGuiKXXQFYBxEZSxmLbH3B4v2Oq7IKn_yxJvGJG7dGhrswJxMxD_Ycak54gXf5dYzZlHiuJlLpmjg/s320/IMG_7024+1small.jpg" width="320" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Vincent Laval)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvEKxi9M6Kj6g9m53RsmqKLHmBI_z_ra0EiY1nWq2LY2KQ552G6o_i7k_i-TU-34CX47th4jQVg8hYJgzX9B1yMucdgS5jlFftK6w246C2iJ8fLLNR7ac755C4XNG061yPam3TwnQ6Tk/s1600/IMG_7028small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvEKxi9M6Kj6g9m53RsmqKLHmBI_z_ra0EiY1nWq2LY2KQ552G6o_i7k_i-TU-34CX47th4jQVg8hYJgzX9B1yMucdgS5jlFftK6w246C2iJ8fLLNR7ac755C4XNG061yPam3TwnQ6Tk/s320/IMG_7028small.jpg" width="213" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Alexandre Chartogne)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR7NIpmrcRkS5yiNAPMfvvrOGZSUAHciCLciucaCOaTkKVcg7ZO-UTWM6BKd8cQ4mXPBHyNXs_-tEoHXwXIG_WSYOCF-xX0-EkpfMZXWzQUTrOENnlTSDc9QNwjOeP_h7aJOfVeYlNVA/s1600/IMG_7034b%2526wsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR7NIpmrcRkS5yiNAPMfvvrOGZSUAHciCLciucaCOaTkKVcg7ZO-UTWM6BKd8cQ4mXPBHyNXs_-tEoHXwXIG_WSYOCF-xX0-EkpfMZXWzQUTrOENnlTSDc9QNwjOeP_h7aJOfVeYlNVA/s320/IMG_7034b%2526wsmall.jpg" width="213" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Evelina)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoT4EXDGYZCkXjL2OOZdnZIu-lZneZj6kK4WnopyJOkrv2G67xFLoBhmc-OZgPeXHHaxjvZQ_jw4IF8rg1b7zk7Y4cRKPkr9vHUWGq0q7xCrqlnqd9P-j4hgpF5NgmO519ZfJa0y0ty-E/s1600/IMG_7049small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoT4EXDGYZCkXjL2OOZdnZIu-lZneZj6kK4WnopyJOkrv2G67xFLoBhmc-OZgPeXHHaxjvZQ_jw4IF8rg1b7zk7Y4cRKPkr9vHUWGq0q7xCrqlnqd9P-j4hgpF5NgmO519ZfJa0y0ty-E/s320/IMG_7049small.jpg" width="213" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Raphaël Bérèche)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5u4KVrepipNcBMBXDZWQHKUX_ZB-QTYBytj6mh4_sTzQz8kVbYATrb7zkAFRXYhkZfuORTSRESNM7Xs0ZzgnSmzLfIwtccwtQDf9uhGPvzQK7fmjWnuICkZUjVhOFo22VqX6PV28xcRQ/s1600/IMG_7053small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5u4KVrepipNcBMBXDZWQHKUX_ZB-QTYBytj6mh4_sTzQz8kVbYATrb7zkAFRXYhkZfuORTSRESNM7Xs0ZzgnSmzLfIwtccwtQDf9uhGPvzQK7fmjWnuICkZUjVhOFo22VqX6PV28xcRQ/s320/IMG_7053small.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>(Taster)</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKqShfrIQiHQ8Zu_ENUmmaRMHvDd9Bs3m0OFbwJdBHbT2fxtCxDVEmhxg7fF3CtnLIcBWBuvmeKDorQEDUC9DfEXxUtt4CwXrzucC2khGyE4QZN8nvpdXFyqkTb-eSLLFPREt_hQcb6E/s1600/IMG_7055small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKqShfrIQiHQ8Zu_ENUmmaRMHvDd9Bs3m0OFbwJdBHbT2fxtCxDVEmhxg7fF3CtnLIcBWBuvmeKDorQEDUC9DfEXxUtt4CwXrzucC2khGyE4QZN8nvpdXFyqkTb-eSLLFPREt_hQcb6E/s320/IMG_7055small.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Tasting room)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJZef1Da3R4_RErWIZVzwQYaCsgsB9lSxChUoQscoEMBn6ZwlEMNbf7iXtpxXYL9c95-JuG6xgeK5rWlDz48-t1e8B3T2JZWNYNycrzakwUJ9OAC6rJQ8L8ITwC9Wxw8B8v4q26KZr6U/s1600/IMG_7064small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJZef1Da3R4_RErWIZVzwQYaCsgsB9lSxChUoQscoEMBn6ZwlEMNbf7iXtpxXYL9c95-JuG6xgeK5rWlDz48-t1e8B3T2JZWNYNycrzakwUJ9OAC6rJQ8L8ITwC9Wxw8B8v4q26KZr6U/s320/IMG_7064small.jpg" width="226" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Benoît Tarlant)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PUUTl6EOGzEEPXmodqGiXcQbs3MCeP93TrJDpyCUOTMuVDICv5-Jmkk7WOwxuT45QIALNoXYA5mqoKtiZXMEAAHno7V44w1LVSnaliDTzujLhabx_vVvhI5OteTGukFE4ukXlnBSHUI/s1600/IMG_7080small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PUUTl6EOGzEEPXmodqGiXcQbs3MCeP93TrJDpyCUOTMuVDICv5-Jmkk7WOwxuT45QIALNoXYA5mqoKtiZXMEAAHno7V44w1LVSnaliDTzujLhabx_vVvhI5OteTGukFE4ukXlnBSHUI/s320/IMG_7080small.jpg" width="231" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Dominique Moreau)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpg5JkMNQHuc1vV08io_0bIPrtFCkFsK1CSP3Vg7nZM6MkIcywx85q1F7aNyhByPb9zks2aVsznr9S0SBZ28dr1AI9az5HnZed9mWMycCqKFdqbpzFY0QFOh59KSogNL4MCihIRsV-qGk/s1600/IMG_7090small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpg5JkMNQHuc1vV08io_0bIPrtFCkFsK1CSP3Vg7nZM6MkIcywx85q1F7aNyhByPb9zks2aVsznr9S0SBZ28dr1AI9az5HnZed9mWMycCqKFdqbpzFY0QFOh59KSogNL4MCihIRsV-qGk/s320/IMG_7090small.jpg" width="213" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Etienne Goutorbe)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLukWs9yCL_WCHttdyJ7v9Kt00wx3f3XuSNQMeZ8MEl4rWq9-f8uKWeNdAJE88CWqTnAJEPnUGpqP6Vf7ZTT7OCDDZSIu4Z2lY6K2_ayEph98GGuc0Q88gHTeMF8KPUGBQPgSCTlurHE/s1600/IMG_7092small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLukWs9yCL_WCHttdyJ7v9Kt00wx3f3XuSNQMeZ8MEl4rWq9-f8uKWeNdAJE88CWqTnAJEPnUGpqP6Vf7ZTT7OCDDZSIu4Z2lY6K2_ayEph98GGuc0Q88gHTeMF8KPUGBQPgSCTlurHE/s320/IMG_7092small.jpg" width="251" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Vincent Couche)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTa6tUX6mRNLkGqngpdJuRGu7awdjkJYvXaLJyTsat7fhyphenhyphen9NoWTcEWlNmZUe7jJaj4mlZcJW6cXWo6IjCVZATTM-u0HTLiXnO-ozd9PccieCKEn7FE83YnZemzkfKO3c1a42lnRmDq9xY/s1600/IMG_7095small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTa6tUX6mRNLkGqngpdJuRGu7awdjkJYvXaLJyTsat7fhyphenhyphen9NoWTcEWlNmZUe7jJaj4mlZcJW6cXWo6IjCVZATTM-u0HTLiXnO-ozd9PccieCKEn7FE83YnZemzkfKO3c1a42lnRmDq9xY/s320/IMG_7095small.jpg" width="224" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Vincent Couche)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyz-NUaeGdrE71bbpcig9iiUUaJfTPOVaFRW6DcVMPvisKoEYokHHhSSrvqDA89fY9kesKvyLDTYLqz-2axD37B3J5dRWjcbg1ujiZPx-C6dzypqcTJBxODczmnpinGdep14F_aKNvbVs/s1600/IMG_7101small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyz-NUaeGdrE71bbpcig9iiUUaJfTPOVaFRW6DcVMPvisKoEYokHHhSSrvqDA89fY9kesKvyLDTYLqz-2axD37B3J5dRWjcbg1ujiZPx-C6dzypqcTJBxODczmnpinGdep14F_aKNvbVs/s320/IMG_7101small.jpg" width="213" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Benoìt Lahaye)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNOnS8J5X49p5X4XOeacqGEXnmFVrpAIKofdPo7fIXOVScjA9rV_Vq_9tjVGwebZPLZ6mjz4oJh3o0hq_R74e5FPkbTgIP9ZuMa-NpzwV6gcLrbKdzPww9DCHkRmFxKHUO1-QGqrb4qU/s1600/IMG_7104small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNOnS8J5X49p5X4XOeacqGEXnmFVrpAIKofdPo7fIXOVScjA9rV_Vq_9tjVGwebZPLZ6mjz4oJh3o0hq_R74e5FPkbTgIP9ZuMa-NpzwV6gcLrbKdzPww9DCHkRmFxKHUO1-QGqrb4qU/s320/IMG_7104small.jpg" width="320" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Marie-Noëlle Ledru)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNTiRDBWCw9aRWMzydvHGYeNPuSmJ9bsCoQan2rd1PaEIuUsCzhUFAf0hnLoSROFu0UQiprZ8VVVDWKDtRyyEKuLwtPRmodoHEXGrtI4o4f1W2uMSL6uxC1Y5lNlVaG7AHGNx0PE-feA/s1600/IMG_7113+copysmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNTiRDBWCw9aRWMzydvHGYeNPuSmJ9bsCoQan2rd1PaEIuUsCzhUFAf0hnLoSROFu0UQiprZ8VVVDWKDtRyyEKuLwtPRmodoHEXGrtI4o4f1W2uMSL6uxC1Y5lNlVaG7AHGNx0PE-feA/s320/IMG_7113+copysmall.jpg" width="320" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Tasting room)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQRm0K3hbkg9tPzZ821EdYoslmxLWC4g2o5l_NUyPZhZ6NKNwP4U7mlkecSiF5c6pwWcXp0_Sri0zJsd3Xpg5ZQWoTzqBDwe9FklTSLvSQ1Jfb8TEMIctBrDHP6m23oRSkXOCzs3R4y4/s1600/IMG_7149small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQRm0K3hbkg9tPzZ821EdYoslmxLWC4g2o5l_NUyPZhZ6NKNwP4U7mlkecSiF5c6pwWcXp0_Sri0zJsd3Xpg5ZQWoTzqBDwe9FklTSLvSQ1Jfb8TEMIctBrDHP6m23oRSkXOCzs3R4y4/s320/IMG_7149small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Zalto)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvz-XgyAsncTkcz3mE3GkHpchcjGv2aOEc5fuMywhaw8nxIVmalvcwTZw2pLfpJsNS0lj785_bcSyA2vx_9sZrFbCA81ulXM8W6hIW9Ke7HUH2T0-IsqlEYJyOCsfryxxC7_cSnBjv69o/s1600/IMG_7153small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvz-XgyAsncTkcz3mE3GkHpchcjGv2aOEc5fuMywhaw8nxIVmalvcwTZw2pLfpJsNS0lj785_bcSyA2vx_9sZrFbCA81ulXM8W6hIW9Ke7HUH2T0-IsqlEYJyOCsfryxxC7_cSnBjv69o/s320/IMG_7153small.jpg" width="227" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Zalto)</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL2RkW_12OGO0HpfSLyMGkpvgODD8vajjLrKbrUkpccrEdngU92_Gh37DyePcbVhL_aTetVzD8sBtsHa7LMHLgKlWokLZs4QBRNbZBY9wIwwTmc60P3efQhM9wnxX2m0NuIOftz7Gs5g/s1600/IMG_7155+1small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL2RkW_12OGO0HpfSLyMGkpvgODD8vajjLrKbrUkpccrEdngU92_Gh37DyePcbVhL_aTetVzD8sBtsHa7LMHLgKlWokLZs4QBRNbZBY9wIwwTmc60P3efQhM9wnxX2m0NuIOftz7Gs5g/s320/IMG_7155+1small.jpg" width="213" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em></em></span><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3uLPQcxVZqXnMGBin2lzyg9uy67I1FelLI1bJgPCIXZ1H3kkjD1xvfFMJpHyB5Ijvz17YVVtDY04E_JGKKxsowUWCYuWwPs3CAZpkdoFPoNTbB-3Sb8nYNIDgaxMiFhC8SvjFvOzxSY/s1600/IMG_7160small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3uLPQcxVZqXnMGBin2lzyg9uy67I1FelLI1bJgPCIXZ1H3kkjD1xvfFMJpHyB5Ijvz17YVVtDY04E_JGKKxsowUWCYuWwPs3CAZpkdoFPoNTbB-3Sb8nYNIDgaxMiFhC8SvjFvOzxSY/s320/IMG_7160small.jpg" width="213" /></em></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Pascal Doquet)</em></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Emmanuel Brochet)</em></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy with daughter)</em></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Delphine Boulard)</em></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(David Léclapart)</em></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Benoìt Lahaye)</em></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Christine)</em></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Benoìt Lahaye)</em></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Cyril Jeaunaux)</em></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Chartogne bottles)</em></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Benoît Tarlant)</em></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>(Olivier Horiot)</em></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
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They can also be found here: <a href="http://thomasiversenphotography.com/">http://thomasiversenphotography.com</a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">THANK YOU!!! to
Terres et vins de Champagne for giving me the honor to be the official
photographer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Secondly for the
“Terres et vins special prize”. I still can’t believe I won it. I am
humble and honored. Big hug from me to all of you. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Below are some
technical comments on how the images came to life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><u>About the images.</u><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US">Although there
are a few pics from the pre-reception at <a href="http://www.assiettechampenoise.com/" target="_blank">L'Assiette Champenoise </a>it’s more some
detailed comments on the actual tasting on <a href="http://www.terresetvinsdechampagne.com/" target="_blank">Monday the 18</a></span><sup><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.terresetvinsdechampagne.com/" target="_blank">th</a></span></sup><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.terresetvinsdechampagne.com/" target="_blank"> of April</a> I want
to focus on.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Shooting the
images for the <a href="http://www.terresetvinsdechampagne.com/" target="_blank">2016 Terres et vins de Champagne</a>, was from technical point of
view, my worst nightmare – and yet – also the most fascinating photography
task, I have ever carried out. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I already knew
from last year, where I also shot a few images, that the beautiful room at
Palais de Tau á Reims was a challenge. It’s a big room with huge windows, but
only at one side of the room. There is only ambient light, which I in general
appreciate – but there is not enough of it. Had I done my research right, I
could have had a few good hints. You see, the influence of the sun gets
stronger and stronger as the day passes. At the end of the tasting you have the
best light, as the sun is at a low positing and directly facing the building.
However you can manage to shoot 450 images with 30minutes to go.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>The biggest
problem is the huge exposure to backlight, as almost half of the producers
where facing their back to the windows. Backlit images with silhouettes can be
really beautiful – especially if you can tell the shape of the person and in
this case - knows the shape on the producer in the frame. But it requires that
there is only one person in the frame. Last year this was much easier, as the
producers where standing close to the windows without any people behind them.
However this year, the setting of the tasting tables was different, so the
produces facing their backs to windows had their backs to those producers
facing their faces to the windows. With all the people present it I found it
impossible to get an interesting silhouette shot. What to do? You use a flash.
But I hate flash images and I am not good with it - plus it makes my camera
even bulkier to carry around. You can also overexpose (which I have done on the
image of Franck Pascal), but you invite a lot of ISO noise, which I don’t like.
The other half of the producers was facing the windows, but there was another
problem as they were surrounded by a lot of enthusiastic wine people, who sort
of stole some of the light. What was sort of left to work with was a clear
light shining on the producer’s faces, but fairly quickly faded behind and
underneath them. This created a fantastic opportunity. You see if you just shot
the images with a normal exposure you would burn out the highlights in their
faces – so they ended up looking likes white ghosts. In theory you need to
change the way the camera judges the light – from “evaluating” to “spot” or
“partial”. But I am not so comfortable with these setting, so I chose another
direction. Instead I had to underexpose and really use the maximum capacity of
my lens. By doing this – their faces were balanced. Lowering the aperture has
the advantage to set dynamic focus on the object (mainly the producers) and
away from the crowd. The low aperture: f/1,6 <> f/1,2 plus underexposing
by 2/3 <> 1 stop lowered the shutter speed and ISO noise. The result was
a completely blurred dark background with an incredible soft light. Of course
shooting at so low aperture will cost you a lot of images, which is not sharp.
You will have to settle with 1 out of 5 will be fairly sharp. By having so much
dark dynamic raw material to work with – especially in portraits you will have
to do very little postproduction. Converting most of them to black & white
created even more graphic and contrast. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I also took the
opportunity to shoot some of the producers outside, where there was a clear
bright spring light. I used a small balcony, just outside the tasting room,
which provides great shadow and contrast to work with. I tried not to disturb
the producers needed break or lunch. But I reckon that at times I was like the
annoying paparazzi. Forgive me. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">/Thomas</span></i></span></span></div>
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-61636502997868307152015-12-06T21:17:00.002+01:002015-12-06T21:19:33.094+01:00The Ostertag resurrection<div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You know
what you like about wine – don’t you? Or have ever been in doubt? I can
occasionally find myself in situations, where I feel my entire fence of wine
self-confidence collapsing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In situations
like this - it almost feel like a bad conscience. How did I come to the point,
where I neglected wine? Why wasn’t I thorough enough? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had a
wine yesterday. A Riesling from Alsace, -which put me in the corner. Here I was,
thinking about how I have completely abandoned Riesling and especially Alsace. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Riesling
did it for me when I fell in love with wine. It was never Chardonnay. It was
never Burgundy. Riesling had more personality, clarity, edge and acidity for my
preferences. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But Alsace
lost its sex appeal the day I discovered German Riesling. German Riesling
however killed itself the more I got exposed to low sulphur wines.
I sometimes hate myself for doing such simple conclusion. They are naive,
arrogant and horrible narrow minded. Every detailed wine lover should always
examine the exceptions before making such huge categorizations.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It’s not me
at all. I am proud of being constant curious. I even know that I often go back
to my old neighbourhood and check what I drank 10-15 years ago. But you see, often
the result is disappointing and only confirming that the path I am on is the
right one for me. So I get tired of having wasted my time. Why not use dedication to really get detailed about the types of wine, which are
currently close to my heart?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">That said –
I went back to a producer, which I haven’t tasted for about 15 years. Domaine
Ostertag in Alsace. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Why you may
ask - and why Ostertag??<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well - I
was in Champagne about 14 days ago, where I visited two good friends; David
Léclapart and Jérôme Prévost. David always speaks highly about Ostertag and
Jérôme said about the wine I am about to introduce <i>“The best wine I have tasted for ages and
it simply makes you feel better ”.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So let me
introduce:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPLHij5jZvS1Y7FVcUsrc4gPy_ohdTRFjs2rQpgQXCsq0ASwp1v2azFPGxJpNcawowvJs1RaaSJsXiUJ26vR_buM-R8CKK_Wo0OqxUMkR-1FNge1AhOqg6OOBa9sB67IxoeJO3egIiGk/s1600/IMG_6025small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPLHij5jZvS1Y7FVcUsrc4gPy_ohdTRFjs2rQpgQXCsq0ASwp1v2azFPGxJpNcawowvJs1RaaSJsXiUJ26vR_buM-R8CKK_Wo0OqxUMkR-1FNge1AhOqg6OOBa9sB67IxoeJO3egIiGk/s320/IMG_6025small.jpg" width="244" /></span></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2013
Domaine Ostertag “Riesling Muenchberg”</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Terroir: Red
sandstone and volcanic sediments.</span></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Vineyard:
17ha (Ostertag has 2,05ha) South-facing Grand Cru in the village of “Nothalten”<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Viniculture:
Biodynamic – certified by Demeter<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Harvest:
Picked 18 and 19<sup>th</sup> of October<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Alc: 13% <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Residual
Sugar: 3g/l<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Label: Symbolizes
the fire from the volcanic soil and the silky sandstone<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Glass:
Zalto Universal</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It’s rare
that I would describe the label on a wine – and the meaning, as I have just done
above. But here it makes perfect sense. The wine is a study of sand and
volcanic soil embracing each other. You will see why.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I
opened the wine I wasn’t that impressed. It wasn’t bad, but it kind of
remembered why I split up with an “old ex girlfriend”. Remembering all the
things, which didn’t work out. But the bad memories stopped here. It took about
20 minutes before the wine turned and it never looked back. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Normally in
tasting note, you start describing the aromatic notes from the nose – then the
taste and then you sort of wrap it up. But here the order doesn’t really matter
– because it’s not interesting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I would
rather try to describe a wine, which has an enormous impact on your body. The
first thing, which makes me smile, is a totally free frame. The wine welcomes
you with open arms and looks both to the sky and the earth. The feel of the
wine is simply phenomenal. It feels ballerina light, but its main attraction is
the elastic frame. Tasting it confirms it, where the silky and elastic
structure creates a luxuries mouth feel, which warms up your entire body.
Normally I tend to favour wine and especially Rieslings, which provide a high
acidity. But here it’s different. The acidity is present for sure, but somehow
wrapped in this soft structure. But it doesn’t really matter, because the taste
is about something completely else. I have already describes this mouth coating
appeal, but on the finish it warm both palate and body up with this red volcanic
soil. So imagine dear readers, you actually have a wine, where you by heart
know all the components – as they are strong singular elements. When you combine
them - you somehow know why they work so strongly together. They simply curl around each other’s
personalities in circular movements (just like the label) and it’s simply
unbelievable beautiful. By far the best Riesling I have tasted in years.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-70906216249580328482015-03-22T20:54:00.000+01:002015-03-22T20:54:00.619+01:00Humble and clueless<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHfBtvsICxxK6rtVUYM8tSPpR9u0ZqHveTp6r1BYSsGtDeVRq2bKgQwkuK4F-zNe45icvC81OD6yQh6N0c8vee-RCaLbb-2Mga-aEmfj85EqdoDZrSkeoO2Ms-CgzgmTTBtK87z-vITI/s1600/IMG_7608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHfBtvsICxxK6rtVUYM8tSPpR9u0ZqHveTp6r1BYSsGtDeVRq2bKgQwkuK4F-zNe45icvC81OD6yQh6N0c8vee-RCaLbb-2Mga-aEmfj85EqdoDZrSkeoO2Ms-CgzgmTTBtK87z-vITI/s1600/IMG_7608.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don’t
know what to write about? I have tasted a Champagne, which I want share with
you all, but I can find a subject.</span><br />
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<!--StartFragment-->
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But what’s
the problem? I don’t want the tasting note to matter so much - because it
doesn’t really interest me to write them anymore, if they are not part of a
reflection. This is what I do – this is what this blog is about. Why should I
compete with what’s already out there in the tasting note category? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But there
is also another reason. I feel deeply humble when putting a judgment on wine. Paradoxically
– the more wines I taste – the less I feel about expressing my judgment. I have
seen how emotional I am around wine and how variables can change the outcome. I
wrote about it <a href="http://madwine.blogspot.dk/2012/12/varible-no-32b.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I have even
seen how wine can outsmart the most skilled tasters and I have too much respect
for the wine craftsmanship and for the producers I have met. But for sure – I
am the paying costumer; I even have lots of experience, so why not express my
opinion? Sometimes I want to – sometimes I don’t. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But I am
probably deviating for the trend, which is moving in the opposite direction. We
have endless opinion formers on wine these days. Sometimes I am astounded how
quickly some people form their judgment and conclusion thirsty they are. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is a
Danish poet, author and filmmaker called Jørgen Leth, which I deeply admire. Together
with two musicians; Michael Simpson and Frithjof Toksvig they formed a trio
called; “Vi sidder bare her (We are just sitting here)”. So far they have released 3 CD’s. The
genre is Spoken Word (in Danish). Jørgen Leth has an almost hypnotic nasal
voice, which are well known here in Denmark. Jørgens voice is accompanied by an
almost dreamy cinematic soundtrack of subtle floating sounds. On the first CD
there is a track called (translated) “Not a damn thing wiser”. Here is a part
of the lyric, which I particular like:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I like to be perceived as slightly stupid - I
would rather express a stupid consciousness - a kind of non-intellect
consciousness. So it’s the completely opposite from most people, who basically
are clever and looking to announce their wisdom. This in an attitude I don’t
have at all - not at all”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On many occasions
I feel like Jørgen Leth - especially when it comes to praise wisdom and
judgement on wine. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So what now? What should I write about? Should we just get on with the tasting note –
something everyone understands and not all of this Mumbo Jumbo?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let’s get acquainted
with a new Champagne from Cédric Bouchard, which I have bought a while ago, but
not before now I got the chance to taste it. I tasted it with my friend Claus
and we were both intrigued and fascinating from the first glass, but also
agreed that the last glass was by far the best. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LVjLEuSBWO6m7MM5kR4Zp2dP-eFyPqg8eMEjv4LoiIMiZBdqTkrZ9rbxJoYwlD5TanIhQug8_rW3McuWfJyqtL9z-lVRFlzNhN1fVcUsoaQp5LVW7-_r_x3XfTw6BePkRdBh5UFIA34/s1600/IMG_3542small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_LVjLEuSBWO6m7MM5kR4Zp2dP-eFyPqg8eMEjv4LoiIMiZBdqTkrZ9rbxJoYwlD5TanIhQug8_rW3McuWfJyqtL9z-lVRFlzNhN1fVcUsoaQp5LVW7-_r_x3XfTw6BePkRdBh5UFIA34/s1600/IMG_3542small.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2010 Roses
de Jeanne / Cédric Bouchard “Presle”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Grape: 100%
Pinot Noir (10 different clones)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Terroir: Hard
clay soil<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Vineyard:
0,2548ha – West exposure<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Location: Celles-sur-Ource<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Age of
Vines: Planted in 2007<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Aging:
Steel<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dosage:
Zero – always the case with Cédric Bouchard<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Disgorgement:
April 2014<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Glass: Zalto
White Wine</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">About a
month ago there was an article on Cédric Bouchard in the Danish food & wine
magazine: “Gastro”. The article highlighted the fact that Cédric is not a fan
on oak and the autolysis character of classic aged Champagne, as both take focus
from purity and the terroir character of the wine. Then the journalist reported
some tasting notes, found them very interesting, but ended up concluding that
he especially missed the autolysis notes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I feel the
complete opposite. I never miss anything, when I tasted Cédric Bouchard. I
don’t mind oak – I can even appreciate the autolysis character, but unlike the
journalist from Gastro I praise the diversity of Champagne and the fact that
Cédric makes wines his way and no other way. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I get and
praise the idea of comfort zones in wine (as you saw with <a href="http://madwine.blogspot.dk/2015/02/daily-drinkers.html" target="_blank">“Daily drinkers”</a>), as
they are something, which takes a lot of time to reach, and we can find
enormous rest within. However when reaching out to a producer like Cédric
Bouchard we have to cross our anxiety zone. There is no alternative. This is a
producer, which doesn’t make any compromises. Like or not. The first Champagne
I tasted from Cédric Bouchard was in 2007.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the 2005 “Les Ursules”. I was on one hand fascinated
– but also confused and I was definitely outside my comfort zone and close to
my anxiety zone. Today that anxiety has turned into a warm comfort zone and if
I should tell others about my love for WINE in Champagne, he would be one of
the first I would serve them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So – If I understand
this correctly, the Presle vineyard was supposedly meant to be the base of
Cédric Bouchard Coteaux Champenois project. <a href="http://madwine.blogspot.dk/2011/05/cedric-bouchard-champagne-shaken-and.html" target="_blank">When I visited Cédric in 2011</a> I
noticed some oak barrels there, which he told us was an experiment for his
still wines. Initially the still wine(s) were to be sold in very limited
numbers of magnums. But for now – the first vintage have gone bubbly – let’s
see what happens in near future. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I tell you
it’s an intense Champagne this one. Like with Haute-Lamblé, I have to say that
I am amazed that Cédric manages to make this kind of quality with vines of such
young age. It even seems to have a solid soil footprint with enormous bite and intensity. Like all other Cédric Bouchard Champagnes you don’t just sit and pick
a fruit note here and there and outline a normal tasting notes. Because rarely
you don’t find these common notes as lemon, pear and apple for instance. What
you find is a wine composed of all kinds of racy edges – like here with Presle,
which both plays with exotic fruit notes, gamey flavours, black currant and an
enormous savoury spectrum. We had it both with and without food and it plays
better with food as it has a very vibrant acidity and it’s one of the most
structured Champagnes I have tasted from Cédric Bouchard. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was just
about to compare Presle with the other Champagnes of Cédric Bouchard. But does
it really matter? Presle stands for something singular and unique - like the rest of Cédric's wines. BRAVO!!!.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-49086683836180340832015-02-16T15:52:00.000+01:002015-02-16T15:58:17.568+01:00Daily drinkers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2ekM2RSwXyEqk-sGY4VyDRPpp8dXZuaif1Zl5jJSi0l2Ly-P_LSt1KzJAdxEcXIW0y374wpmj4HOTNyNDqrplcoCXpqmQSfciOBLpn-3R5ZEyb8vi4pih5Iv6UzEZhxrBnvTf-9_cRs/s1600/IMG_9858analogsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2ekM2RSwXyEqk-sGY4VyDRPpp8dXZuaif1Zl5jJSi0l2Ly-P_LSt1KzJAdxEcXIW0y374wpmj4HOTNyNDqrplcoCXpqmQSfciOBLpn-3R5ZEyb8vi4pih5Iv6UzEZhxrBnvTf-9_cRs/s1600/IMG_9858analogsmall.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></div>
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Life is
what happens while you are busy making other plans”</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(John Lennon)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wine has
always been a victim of proportions. Most of my wine loving friends (including
yours truly) have always measured the experience of drinking wine. It’s the simple
result of telling a story and emphasising the enthusiasm or
disappointment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Telling a
story about wine is not easy, which of course is a good thing, as we interpret
so individually. Yet we often categorize. Cut to the chase. What wine are we
dealing with? What level are we at? Legendary, Great, dull or bad wine. Maybe
just daily drinkers<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So what are
daily drinkers? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First of
all it’s a wine with a good” quality to price ratio” (QPR). It’s something we
buy in cases and drink it big gulps. The no brainer wine - the wine we always
reach out for, when we have no idea what else to drink. The wine, which is
never seasonal, but works all year round. It’s also something, which define us.
Italian wine aficionado maybe; a Chianti, Rosso di Montalcino, Dolcetto or a Barbera.
These wines not only provide our everyday needs – they also keep us in our
comfort zone. We have bought these wines, because we know beforehand that we
will connect with them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But when it
comes to tastings or special occasions we tend to dress up and explore wines
with a higher price tag and presumably also a higher quality and complexity. Rosso
di Monalcino becomes a Brunello - Dolcetto or Barbera becomes Barolo. These
special events tend to be the bridge to some of our most memorable wine
experience. Or are they really? Did John Lennon have a point, when it comes to
wine? I think so.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For sure
wine obtains an extra dimension, when it breaks the barriers and light up our
emotional barometer. But somehow I think daily drinkers deserve the same
respect. They are the backbone of our passion. I also like the humbleness,
which are essential for these wines. There is something aesthetical about the
simplicity they posses and despite the might lack in complexity they can in
some cases have a higher degree of presence as you immediately connect with
them. And last – but not least, to earn and fit this category they always have
the highest degree of drinking pleasure. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are
some of my favourite daily drinkers – some I drink now – some I have run out of
–some are on the radar, some I wonder why I forgot or never bought more of. Price wise less
than €20 are ideal, but it could go all the way up to €30 in some cases.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Champagne:</u><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Laherte
“Brut Nature”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tarlant
“Brut Zero”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Marie-Courtin
“Efflorescence”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Whites:</u><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nicolas
Carmarans “Selves”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cyril Fhal
“Clos du Rouge Gorge (Blanc)”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sarnin-Berrux
“Bourgogne Aligote”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yann
Durieux “Love and Pif”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Frederic
Cossard “Bigotes”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Noella
Morantin “Chez Charles”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Reds:</u><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Arianna
Occhipinti “Il Frappato”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Arianna
Occhipinti “SP68”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lamoresca “Nerocapitano”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Vino di
Anna “Palmento” </b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yvon Mètras
“Fleurie Printemps”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">François
Saint-Lô “On l’aime nature”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Domaine de
la Tournelle “Uva Arbosiana” </b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Maxime
Magnon "Rozeta" </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">….Etc….and
I am sure there a lots of wines, which I have either forgot or could fit in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let’s end
this small session with a wine, which fits this category to perfection: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgojUBGsFbx4cs0hRKL4kcsjd9IgewlzMDH3ox3OmFONao7zOf5mvMUhsEAtTf3VbTvy4dIjFJiEw8dvIrhMCgVc0aeGt6SA0jrIyjfqStBNRuz9Vo61bF63mZS62xIrSM4ys6kfj9eKk/s1600/IMG_3517small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgojUBGsFbx4cs0hRKL4kcsjd9IgewlzMDH3ox3OmFONao7zOf5mvMUhsEAtTf3VbTvy4dIjFJiEw8dvIrhMCgVc0aeGt6SA0jrIyjfqStBNRuz9Vo61bF63mZS62xIrSM4ys6kfj9eKk/s1600/IMG_3517small.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2012 Hervé
Villemade “La Bodice”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Blend: 80%
Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Chardonnay<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Location: AOC
Cheverny (Loire Valley) town is called Cellettes<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Terroir: Sands
with flint and flint clays<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Age of
vines: 33years old<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Vinification:
Oak and steel<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Glass:
Zalto Universal</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love this
wine – simple as that. It’s trademark and the fist impression is divine zippy
freshness, which burst out of the glass with candied citrus and lime zest. But
there is also a remarkable secondary understated window with remarkable ripe
and lush fruit sensation – such as mango and pineapple, which could very well
be driven forward by the Chardonnay grape. Underneath you have some darker
baseline, soil and spice driven with fennel and liquorice as the main character
<i>(also mentioned on the Hervé Villemade <a href="http://www.villemade.net/CHEVERNY-BLANC,168.html" target="_blank">homepage</a>)</i>. This is the sort of wine you
drink with our without food on any day of the year. If you choose the latter
you will discover a phenomenal food-pairing breed, which I have successfully
matched up with both a rich salmon dish, chicken in red curry, sushi, gazpacho
and even guinea fowl. Great stuff and highly recommended. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-35189144060587280672015-02-01T20:18:00.000+01:002015-02-01T20:27:21.681+01:00The perfect drinking window<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKSWc8uwtV8rV8ILJQdfOfu68cZ5P2ca7vvxpMs92XDqAuMFNHLx8FeGxP5RrrA_AHhs8U00M_Aoir5Zy-y_EDypmNFHIzhOcbyUpKphav2gv6bARbYobwshGh5NyVGNTQGZTo87Pajs/s1600/IMG_6775small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKSWc8uwtV8rV8ILJQdfOfu68cZ5P2ca7vvxpMs92XDqAuMFNHLx8FeGxP5RrrA_AHhs8U00M_Aoir5Zy-y_EDypmNFHIzhOcbyUpKphav2gv6bARbYobwshGh5NyVGNTQGZTo87Pajs/s1600/IMG_6775small.jpg" height="203" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">From the
very first day I got acquainted with wine, I also stock my head into a swarm of
consumer guidance. At that time I needed those advises - so obviously I embraced
them as the most natural thing to do. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The
drinking window was one of those advises, I quickly realized was of significant
importance. Back then; I was into wines with serious muscle and extract, which
required time to unfold. Paying attention to the perfect window of opportunity
was crucial and logical. However I also learned, that the drinking window was
not a straight line, which gradually unfolded the flower. Wine were a living
organism, which had it’s own dynamic cycle and you never knew what to fully
expect. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The
consumer guidance however evolved over the years with the birth of the
Internet. Wine boards – databases and social medias, all chiming in with live
data stream about a wines status. It matters in an environment of passionate,
dopamine addicted and seriously impatient wine people. Being guilty as sinned
here – yet somehow I have also realized flaws in the system and actually never
solved the equitation of planning the perfect drinking window.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But why are
we so anxious about the drinking window? Are we merely just practicing due
diligence by sort of protecting our investment? Opening a wine at perfect
maturity is success. Opening a too young wine or a wine over the hill is
failure. The consumer guidance has taught us to pick our winners and stay away
from the loser’s team. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But you
know what – it’s just another flawed story from the wine scene, always posting
flock mentality black and white guidance. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think
it’s fine that you, as a wine geek pay attention to every detail about a wine.
If you pick up stories about a possible vintage or certain wines, which
requires extraordinary patience -
you will obviously somehow storage that information. But personally I
discovered, that I gradually became a slave to an overload of information. It became
the driving force behind every move I made. I started to form intros, story
lines and endings for wines, like they were a predictable Hollywood movie. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It had to
stop and it did. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you are a
romantic wine drinker (like me), it’s important that you somehow bury the
theorist inside you and prepares the inner “doer” to get out on the dance floor
and practice. The only way you learn about what’s the right or wrong drinking
window (if at all any) is to make “mistakes”. But actually they are not
mistakes. You take experience with you and if you are willing to challenge
yourself you stop and reflect. In this process you will discover that wine does
not have one, but almost never ending drinking windows. I would even go as far,
as saying, there is no such thing as a wrong drinking window. That’s not the
same as saying a wine will taste significant better/worse during it’s life span.
But hey – that’s life – that’s wine – that’s the risk you have to live with. If
you are looking for a 100% bulletproof plan only circulating in your comfort
zone then you might consider drinking Coca-Cola or water. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYo-qeRwMIsjDINxMeUOulgG1YO_rmL00g1xXbl4XjpBe0sMjB4jmDyvKyEn9_ro-kCmvrMYf4VMh7I0HuHsuyCV8YT8mnhhWM2udXQyfWimkndvvppYRL-tFxL2E4iG68mST22J2V84/s1600/IMG_8952small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYo-qeRwMIsjDINxMeUOulgG1YO_rmL00g1xXbl4XjpBe0sMjB4jmDyvKyEn9_ro-kCmvrMYf4VMh7I0HuHsuyCV8YT8mnhhWM2udXQyfWimkndvvppYRL-tFxL2E4iG68mST22J2V84/s1600/IMG_8952small.jpg" height="188" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So let’s
turn to a Champagne, which can support my post. It comes from a wine maker,
which I am very fond of. It’s the one and only Jérôme Prévost (again). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Now Jérôme
have often told me, how it sometimes takes 5-6 years after bottling before he
can actually recognize the wine he worked with in the cellar. His wines are
known to shut down dramatically in the bottle. For this and based on several
experiences, two visits (<a href="http://and even a small vertical tasting in nov-2012" target="_blank">and even a small vertical tasting in nov-2012</a>), I have
build a comfort zone fence of making myself believe that </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">“Les Béguines"</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">and </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">La Closerie Fac-Simile rosé” requires +4-6 years of
cellaring to reach an optimal drinking window. In this process I did the exact
same mistake, which I have just criticized. I forgot that </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Jérôme’s wines, especially </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">“Les Béguines"</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> presents one of the most
sophisticated versions of Pinot Meunier from day one. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You love
your children from birth – and they might bring even higher joy to your life as
they grow older – but their character are also a reflection of their childhood.
Wine is the same – small individuals, with both a backpack of personality and constant
evolvement. They might be slightly flawed, unresolved, mysterious - even
fascinating, yet they also provide a mind game of imagination of what they can
be. Wine is sense game, a dreaming aspect and who on earth would miss out on
this? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">2011
Jérôme Prévost </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">“Les
Béguines “</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">Blend:
100% Pinot Meunier</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">Terroir:
Sand & Calcareous elements</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">Age
of vines: 42-47 years old</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">Location:
Village of Gueux – located west of Reims.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">Dosage:
2 g/l.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">Glass:
Zalto White wine and Riedel Veritas Champagne (<a href="http://madwine.blogspot.dk/2014/12/a-new-champagne-glass.html" target="_blank">see test result</a>)</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">From the
very first nosedive you are beamed into a another Pinot Meunier dimension.
Nowhere in Champagne you find this sophistication. I would be reaching beyond
my vocabulary, if I should try to list the “correct notes”. They seemed to be
composed of black cherry stones, black olives, diamond dust (don’t ask), licorice
powder, nutmeg and a mixture and unexplained spices. There is a splendid
firmness and energy, bringing utterly divine tallness, which is reason enough
to taste it young. On the palate it shows great definition with a solid
footprint of this spice paradise mixture being gracefully released in a very
convincing way. Overall – the 2011 might not have the majestic tallness like
the ’08 and the ’06 devilishness – but it’s one of the most elegant and
sophisticated versions I have tasted of “Les Béguines “.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now knowing
how it tasted from youth, we have been formally introduced to each other. The
dream processes have begun. When will me met again – how will the next“date”
turn out? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-92037214198551227302015-01-25T14:07:00.002+01:002015-01-26T16:41:56.245+01:00Pink Love in January<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaflTPmeDUbIIslHz9_FIbxSgtReZ6QyNKIe3gYGNVYShQgPIwXC-RNmsxCl5rlBX8Vx1PZrT9v5jBXA1BReYFvvF17BlQ1DPLgN3gdaLSbLX4Bzw3GpGn8JsNXtcpu4qlIz7pvxkGK_8/s1600/IMG_6911small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaflTPmeDUbIIslHz9_FIbxSgtReZ6QyNKIe3gYGNVYShQgPIwXC-RNmsxCl5rlBX8Vx1PZrT9v5jBXA1BReYFvvF17BlQ1DPLgN3gdaLSbLX4Bzw3GpGn8JsNXtcpu4qlIz7pvxkGK_8/s1600/IMG_6911small.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I tend to
forget about the rosé category in general. What about you? How often have you
said to yourself (in comparison with red and white) – I need more “pink” in my
cellar? It’s a shame really, because they are in some ways unique, not only by
colour, but also on aromatic profiles and food matching abilities.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Maybe the
category occasionally slips our minds, because it’s season based, making sense
as the refreshing thirst-quenching drink on a hot summer day. But of course the
wine geek knows better and the pink song has a B-side, which contains much
other than Tutti Frutti bonbon beats. Often the flip side leads to Champagne,
where another dilemma awaits. The simple equation of the supply and demand
curve, with deadly high price tags, as the <i>en
vouge</i> pink sparkling version often is microscopically part of a producer’s
entire portfolio. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">Yesterday I
found myself in mood for some rosé. Or should I say – I was in the mood for
some Jérôme Prévost. The weather was dead awful. Grey with a mixture of sleet
and snow, so not your average sunny rosé day. But what the hell, I had prepared
some pearl barley with pumpkin seeds, which I made like a risotto and served
with guinea fowl. I thought a Rosé could work and it did – really well in fact.
I knew the fat structure from the risotto</span><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span lang="EN-GB">look-alike dish could be an issue.
And for sure, it was of some concern, but then again the refreshing bubbles did
a good job cleansing the palate. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But let’s
turn to the Champagne.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMet-TZWWEeAD4QY_xdc1SMCijlckg2D84ZVc9uHDKyJ2wx_swJArV93SxpDFwU6Uiom69sQvigO3n-ulX-Qx6cQGzNnPFltFGpT0sRqYEh-q0i6ri2475oTjllOUBKomjOV7YQ-JqptE/s1600/IMG_4571ppi+copysmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMet-TZWWEeAD4QY_xdc1SMCijlckg2D84ZVc9uHDKyJ2wx_swJArV93SxpDFwU6Uiom69sQvigO3n-ulX-Qx6cQGzNnPFltFGpT0sRqYEh-q0i6ri2475oTjllOUBKomjOV7YQ-JqptE/s1600/IMG_4571ppi+copysmall.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #424242;">2011 </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Jérôme Prévost</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #424242;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #424242;"><b>“La Closerie Fac-Simile Rosé”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">100%
Pinot Meunier<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dosage:
0-2 g/l<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">Terroir:
M</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">assive layers of calcareous sand
formations and fossils with tiny crustaceans<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Aging:
Oak<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Method:
Assemblage<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Production:
3.128</span></span></i><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> bottles<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Glass:
Zalto white wine<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">Some would say that </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Jérôme Prévost rosé version always have been in the shadow of his
standard Champagne: “La Closerie”. Of course it makes sense to do the A vs B
battle here, as Jérôme currently only makes two cuvèe’s. However I think it’s
wrong and like to see them as two different persons, with two different
personalities. I also believe that Jérôme have improved his rosé enormously
since release, and it’s something you need to drink over an entire evening –
both with and without food. You also need to let it breath and warm up in
temperature (which I did).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let me emphasize,
what I like about a rosé (and forgive me for repeating myself). I love a when a
rosé sort of “dries out”. When the primary fruit settles down and removes the
worst candy like associations. With the saignée method (maceration – not the
case here), time is also necessary for me, to take away both the slightly more
aggressive style and in some cases lower the potential tannins. In both cases,
cellaring will bring a saltier and far more interesting Champagne IMHO. But
also on the aromatic barometer, there awaits beauty with patience…..now you
are probably thinking….so why the hell are you telling us all this stuff, when you
have just popped the cork of a relative young 2011 Champagne? Good question and
I have no good answer, other than I always like to check out (if I have enough
stock) a Champagne when it’s potentially too young. But here comes the good
part – this rosé had already gained some of that “dried out style”, which
provided some of the most fascinating aromatic notes of verbena, currant, dried
thyme and other mind-blowing sophisticated spices. These notes will come fully
alive half way through the bottle and when you raise the temperature to 13-15
degrees. You simply can’t let go of the glass – the nose is seriously intoxicating.
The taste is not bad either – really light on its toes, very graceful, yet
persisting enough with enormous bite. I think some would argue, that it has a
slightly greenish style, which is also the case for the ’11 vintage in
Burgundy. But I really this, because it becomes so understated by this. What
rosé Champagne – WOW!!....<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and just to let
you know – the day before I drank 2004 “Venus” from Agrapart, which was also
mind-blowing good, so I came from a high calibrated level and this Rosé didn’t
suffer one bit at all.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BRAVO
Jérôme!!!</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-41636611374761235692015-01-18T16:32:00.003+01:002015-01-19T09:25:44.549+01:00Vintage hysteria, high expectations and 2008 “L’Apôtre”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Pf5TAaD-Xk8zWic6VSZCzZS_oDhAqKvAkx7oVmISUK-V6IdgwKE-LxtwHfb9RkiazbK4hH_BgVVn8mc6N3SIGDK2FT-9ZyO9aU76tx_GKb0zcUqdV7INo3brdY3ZNyQpbvHXLM_UT08/s1600/IMG_1242+copysmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Pf5TAaD-Xk8zWic6VSZCzZS_oDhAqKvAkx7oVmISUK-V6IdgwKE-LxtwHfb9RkiazbK4hH_BgVVn8mc6N3SIGDK2FT-9ZyO9aU76tx_GKb0zcUqdV7INo3brdY3ZNyQpbvHXLM_UT08/s1600/IMG_1242+copysmall.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #131313;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(David Léclapart)</i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #131313;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="color: #131313;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>“Blessed is
he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.”</i></span></span><i style="color: #131313; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/25157.Alexander_Pope"><span style="color: #535502;">Alexander Pope</span></a></i><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #131313;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think we
have all been there, right? Expecting too much and ending up disappointed. With
a colleague, your company, your best friend, your spouse or maybe even a bottle
of wine. Expectations are the result of looking ahead, thinking solution
orientated and imagine (maybe even dreaming) of a happy end. When failure
arrives at our doorstep, we obviously ask ourselves why? Did we overlook
something? Or were unexpected variables responsible for the negative outcome
and can we actually blame someone other than ourselves? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #131313;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wine is
indeed exposed to high expectations and holds a complex field of variables,
which sets complex scenarios. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #131313;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the
most expectation adding variables is vintage hyping. The declaring of a great
vintage will obviously raise the bar and expectations. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #131313;">Vintage has
always been a key driver for wine lovers. If you get caught inside the wine
universe, you have also learned to </span><span lang="EN-GB">pay attention to details. We constantly search for wines, which can
enlighten our sense hungry minds a little more than our last experience and
provide us with those unforgettable moments. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So we plan
well ahead to be in our comfort zone. We look for a bulletproof plan, by cherry
picking the best vintages and carefully (unless your are a billionaire) plan
our future wine purchases. Why shouldn’t we? Wine education tells you to be
selective; otherwise your finances will run dry <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Paying
attention to vintage is logical – but also a blind alley and not a
guarantee. Especially because wine
journalists often compose the declaration of a vintage, which tends to follow a
framework, which might not take into account how you drink wine. I mean, how
many speak about the simple drinking pleasure and how food diverse the wine or
vintage may be? I couldn’t care less about +60 second finishes and only hearing
praise for vintages with the highest testosterone. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I find
myself split on vintage and high expectations. It really depends, how much I
pay attention to vintage. When I get my yearly allocation on producers like
Ganevat, Cossard or Cédric Bouchard, I don’t really care about the vintage. I
just buy them (if I can afford them), because I know they will have something
to offer. And what if it’s on paper not a great vintage? Maybe it will just
taste better young? Cellar the big vintage and drink the smaller vintages.
Great plan as I see it. I think there is almost nothing worse than seeing
tasters obviously disappointed with a wine in a “great vintage”, trying to
prove for themselves that the wine was still fantastic. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So even if
I find the whole vintage thing one big mass psychoses I would be lying to you
if I said that vintage didn’t matter to me and I never tried to find an alibi
for a wine, which didn’t live up to my expectations.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It actually
happened a couple of days ago. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2008 David
Léclapart “L’Apôtre”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d1d1d;">Blend:
100% Chardonnay</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d1d1d;">Dosage:
0 g/l</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d1d1d;">Vines:
Planted in 1946 </span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d1d1d;">Vineyard:0,31ha
Lieu-dit “La Pierre St-Martin”</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d1d1d;">Fermentation:
Oak-barrels. </span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d1d1d;">Other:
Biodynamic stuff</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #1d1d1d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Glass:
Zalto White wine<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh yes I
had high expectations. Why not? I have a thing with David and his wines and
there is always something in the air, when I taste his Champagnes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I even tasted
the 2008 “in the <a href="http://madwine.blogspot.dk/2014/01/lapotre-vertical-1999-2009.html" target="_blank">“L’Apôtre” Vertical 1999 >>> 2009”</a> back in Nov-2013
with David and was blown away by its intensity. It certainly lived up to the
hype about the 2008 vintage in Champagne. Vertical tasting are really
educational, as you can almost outline the younger wines path and imaging their
potential Sure, having tasted almost all releases of L’Apôtre from youth, I
knew there was a risk of it being simple too young. I even knew that L’Apôtre
would be slow starter. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Day one –
Friday. A leaf day btw - So not a good day to drink wine, according to the biodynamic lunar calendar. I think I have never tasted a Champagne this shy and 110%
completely closed. There was simply nothing to gain from the nose other than
the sense of something very clean. The taste had an insane acidity, which felt
like a thousand citrus fruits being crushed on your tongue. I would be lying,
if I said it was good. More a study than actually pleasure. If I had to
conclude something from this day I would have no idea what to write other than
I had too high expectations. Did I hype it too much or what had happened since
Nov-2013. I found myself making the same excuses that I somehow find rather pathetic;
when a taster just can’t get himself to say it’s not a good wine, but feverishly
try to argue their way out of the problem. My wife and I drank half of the
bottle and I decided to leave the other half for the next day, where I had the
entire half for myself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Day two –
Saturday. A fruit day and even if I don’t have that great success with the
bio-calendar, I still found myself in this search for meaning (and still
hoping) over my Friday disappointment. Mama-Mia – WOW!!! I wouldn’t say that
the wine was actually open now and a flowering fruit bomb. But what revealed
itself was one hell of an insane electric Champagne, setting the bar for energy higher than I
have ever seen before. The aromatic notes are still very primary with tons of
ripe citrus tonality, soil intensity and this nerve wrecking acidity still cuts
all the way through the wine. With vintages like 2002 and 2004 “L’Apôtre”,
which has occasionally also shut down, especially shortly after release I would
obviously recommend seriously cellaring here. However “L’Apôtre” is known to
open up again before heading for a more mature window. When that is – I have no
clue. But damn – what a Champagne it will be, when it unfolds. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-25412819856143633972014-12-28T17:47:00.002+01:002015-02-01T20:08:41.700+01:00A new Champagne glass <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHesX2jNN6_RkhTTkOS1wmuIJZ2LqHwtL2OxfbmjjL0NWL4mjahnHMTVd40xq_hi7NBpiJvYc6qzNc3r-lzNZEFnbspOxZ-RkWxxUasSPPpA9666Ati0sVz-ajrdmQq64zB2VF4CI6ms/s1600/IMG_3264small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHesX2jNN6_RkhTTkOS1wmuIJZ2LqHwtL2OxfbmjjL0NWL4mjahnHMTVd40xq_hi7NBpiJvYc6qzNc3r-lzNZEFnbspOxZ-RkWxxUasSPPpA9666Ati0sVz-ajrdmQq64zB2VF4CI6ms/s1600/IMG_3264small.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(From left: Zalto White Wine / Riedel Veritas Champagne / Spiegelau "Adina water Goblet) </i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A Danish glass aficionado (thank God there are more than me) recently brought to my
attention that the new Champagne glass from Riedel (the Veritas series – middle
on the image) was worth checking out. It however slipped my mind, before I
attended a tasting where this glass was praised once again. Hmmmmm……Okay to
hell with it – let’s see what the fuss is all about. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">So a week
ago, when tasting <b>Chartogne-Taillet 2002 “Fiacre”</b> I took it for a spin vs Zalto
White Wine, which I am using more and more as my reference Champagne glass. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The Riedel
Veritas Champagne glass overall has a good feel about it. It’s cool, classic
design and on sight seems to be a good companion if you want to bring out the
vinous side of Champagne – which I do. Although it’s machine made, it’s has a
fairly low weight and a really thin stem. However, when arriving from Planet
Zalto, everything seems bulky and heavy in comparison. This will always be an
advantage for Zalto a no other glass brand has the same magic feel about it
IMHO.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Fiacre is a
lovely Champagne, which always makes me in a good mood. In Riedel “Fiacre”
performed classic and really good. If you knew of no other glass, this would be
a great Champagne glass. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In Zalto
however (left), it was another story. It’s been a while since I have conducted
glass tests, but here I overwhelmed by the difference. Zalto was a millions
time better. It’s simply a difference in frehness and focus, which makes all
Champagnes in Zalto seems so frisky. Returning to Riedel; “Fiacre” was suddenly
much heavier and sweeter and I am confident it has to do with the fact you are
tasting lead (Riedel) vs lead-free (Zalto). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;">Another test: 28. december 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><strong>2010 Doamine Belluard “Ayse Mont-Blanc Brut
Zero”<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><em>(So not Champagne, but a sparkling wine from
Savoie made from 100% Grignet). Seriously one of the best non-Champagnes I have
ever tasted. A real bargain)<o:p></o:p></em></span><br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">More or less the same result, though not as
clear as Zalto’s first win. This time Adina was also in play. In Riedel it was
more about simple fruit, which of course is okay. But the wine was lacking
secondary nuances as the fruity impression was overwhelming. Yet in Adina, it
has a more toned down/subtle appeal, which provided more elegance. In Zalto you
had the edgy feel again, where the wine felt really naked, yet also far more
mysterious and interesting with the mineral spine really kicking in. I am not
sure everyone would go for the Zalto as winner here, as it shows the wine far
more raw and unpolished. But I like this raw and racy expression. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Test –
from 16<sup>th</sup> of January 2015.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><b>2008 </b></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><b>“L’Apôtre” from David Léclapart</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">This time
Adina vs Zalto. Hard to say, who actually won here, because we were dealing
with a very shy Champagne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the
pattern was the same. In this case, the Adina glass seemed to have an advantage
by opening up<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“L’Apôtre” a bit
more. However it was just an illusion, caused by the wider opening of the glass
and the feel of some fruit coming forward. The Champagne was indeed sealed like
an oyster. I still favoured Zalto, despite it was a strange test really, simple
because the firmness and feel of the energy in Zalto was better, which is always
the case for me. On day two – I forgot about testing and just enjoyed the
second half of the bottle in Zalto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: red;">New test:
30<sup>th</sup> of Janury 2015</span><span style="color: #262626;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">2011
Jérôme Prévost </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626;">“Les
Béguines “</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Zalto vs
Riedel. It really came close this time. Riedel really captured the essence of
“Les Béguines “. Refined and fresh in Riedel – no fuzz at all, just like Zalto.
Where it goes wrong for Riedel, is when it warms up in temperature. First of
all it accelerates faster in Riedel, whereas as Zalto keeps the wine cooler. Or
it feels like that and of course Riedel in general has a wider bowl. But one
difference seems once again to be the unleaded vs a lead glass. In Riedel the
wine becomes clumsier when raised in temperature and the feel of lead. In Zalto
there is a constant firmness and nothing is lost or sticks out, when it warms
up – only a natural temperature evolvement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I might do
one of two testing’s more – but I think there a pattern is starting to form.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-6043094032138785662014-10-05T21:21:00.001+02:002014-10-07T09:25:41.575+02:00The death of the Tasting Note and a damn fine Champagne.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXHUfYmpMZl5z9HU-cp-b_xl7P24xVsAmLtIFSngjcC1xIbABKd9Vo-abTZpIqTDAUEoVOiGR12hGDT7T2XP4XQAVOd_GW14GMSpvwDXXHXTosR4O-xXLvJSWP2jTxtABCOCuENGrJnM/s1600/IMG_8924newsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXHUfYmpMZl5z9HU-cp-b_xl7P24xVsAmLtIFSngjcC1xIbABKd9Vo-abTZpIqTDAUEoVOiGR12hGDT7T2XP4XQAVOd_GW14GMSpvwDXXHXTosR4O-xXLvJSWP2jTxtABCOCuENGrJnM/s1600/IMG_8924newsmall.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
T<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">he Tasting
note has become an institution and the most logic form of describing a wine. In
it we try to unfold the character of the wine by fragmenting it’s components. A
good taster have the ability to distinctively spot the most detailed aromatic/flavour
notes of the wine and some can even visualize the wine for you, by using creative
metaphors. No doubt that the use of metaphors enriches the language, elevates
the fun-factor and even have an inspirational appeal to a thirsty audience.
But!” - they can also be highly individual, completely useless and far-fetched.
After the creative phase of the tasting note, and the use of endless
adjectives, the taster will try to reach a conclusion, by sort of putting the
notes back into a context, measuring the wines overall balance. Some end the
tasting note with a score – some don’t.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>(The
scoring of wine is probably a separate post worthy, but let’s leave that for a
rainy day).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have a
hate/love affair with the tasting note. I think it’s a poor mans thought of
trying to capture a wines soul. However I recognize that it’s at least a form
trying it’s best with words to unfold a wines character. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What I
don’t like about the tasting note is that it reminds me of performance tool,
between a company and their employees. We look for plusses and minuses, by
fragmenting and we ALWAYS end up concluding something. Yet when we have separated
all the components of a wine into a SWOT matrix we don’t always, if you ask me,
manage to assemble the components correctly back into place. The fragmenting
becomes primary and we become too focussed on performing a task, rather than
just relaxing and connecting with the wine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we do this, because the tasting note has become such
an easy form to adapt to. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our role
models – and where we have learned the tasting note from – are wine
journalist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However I think we
forgot forgot, in our eager to play mini-Parker/Galloni or Jancis Robinson,
that the wine journalist are at work and tasting notes are part of their
paycheck. We, you and I – the consumer, are not at work. Nothing is required
from us, when it comes to wine – yet we chose to use the neo cortex of our
brain, which is responsible for all our rational and analytic choices. Instead,
the curious reader, would obviously ask, why we don’t use our the limbic system
of our brain, which holds all our feelings and emotions, when wine are in fact
something that unfolds on an emotional level? But does the limbic system have
an understandable language? I believe it has and I miss its presence in wine,
despite I can find it elsewhere in other emotional systems like literature, art
and music. The limbic language is not so easy to master as listing facts are.
It will even break the norms and you might be laughed at, because it can be
perceived as pure nonsense. Who wants to be a failure, when they can be a
success, by just following the already secure standards of a fact-listing
tasting note? The tasting note have become like an occupying norm institution.
And fair enough really, because maybe we don’t need to express what the limbic
system are telling us. Maybe the affect of the wine – that electric pulse
inside your bloodstream was just a personal moment for you. The unexplainable
was somehow your own little secret – another dimension - something to hold onto
and be inspired by. Sometimes it can be disturbing to let other people into
your most private thoughts – so why share it, if it holds more value by
treasuring it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are
also good things about tasting notes. I like the fact that starting up a
tasting note actually forces you to listen and talk to the wine. The more this
conversation unfolds– the more information you will obtain. The experience of
the wine, if you do a proper job, should hold most of the details. By having
written your notes down on paper, it’s very easy to come back and do some more
reflections. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">However at
the end of the day – the formal approach of writing down has the tendency to
focus on “what?” (The neo cortex) – analysis, facts, numbers - and not the
“why?” (The limbic system) – emotions, feelings and reflections. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Why” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- is me – this is who I am, when I drink
wine. When I work – I am “what” and I need that contrast when it comes to wine.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let’s end
it here – despite the subject holds more nuances. It’s a blog – not a novel
;-).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But before
we end – as the headline promised – I’ll give you a tasting note on a
spectacular Champagne. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKdsoHHM589TDpt6VK84tHZyMRsAR357CBR5bljByOWTvuvih9v-IioE91Q5CfkuWTgaQJq-HzG5XSDxmX6ATfNF_PUw5boDlYyLSUPnWzE07U-YsVVs6_nh-H7QRj532xYBRaxEmDos/s1600/IMG_2813small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKdsoHHM589TDpt6VK84tHZyMRsAR357CBR5bljByOWTvuvih9v-IioE91Q5CfkuWTgaQJq-HzG5XSDxmX6ATfNF_PUw5boDlYyLSUPnWzE07U-YsVVs6_nh-H7QRj532xYBRaxEmDos/s1600/IMG_2813small.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2009 Benoît Lahaye
“Le Jardin de la Grosse Pierre”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US">Blend: </span><span lang="EN-US">Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay,
Arbanne, Petit Meslier and other unknown
varieties.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Terroir: Brown Chalk<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Age of wines: Some Planet
in 1923 by Benoit's grandfather – yet some dead replaced again in 1952.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Vinification: 10 months in
old 225l barrels.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Dosage: 0 g/l<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Production: 840 bottles<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Glass: Zalto White wine<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have actually tasted this
Champagne once before in 2013, when I attended the pre-2013 Terres et vins de
Champagne event called <i><a href="http://madwine.blogspot.dk/2013/05/les-vins-de-champagne-travers-le-temps.html" target="_blank">“"Les Vins de Champagne à travers le temps".</a></i> This
is however the first I take it for a spin at home. I remember it as a
remarkable breed with highly sophisticated spices. I also remember that the
blend was rather particular and also asking Benoît about these “other”
varieties? He just smiled, so we will have to settle with that ;-).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can’t tell you what these
spices taste like – they are so unique and intense. You have to buy it “see”
for yourself. It smells like raw soil, warm stones, black cherries stones/olives
– but I am really guessing here, because I have never tasted anything like it
before. The intensity of these spices, roots from a dark place and it seriously
feel like drinking the soil. At one stage I feared that it would lose height,
given the combination of these dark, mysterious spices and the slightly warm
’09 vintage. However despite the growling dark baseline it somehow also manages
to stretch itself into a weightless space. Insane really – something I have
never seen before and totally emotional experience for me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I ask myself what I
love about Champagne, it always circles around the cool climate, fostering
overly elegant and precise wines. However I also like the raw side of
Champagne, which started to come alive, when I got introduced to growers like
Benoît Lahaye here. This is raw nature-stuff Champagne, not seeking any kind of
compromise. Nor is it a fruit bomb, ready to take you for Boogie Woogie on the
dance floor. “Le Jardin de la Grosse Pierre” is not a beginner Champagne
and I would recommend you to drink it with food.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of a kind Champagne.
Try it, if you can find it. </span></div>
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-72667504506497999912014-08-24T20:52:00.000+02:002014-08-24T20:56:34.452+02:00Drinking wine alone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusDhMfFwS0fuDFjN9LsqIj5BiSvlbxrMc9Z54yQGJ_IrrCksl5ttrynt3KgVwTgYluWOA3x_gsSSw0xNmIGPEyJOn4kFmkMuqxmTHOQdbPGOGeUOxBTSsiP6tWAAJMDfbysFJl-_k5hY/s1600/IMG_4474.small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusDhMfFwS0fuDFjN9LsqIj5BiSvlbxrMc9Z54yQGJ_IrrCksl5ttrynt3KgVwTgYluWOA3x_gsSSw0xNmIGPEyJOn4kFmkMuqxmTHOQdbPGOGeUOxBTSsiP6tWAAJMDfbysFJl-_k5hY/s1600/IMG_4474.small.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wine is
about sharing. Sure – we all know that phrase. In wine it’s second nature to
enhance the experience by sharing. Today’s psychologist and coaches speaks
about how important it is that other people are witnesses to our life. We live
stronger when we give something to other people and they act as a catalyst for
our sensorial systems. Wine is no different. The joy of being with likewise
passionate people is revitalizing. I live for this – it’s part of my wine
loving DNA.</span><br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I couldn’t
live without “sharing”. However the daily practicalities are of course
producing some logic obstacles. We are (well I am) constantly frightful busy
and always short of time. So I do actually drink a lot of wine on my own…well
almost…technically its most of the times with my wife, but it’s the moments
were I completely alone and decide to open a bottle a wine, I want to speak
about. I also want to speak about why, especially big tasting events, is not
always heaven to me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let’s go
back to the month of May this year….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span lang="EN-GB">My wine
mates and I (plus 3 other friends) were at one of my favourite restaurants in
Copenhagen. Own wine – Chef table –</span><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span lang="EN-GB">Rock 'n' Roll. It couldn’t go wrong.
But it did. I didn’t have a good time and not only did I have alcoholic
hangovers the next day – I also felt like a melancholy zombie. When my brain
started to function again, I started to put together my state of mind puzzle.
Why did I feel so miserable? What went wrong?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There were three
reasons. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Firstly – I
often build expectations to an event like this. I am confident it releases some
traces of dopamine and increases my adrenalin. That’s why you often hear the
remark of people who look forward to events like this, as a child looks forward
to Christmas Eve. Good or bad tasting…well often the day after feels hollow and
slightly melancholic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Secondly is
a “demon” I have seen before, which relates a little to the first one. The
demon is a kind of seven deadly sins – well at least three of them: Lust, Gluttony
and Greed. Sadly there is a tendency, that lack of moderation can kill the
intimacy for me. Erotic turns into porn. There are too many impressions to
digest at a +20 bottle wine tasting with +20 courses of food and +10 people to
talk to. You have to prioritize and somehow I have never succeeded to put
together the perfect plan. Something has always suffered and killed the overall
impression. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Third is a
new “troll”. The troll is about different opinions. Despite I think you can
learn a lot from tasting with other people and understanding what makes them
tick, I am not always in the mood of constantly hearing their and my opinion on
wine. Especially if it comes to just focussing on the most significant
diversity of each other’s taste. Sure such a debate is interesting, but it
requires time to obtain the important nuances. You don’t have that time at such
events, where you have to focus on so many things. Sometimes I just want to “be
there”. Catching up with friends, I might not have seen for a long time. The
wine can even be secondary. It’s simply just about confirming your friendship.
So it annoys me, when I sometimes feel in a situation, where I am forced to
express my own opinion. At this above-mentioned tasting event there were such a
situation. One of the attendees, whom I don’t know well, expressed his opinion
about natural wine. He told me about a purchase of a mixed 12-bottle case (all
natural wine), from an importer I know well. Now I don’t own or have a passion
for these wines he bought, but I have tasted them before. He explained that
half of them were good, 3 of them were so so and the last 3 were undrinkable. Then
waited for me to say something, especially concerning the 3 undrinkable ones.
It was like he had invited me to take part of a discussion, as he must have
thought of me as an ambassador of both natural wine and the guy who imports
them. So what do you say to that? I didn’t say anything. I didn’t care really.
Leave me alone, dude. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Drinking wine alone.</span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4qAMDWqSTMD_qQmp3jUQqM3HnM_X5bydiuThOzGBV7ctukFAc4kLu-7trkkIgrEz7XpH5j20Gyra0cCINXpgUqToxSAFNrZyAfQTWzZG10HcoXnJANaI1kISK1IhokN7UngVB-Sqy5M/s1600/IMG_2532small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4qAMDWqSTMD_qQmp3jUQqM3HnM_X5bydiuThOzGBV7ctukFAc4kLu-7trkkIgrEz7XpH5j20Gyra0cCINXpgUqToxSAFNrZyAfQTWzZG10HcoXnJANaI1kISK1IhokN7UngVB-Sqy5M/s1600/IMG_2532small.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love
drinking alone. It’s peaceful and aesthetic. When I am alone with wine I can
crawl into my own little cave. On one hand I pay attention on all the details
of the wine and the ambience around me. Paying attention makes you see nuances,
which is muted if you don’t pay attention. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On the other hand, I also like to be absorbed in a kind of no
man’s land, where I don’t pay attention to anything. It’s important to create
this bubble, which I often do by listen to music, watch a good movie or look in
my many photographic books. Wine and the alcohol affect is not an escape from
the challenges you have in your life. This is important to understand. Wine and
alcohol is not the solution for a stressed life. I never drink wine, when I feel
stressed. However I use eight hours a day crunching numbers and try to navigate
and beat the financial markets. I simply get nuts, if there is not a contrast
to this and have found out that wine creates a path to my other half brain and
opens a window of creativity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So what
happens next - when the wine is in the glass and the ambience is set? We talk–
the wine and I. Oh yes. I like to talk with the wine. Wine is like a small
individual “person” and I see my role as someone trying to understand he/she/it.
The only way to understand is to listen and make conversation. Such a statement
sounds like mumbo jumbo – I know. Yet I would bet we each have our way of
“communicating” with wine. The conversations are highly interesting. They swing
from love at first sight >>> instant trouble >>> puzzled
>>> intellectual >>> meaningless >>> eccentric
>>> seductive >>>…….etc. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes
it happens that the experience and the ambience created, takes my mind to an
almost transcendental state. It’s far easier for me to let go when I am alone.
Is wine a drug? I have never taken any drugs, but I imagine there are some
similarities, when this transcendental mental state takes control. These
moments come and go and shift in their strength, but at their peak, it’s at
moments like these I feel most inspired in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The silence
and the intimacy are also magical. It’s again the relationship/conversation
between you and the wine. Yes – there might be issues, which you don’t like
about the wine, but then again you have something to “talk” about. The wine is
not flawless – and so what? I am far more forgiving when I drink alone. When
you taste wine with other people, I think we have a tendency to quickly conclude
on aromatic profiles, use a lot time “nailing it” – praise those who “won” and
quickly move on to the next wine. This is a big mistake if you ask me. The best
way for me to understand a wine is after I have drunk a whole bottle of by
myself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Don’t ever
give up drinking wine with friends, your loved ones and with other people – but
don’t forget to drink wine alone either. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-32195717751672203742014-07-19T23:35:00.001+02:002014-08-17T23:41:22.739+02:00Champagne visit - 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stay tuned....<i><span style="color: blue;">All images are clickable and will open a larger format</span></i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; line-height: 18px;">Jérôme Prévost)</span></i></span></div>
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<i>(H<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">otel and restaurant </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.24;">Les Avisés / Selosse)</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">(Le Chateau de Pierry / Les <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Origines Champagne)</span> </span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8z88c-hnlb1rzkmFAX6AvggAGnemrdePshdQZ7BdqI7fxhuhbCkSq6gzaCgZV3IFl63EeAWn2ov7Z4WvzTAVVW2BCnKSLegkIDCWlIlwDHRydM4L47BqVd-R6Hi4RljrsNpDb-iqQvs/s1600/IMG_0966small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8z88c-hnlb1rzkmFAX6AvggAGnemrdePshdQZ7BdqI7fxhuhbCkSq6gzaCgZV3IFl63EeAWn2ov7Z4WvzTAVVW2BCnKSLegkIDCWlIlwDHRydM4L47BqVd-R6Hi4RljrsNpDb-iqQvs/s1600/IMG_0966small.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Ine Goossens & Ries van der Vlugt / <a href="http://www.justaddwine.nl/" target="_blank">Just Add Wine</a>)</div>
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Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-63262304852834369022014-06-28T16:23:00.001+02:002014-06-28T16:25:35.557+02:00The price trap<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In April I
visited Champagne again. I couldn’t help noticing that prices on grower
Champagne are on the rise. Yet the increasing price curve on the most
innovative growers in Champagne are not a singular phenomenon. Prices on
quality wines are in general increasing and it rarely helps when the production
is low. Just think of Burgundy, where some of the most prestigious names are
separating themselves to an exclusive club of consumers. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Overall I
don’t like to talk about prices on wines. “Numbers” is what I do for a living
and wine has always acted as a contrast to my work life. I like to keep it that
way. Money is a weird thing really – we know it matters, but to start a debate
about what’s the right way to use them is more about moralizing. What people do
with their own money is their choice. Wine is good example. All passionate wine
lovers, knows it’s a form of madness to spend a ridiculous amount money on
fermented grape juice. You might have done a great investment, but at the end
of the day you are willing to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“destroy” that investment by drinking it. Yet we (us wine geeks) know
that there is more to it than just grape juice with alcohol. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I often see
people complain about price developments on wine. I am no different and guilty
as sinned. In fact it happened in Champagne. Some of my favourite producers are
starting to be in a price range, where I have to think twice. If I decide to
buy expensive wine I just don’t buy a six-pack without blinking. But owing just
one or two bottles of a very expensive wine is actually another dilemma. You
just don’t serve these wines on a Tuesday evening with a Spaghetti Bolognese.
No! You save them for a special occasion. This is okay to some degree, as we
have always split wines into different categories and somehow we find wines
that suit that Tuesday evening. However when you put the wine on an exclusive
price pedestal you build high expectations. You even make sure it’s served with
the right people, as you rarely drink such expensive wines alone – or do you? I
think most want to share a potential big experience with other people and this
is one of the beauties with wines; friendship and the social element. Yet it’s
also a bit weird, because you will probably only get one or two glasses. You
even make sure the wine is matched with the right food, chose the right day -
where “equivalent” wines are present. Now there is absolutely nothing wrong
with looking forward to taste a special wine. Not at all – I embrace this
myself. However I have never felt comfortable of tasting wines, where I somehow
beforehand are almost nervous on the outcome. Tasting wines naked, being
relaxed and just interact with the wine and having a good natural flow appeals
far more to me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yet the
spike in prices also have a positive flip side for me. When a wine breaches
your own price limits the initial thought is: DAMN! Now I can’t buy Soldera or
Jacques Selosse anymore and this is not so easy to digest. For me it helps
thinking that if I die tomorrow I won’t die thirsty of either Soldera or
Selosse. Yet somehow I just forget about them. They kind of slip my mind and
the reason is simple. Wine-Life goes on. It’s like my consumer behaviour
automatically guides me in a different direction and my curiosity likes that. It
says something about how many talented winemakers there are out there and how
many I haven’t even tasted yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I live
for curiosity and taking a stance on prices helps me stay alert. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You might
already have guessed this introduction is leading up to a wine, where I will
touch upon its price tag. This wine is the result of being curious and of
course having good wine dealers, who buys the good stuff and knows your palate.
The price here is low – but the quality is outrageous. I couldn’t help to
speculate if this wine was served blind to me. I would have compared it with
some of the best white wines I have tasted from Burgundy, which are easily +150€.
But this one is roughly €23…if you can find it that is.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2012 Jean-Marie
Berrux “La Petite Têtu”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Grape: 100%
Chardonnay<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Location:
Burgundy, </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #43432c;">Corpeau,
Slightly south of </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Puligny.
<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Vineyard:
1,5 ha<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Vinification:
Oak (20% new) + only indigenous yeats.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #202021;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Viticulture:
Biodynamic<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #202021;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Other:
No sulphur during vinification – only at bottling (approx 18mg/l)<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #202021;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Production:
7-8.000 bottles<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #202021;">Glass:</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><i>Tasted two times – One time from Zalto Burgundy
and second time from a Spiegelau Burgundy glass in a restaurant). Zalto was
miles better (no surprise) and lifted the wines freshness and minerality,
whereas in Spiegelau it was a bit oilier and heavier in style. </i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I didn’t
write any notes on it…I never do that anymore, but I remember it very well. I
also remember my wife and I drank if faster than we normally do. My wife even
said, that she was tired and not so much into wine this evening. She changed
her mind. The wine is utterly sensual. It has a mind-blowing elastic feel as
soon as you stick your nose into the glass. On one hand its oily and buttery,
which sometimes can go deadly wrong with these white Burgundy and not something
I favour. Yet it has a combo of wild yeast flavours, honey, brioche and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">lots of fresh tickly fruit with sensual
apple cider associations, which creates the most divine balance. The touch of
oak is also there, yet only secondary with sensuality and so well balanced. The
taste is round and lush – just like the nose, yet filled with enormous
minerality, life and bite. What a wine. Hunt it if you can find it.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-22520265415681201912014-04-29T21:04:00.005+02:002014-07-19T23:30:24.979+02:00Fri Vin 2014 - Impressions<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">When spring
arrives here in the upper part of the northern hemisphere it has an almost
hypnotic-like affect. Winter is over – the hell of darkness has come to and
end. Life can start again and when you fill the air with 25 degrees, blue skies
there is form a madness emerging. On top - set the scene with some of the most
leading, innovative bio/”Nature” winemakers play some great jazz music and
serve the crowd tasty food. The result was pure bliss. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Fri Vin
2014 was one of the best wine festivals I have ever participated in. I never
attend such events to taste in great detail and take away 200 useful tasting
notes. No! it’s more about inspiration. Sure I hope discover my next big wine
love affair, but seeing the winemakers and just being in a place with likewise
passionate people, is far more appealing to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There was a
phenomenal atmosphere at the event. Of course helped by the weather showing the
best spring setting Copenhagen can offer in late April. You also sensed the
relationship among the winemakers and how they were proud to be part of
something extraordinary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I think
these types of wines and their frivolous appeal showed what they are all about
on such a day. The four wine importers behind the event; <a href="http://www.petillant.dk/" target="_blank">Petillant</a>, <a href="http://www.lieu-dit.dk/" target="_blank">Lieu-dit</a>,
<a href="http://winewise.dk/" target="_blank">Wine Wise</a> and <a href="http://www.rosforth.dk/" target="_blank">Rosforth & Rosforth</a> are all aware of what these wines can do
and did a very intelligent manoeuvre by illustrating the common analog character
of both wine, music and food.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Big applause
– Bravo!!!!.....so when is the next Fri Vin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"><i>Enjoy the images - they are all clickable and will open a larger and better resolution. </i></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNh2J78Ep4SfGj-Xr0TfvYsJIfMAPWtqzYaW_3xZMmnnUyPMdsTDYxWSdHPJuHTAOiDywM4VHf2AkIb3uP9AB1M6qYO0Gi6M5AOfDYETUBhiKnkrdLmHGh7bfUw2tZg041SFP8Yn3MnQ4/s1600/IMG_1351small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNh2J78Ep4SfGj-Xr0TfvYsJIfMAPWtqzYaW_3xZMmnnUyPMdsTDYxWSdHPJuHTAOiDywM4VHf2AkIb3uP9AB1M6qYO0Gi6M5AOfDYETUBhiKnkrdLmHGh7bfUw2tZg041SFP8Yn3MnQ4/s1600/IMG_1351small.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Dominik Huber)</span></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLydlo_t6ajoQb73NK5Y-a1oGls26jIXpfbJyak4Xgb6iKDxg7QGr8akcuFC9siu_8iEHcBI1ikclhL3itR5XYGdQFNM9F6S5I_TjsULMr4_2_c9eOTvMGY9mCgva5StUPHmCYNF-bbLo/s1600/IMG_1380small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLydlo_t6ajoQb73NK5Y-a1oGls26jIXpfbJyak4Xgb6iKDxg7QGr8akcuFC9siu_8iEHcBI1ikclhL3itR5XYGdQFNM9F6S5I_TjsULMr4_2_c9eOTvMGY9mCgva5StUPHmCYNF-bbLo/s1600/IMG_1380small.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(Stella di Campalto)</i></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(Olivier Horiot - Champagne)</span></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Evelyne Clairet (Domaine de la Tournelle)</span></span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i> (Gabrio Bini - Insane wines from <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Azienda Agricola Serragghia)</span></i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"> (Mark Angeli)</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i> (The one and only Sune Rosforth)</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i> (We have beautiful women here in Denmark)</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">(Nicolas Carmarans)</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"> (Ronald Regan…well almost)</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i> (<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">François Saint-Lô)</span></i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i> (Breathtaking Sinne Eeg - Danish Jazz vovalist)</i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i> (More Sinne Eeg)</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(Let the party begin) </i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"> (Frederic Cossard)</span></i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">(Christian Nedergård - Mr. </span><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=100564229988784" href="https://www.facebook.com/VedStranden10" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Ved Stranden 10 Vinhandel & Bar</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> - owner of Copenhagen's finest beard)</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(Gabrio Bini again)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(Guy Breton - Morgon)</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-62155839049899032792014-04-23T17:42:00.002+02:002014-05-02T09:49:19.470+02:00Fruit and soil<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Initially I
wanted to do a presentation of <b>Ruppert-Leroy</b> – an exiting new Champagne producer from the
Aube region. However, when I was in Champagne (where I have just returned from)
I tasted a very exiting white wine – which I actually have in glass right now.
It’s the <b>2012 “Clos du Rouge Gorge”</b> from a producer called <b>Cyril Fhal</b>.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I tasted
these wines a day apart and thought it gave good meaning to present them in the
same post, as they represent a contrast – yet individually something
interesting. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let’s get
aquatinted with the wines:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtWznQXAzzu20ZaP-ijUCwZaqBhsk5cAA4bd6K69b2Zsx9SY-PyKNpb74u9n82bZarxKH0rYXSmrXCjaZg-wDJMlfTXsk0sm8ydKFwVohvQUM5LQv0eYYZR6_VW-AbeHIejZtCnWT3A4/s1600/IMG_1294small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtWznQXAzzu20ZaP-ijUCwZaqBhsk5cAA4bd6K69b2Zsx9SY-PyKNpb74u9n82bZarxKH0rYXSmrXCjaZg-wDJMlfTXsk0sm8ydKFwVohvQUM5LQv0eYYZR6_VW-AbeHIejZtCnWT3A4/s1600/IMG_1294small.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #e06666;">Fruit!</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2011
Ruppert-Leroy “Martin-Fontaine” Brut Nature</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Grape: 100%
Chardonnay<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Teroir:
Clay and limestone<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Age of
vines: 70 years old<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2f2f30;">Vinification</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">: Oak<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2f2f30;">Viticulture: Biodynamic</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Dosage: 0
g/l<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Glass used:
Zalto White Wine</i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A very
joyful Champagne, where you immediately feel in a good mood. There is a lot of
sensorial sweetness, with ripe fruit, candied citrus, juicy sweet pear/apple
and a crystal clear fruit. All together it’s floral attraction and the adorable
factor is high. The taste has a precise linear style with a vibrant and precise
acidity, which keeps the keynotes uplifted. However there is a fine line of the
role of the sensorial sweetness, which keeps adding rather sweet notes, like
elderflower and adding what seems to be residual sugar to the back of the
palate. On one hand, it’s a part of this joyful style, which you can’t really
resist, but you can't help to take notice. For me it’s slightly annoying. Having said
that – I had no problems enjoying it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I turn to Mr. analytic I really miss some sort of soil
bite, which could have shifted its focus away from only fruit. So what’s the
verdict? Well – this is young Champagne and it’s indeed very healthy and well
made. It’s even extremely easy to drink. It could very well be all about
baby-fat and a completely different breed in 2-3 years time. To me this is a very
good Champagne, but if to turn really great, it will have to attract more soil
nerve with cellaring. However I suspect it will have many fans and for sure a
producer I look forward to follow. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Soil!</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2012 Cyril
Fhal “Clos du Rouge Gorge (Blanc)”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-GB">Grape: </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2e2e2f;">100% Macabbeu<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2e2e2f;">Terroir: </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2f2f30;">Sandy, silty soil (150-200m above sea level)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2f2f30;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Vinification: Oak (2-3 years old)
– No sulphur before Vinification.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2f2f30;">Viticulture</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2f2f30;">: Since </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Cyril Fhal took over in 2002 he
converted to Bio (Demeter) </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2f2f30;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2f2f30;">Location: We are in </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2f2f30;">Latour de France (Roussillon)<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2f2f30;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Glass used: Zalto Universal</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #2f2f30;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is
completely different kind of wine. Obviously we are comparing bubbles against a
still wine, but as you will see it’s a wine, with an entire different setting.
Here the fruit tonality is very shy and not something that would pull your
pants down in a blind tasting. It’s however filled with energy – tons of it.
It’s that energy, which keeps you turning back to the glass and despite the
subdued bouquet, it was actually a wine I spent a lot of time “sniffing”. It’s
simply the fascination of not exposing everything at once and a wine, which is constantly changing shape in the glass. The taste is not the kind
of wine, which wraps a mouth coating cashmere orgy on you. No! Here its
minerals all over – ranging from wet crushed stones, to warm slate. On day two
the wine was even better. Thrilling intense, challenging and very reflective to
the mind. Loved it and definitely not the last time I taste this producer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: purple;">To compare
these two wines is not to pick a winner – or a loser. Personally I fell more
attracted to wines with high soil energy. However if you have been reading this
blog for some time you also know I like to illustrate diversity and how wines
should pair with both food, occasions, your own mood and the lust for wine on
the day you pull/pop the cork.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-28010247964061796322014-04-18T16:15:00.002+02:002014-04-18T16:16:10.946+02:00Fri vin 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOpqg3bTGx-hU6YRMjbKRSbuREsxeoFJSmcrX1yq4CK7dxY4fTc8bFPYOYRjjYYn4TD00OEQIIVZohPq3Gm64lazZxLFPbeu9BGih7N6CMyGo6Upi9LQg7a_VALNAPznssWDr3uOMaps/s1600/FRIVIN2014ok+kopi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOpqg3bTGx-hU6YRMjbKRSbuREsxeoFJSmcrX1yq4CK7dxY4fTc8bFPYOYRjjYYn4TD00OEQIIVZohPq3Gm64lazZxLFPbeu9BGih7N6CMyGo6Upi9LQg7a_VALNAPznssWDr3uOMaps/s1600/FRIVIN2014ok+kopi.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Impressive list of winemaker this year <i>(click image to see list) </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Copenhagen the 26th of April 2014 - from 10:00-18:00. Tickets can be bought <a href="http://gladvin.dk/billet-til-fri-vin-167/" target="_blank">here</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">See you there.</span>Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-62641781334648655122014-04-09T22:37:00.000+02:002014-07-13T20:59:08.567+02:00The Wizard of Pinot Meunier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5SaenKA_kEcIox5647I9pzNP7jZZLLdAbLKwP-HO8FpHw_btC3DWwHE3L3VCkKALUreGWSbJG3mT21djp-ilcU4zodnVrvJ41MleaEQML7Ru-8L4TgeIrUKMiMiKbbYdiW40MczeTY8/s1600/IMG_6864small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gueux!.
Doesn’t really ring a bell in relation to wine does it? But I’ll give you a
clue. We are in Champagne country - 15km west of Reims. No?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyway -
Gueux is a small cosy town – to a degree of romantic with lovely houses, clean
pavements and an almost obligatory magnolia tree in the front gardens. Even the
café here is nicer and made in a more chick look. The town is quite, which is
something I am use to, when I drive around in Champagne. Despite Champagnes
exuberant and festive reputation, the regions and its towns are somewhat sleepy
towns. On the outside that is, because as soon as you get inside – down to
those dark cellars, a huge hospitality awaits - and damn good wine to.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We arrived
from the south a day in April and had been driving through endless landscapes
of vineyards. But as you cross the town sign of Gueux, the vineyard setting
comes to an end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You sense you are
closer to Reims and a more common landscape of approaching roads and suburbs
neighbourhood.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQRWjB5Xeh6W1hP6lh_QS55vs4V6K6zk5FOPByDNb1cinXFr-5WA-lwHxkgC-j8zF8g-7-VQw4ikqMcblriLIpTED8DIMwhnZxr_QIaCnVOkZemVodFlphZycxAWB5TxE50B3j3iklhc/s1600/IMG_6867small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQRWjB5Xeh6W1hP6lh_QS55vs4V6K6zk5FOPByDNb1cinXFr-5WA-lwHxkgC-j8zF8g-7-VQw4ikqMcblriLIpTED8DIMwhnZxr_QIaCnVOkZemVodFlphZycxAWB5TxE50B3j3iklhc/s1600/IMG_6867small.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(The tractor - go home Ferrari) </i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yet in
Gueux resides a Champagne producer. Jérôme Prévost is his name and I suspect
that bell rang?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yet upon
arrival at his house, he is not home. A where is the cellar? Instead I can see
a cedar wood looking barn. It’s a little bit open. I am even more curious now.
We find out that he is in the vineyard, which should be located 6-700 meters up
the road. After turning left we start to sense that there are in fact vineyards
in Gueux. The vineyards here are not your romantic notion of sloping hills,
where a sparkling sunlight warms up the soil from hilltop in the distance. No!
– Here the land is flat as a pancake. It’s not exactly screaming for attention
and Jérôme’s vineyard " Les Béguines” are here with 5-6 other parcels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see Jérôme in the distance – all alone
and on a behemoth of a tractor. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He jumps of
and greets a handful of passionate wine people from Denmark. <i>“It’s a good day
to plow – such an occasion should not be missed, he says”</i>. It’s already the
fourth time he plows this year and it doesn’t take you long to see his vineyard
looks a bit more healthy that it’s neighbours. The “other” parcels here sadly
look like a lot of other vineyards in Champagne. Depleted soils, sprayed with
small blue plastic pieces and other metals parts ranging from nails, glass to
batteries. The small blue plastic pieces are a shameful chapter in Champagne.
In the 1970s the Parisians cleverly disposed of a composting of household
waste. <i>“When the soil is so poor of life, the roots seek upwards to find
nutrition and this is really not good”</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Les
Béguines” is the story about this very flat vineyard. 2ha of very sandy soils,
planted with Pinot Meunier, which by now are about 50 years of age. Pinot
Meunier is like most of you probably know Champagnes rustic cousin and often
not so highly praised. It’s paradoxically the most planted in Champagne. Yet
it’s actually because it’s seldom seen as a mono grape release, but often
blended to give some growling baseline. Before I got introduce to these grower
Champagnes, I often perceived Pinot Meunier as being pretty baroque and often a
very clumsy grape. But for sure in blends –like Krug Vintage, it acts as a good
trio partner, giving opposition to the refine tonality of Chardonnay and the
aristocratic Pinot Noir. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">”Les
Béguines” is for sure filled with sand – but also lots of fossils. It can be a
little hard to imagine, when you stand here in present time – and with 350km to
the nearest coastline - that about 45million years ago the seabed was here in
Gueux. The seas erosion has created massive layers of calcareous sand
formations and fossils with tiny crustaceans. It’s not exactly hurting the
quality of the terroir. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At the end
of the vineyard you see a small white house and this is Jérôme 's childhood
home. So you would think that he was born to make wine and walk the footsteps
of his parents? But it was not like that. His parents didn’t even make wine and
the vineyards belonged to his grandmother. She even leased the land out. Jérôme
's interest in life, took a different path towards a more artistic angle, with
painting, philosophy, and photography. When he got the offer to take over
" Les Beguines " it was not something he just jumped into with open
arms. But in 1987 he decide to give it a go and Domaine "La Closerie"
is born. The first period is all about bringing the vineyard back to balance by
working with respect for nature and no use of pesticides. The juice is initially
sold to negociants, while Jérôme seeks inspiration and knowledge. But it ‘s as
if he is constantly struggling with the prejudice that you can not make great
wine in Gueux and certainly not on such a flat and sandy vineyard, planted with
dull Pinot Meunier. Perhaps that why, he in 1995/96 takes a journey to Jura. Jura
was about seeking inspiration, but he was also on the verge of obtaining a
vineyard there. Today, he looks back and says:” <i>It was a great adventure with Jura,
but it was ultimately too difficult for me to leave my home ."</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CtCNSisMiLEGuNjuZuxg4_B2YwOyAdPCsA3n4lhCSgFyzHghvqxnXx8-zfdP8hn_edCEPXQGvG6zZO_e_DcRZsah7dyuMlJVRt8oojCQnvdJGRxj8h51GTF5pDjQTfNEYxwF4EDDCUI/s1600/IMG_6903small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CtCNSisMiLEGuNjuZuxg4_B2YwOyAdPCsA3n4lhCSgFyzHghvqxnXx8-zfdP8hn_edCEPXQGvG6zZO_e_DcRZsah7dyuMlJVRt8oojCQnvdJGRxj8h51GTF5pDjQTfNEYxwF4EDDCUI/s1600/IMG_6903small.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH598FdiwvLZfQyTWweLr_BFoLOcCeZfRaqnvd1UzCcVI1id6GprGpfhlRPvt6gA-9cjuIbGxPI615yfmVZ1Id-f2VLoP9C8ycqlQFMYHkJBuk729F3JgKvjWvAtiky7X7bLei26Gn4fo/s1600/IMG_6906small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH598FdiwvLZfQyTWweLr_BFoLOcCeZfRaqnvd1UzCcVI1id6GprGpfhlRPvt6gA-9cjuIbGxPI615yfmVZ1Id-f2VLoP9C8ycqlQFMYHkJBuk729F3JgKvjWvAtiky7X7bLei26Gn4fo/s1600/IMG_6906small.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Instead he
starts as an apprentice of Anselme Selosse. He tells us how he learned more
about making wine the first day with Anselme, than he had ever learned before.
Anselme gives Jérôme a task of pumping wine from a cask to another. Jérôme had
never tried this before and Anselme begin to explain how to use the pump, but
can see that Jerome is a little bit lost in all the technical information.
Anselme stops and says to Jérôme <i>"When you are dealing with wine making,
both in the cellar and in the vineyard you are using your body and soul. You
constantly need to ask yourself - why am I doing this? What is the meaning of
this? Is it necessary?” </i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Personally I
don’t know Jérôme very well, but hearing his story and spending some time with
him, you begin to understand why this winemaker is so curious - why he
constantly seeks inspiration (you will see later) and ask questions. When you combine
it with a man of great intellect, humour and his artistic background, you begin
to understand why the outcome is a pretty personal wine. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jérôme
spends 5 years with Anselme and it’s also him, who helps him to make the first
vintages at his address in Avize. ‘1998 is the first official release with
Jérôme Prévost on the label. In 2003 he leaves Anselme to make wine in Gueux. He
starts of with one wine: "Les Beguines”. In 2000 and 2003 vintage he makes
a wine called " d' Ailleurs “, which is limited cuvée, which have spent
+one year more in barrel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
remember tasting the ’03 in London some four years ago and it was truly an
eye-opener. In 2007 a rosé sees the daylight, which goes by the name “Fac –
Simile”. We are again at Pinot Menier frequency and this is a very juicy cousin.
Yet I think many underestimate it’s potential due to its slightly polish candy
like feel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as I see it “Fac –
Simile” age very well and right now the ’07s fruit core are starting to feel a
little dryer, saltier and obtaining that beautiful verbena note I adore in a
rosé Champagne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqC9jJ43fBiXG8pEzlXfCq9AfHtfbeHQ-tdLdHjYudCOFCBL8OULvPolq1915JKckD448tsNUJKj_6nGUJEvOPItdv2UQVDa7TX_8utCHa0lRnLwzn1sD-InzGECCRqeu4nWdmKnvEH8/s1600/IMG_6909small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqC9jJ43fBiXG8pEzlXfCq9AfHtfbeHQ-tdLdHjYudCOFCBL8OULvPolq1915JKckD448tsNUJKj_6nGUJEvOPItdv2UQVDa7TX_8utCHa0lRnLwzn1sD-InzGECCRqeu4nWdmKnvEH8/s1600/IMG_6909small.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With time
Jérôme have obtained more land and planted these with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay,
and Pinot Gris. The age of the vines are still very young and when he finally
decided to release some cuvée(s) it will be a very limited number of bottles.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All of his
Champagnes are non-vintage btw – despite they are never blended. So we deal
with vintage juice, but officially non-vintage Champagne, as it falls short of
the AOC-rules of 36 months on lees. This is quit common when it comes to the
small growers. They simple don’t have economy of scale like the big houses, nor
do they have the required space in their cellars. Jérôme’s Champagnes taste
damn fine when released – especially his trademark of insanely sophisticated
spices. Yet! – I have to say, I feel confident they will improve even more
after 5-6 years after disgorgement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Back in the
vineyard, Jérôme have really warmed up and a talking about sugar strings,
enzymes, proteins, and how you must ensure oxygen in the soils to pump energy
into the vines. It’s not your everyday talk for a number idiot like me and you
really have to concentrate. But Jérôme explains it really well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Basically he is trying to tell us what
nature can do over modern winemaking. If you only leave the sugar addition <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Chaptalisation) and enzyme treatment
for modern techniques in the cellar you are only extracting one chord to the
wine's perfect symphony. But if you provide nature with the right growth
conditions - to form sugar naturally, you get endless strings of DNA and it
creates a much higher energy and complexity. It’s also one of the reasons why
Jérôme never do Chaptalisation to his Champagnes. Instead he harvest with ripe
maturity and about 10.5% natural alcohol. Only the natural indigenous yeast is
used in the winemaking process.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlUascdOCoQhuMeSqEXBlhknn1dGTBOcDFtZGouQtrbDzJyTdnbaLClgc_qlRJO_xNA-M4g7zu4Z-vyh7srJk8-QsTfK_e2iXVvwIu2ZVMX9cgzloSDjIkohnOTs-03exkYI-5ODKJIQ/s1600/IMG_6911small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlUascdOCoQhuMeSqEXBlhknn1dGTBOcDFtZGouQtrbDzJyTdnbaLClgc_qlRJO_xNA-M4g7zu4Z-vyh7srJk8-QsTfK_e2iXVvwIu2ZVMX9cgzloSDjIkohnOTs-03exkYI-5ODKJIQ/s1600/IMG_6911small.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One hour
later we are back in the cellar…sorry barn…. Finally the Vikings can get
something to drink. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We kick of
with 2012 Vins clairs. 2012 was on an extreme year. A rough winter, with
temperatures hitting lows of -20 degrees Celsius in late February. Spring was
wet as hell and even includes a devastating hailstorm. The summer was nothing
to write about either, before a 10-day heat wave window opens in August and
produces temperatures of 40 Celsius. The August window was sent from heaven and
saves the harvest. Yet 2012 will still be marked by the rough winter condition and
almost everyone reports of a very small harvest. This also goes for Jérôme
Prévost, who normally produces 13.000 bottles, but in 2012-vintage he will only
release about 6.000. The quality is however really promising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hereafter
awaits an interesting experiment. Two Champagnes are in play in our Zalto White
Wine glasses. The first is lively, light and flowery. Elegant, delicate, yet
also a bit short on the last meters. Such a Champagne would be perfect as an aperitif.
The second one is more brutal, direct with higher energy and structure. Here
you sense the trademark of Prévost, those sophisticated spices, which is really
why this guy masters the Pinot Meunier like no other. This is a Champagne to
drink with food. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7dE2UaOdCHra-7eaCzbUHBIKYNlhdM_fAA02Rogl6zgfIrurGLqJABrdHja3UlJ84xSXrwxl6G_xEP7Z_DPWllsXQDK62BgNuoHK8j6jUZGs_NS0HMr1lassemmHGUsL5XcH-Ojfznw/s1600/IMG_6925small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7dE2UaOdCHra-7eaCzbUHBIKYNlhdM_fAA02Rogl6zgfIrurGLqJABrdHja3UlJ84xSXrwxl6G_xEP7Z_DPWllsXQDK62BgNuoHK8j6jUZGs_NS0HMr1lassemmHGUsL5XcH-Ojfznw/s1600/IMG_6925small.jpg" height="223" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jérôme
looks around and is curious to know our opinions’. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The verdict
is the same – we all prefer Champagne no. 2. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It’s the
same wine – same vintage – both the challenging 2010 vintage.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What! –
This can’t be, they are so different? But there is a reason. One of them is a
“mistake”. An accident. The accidental wine is No.2. You see, Jérôme’s cellar
employee by mistake forgot to add Bentonite. And what is Bentonite? It’s first
of all a clay species, which is added to Champagne, securing the dead yeast
residuals will petrify and slowly be transported to the neck of the bottle
under remuage. If Bentonite is not added, the yeast residuals will not petrify
and turn into a small blurry substance inside the bottle and make the juice
unclear. <i>“Think about it – Jérôme says, in Champagne we are obsessed with the
clarity. Why do you think we call it Vins Clairs?”</i>. Jérôme discovers the
”mistake” after 300 bottles – yet he doesn’t really look sad. Once again, this
is a curious winemaker, not following a straight line and all the traditions.
And maybe – Bentonite is not added to some bottles on purpose in the future.
Who knows?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2CKje1hivHmCPYgjrN_WWSvtTxLVLgob4407Sv1N_GM-wLO3ChWFJVGyOzA0JCLBSRJXlPIoSlqN5C6O0RrDCimwf1GwAa_b1nVNGUx7VAnqr1NeZG5-mhmqW_swI6HYAIs21OG_X1A/s1600/IMG_6944small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2CKje1hivHmCPYgjrN_WWSvtTxLVLgob4407Sv1N_GM-wLO3ChWFJVGyOzA0JCLBSRJXlPIoSlqN5C6O0RrDCimwf1GwAa_b1nVNGUx7VAnqr1NeZG5-mhmqW_swI6HYAIs21OG_X1A/s1600/IMG_6944small.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQQNTYlw69htCf2Ng837hpdNEyF9f0Nuq9naUXmLvBIiHO0A0lORvxCxeCuvl6Vfi6-E3ea8g8u9DJUb1cQYtZ-dzsU5bkOps8bzOCZcyD9cZg0iUVb4yHI_isVD5E9Vo1QtvRWjtBAQ/s1600/IMG_6947small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQQNTYlw69htCf2Ng837hpdNEyF9f0Nuq9naUXmLvBIiHO0A0lORvxCxeCuvl6Vfi6-E3ea8g8u9DJUb1cQYtZ-dzsU5bkOps8bzOCZcyD9cZg0iUVb4yHI_isVD5E9Vo1QtvRWjtBAQ/s1600/IMG_6947small.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">From here a
bombardment of vintage floats at a steady pace. Both rosé and ”Les Béguines”.
Jérôme is eager to hear what he think and takes notice off everything being said.
As you know I have tasted many of these wines before and if I should chose a
favourite it would have to be the ’08. It’s simply magic. Jérôme nods – <i>“I am
pretty satisfied with my ’08s he says” </i>with a warm twinkle in his eye.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We finish,
outside. It’s crisp April weather. Jérôme has a tradition of serving wines from
other producers, who inspires him. A myriad of wines awaits us, with producers
like Frederic Cossard, Ganevat, Philippe Pacalet etc. I am in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is one
those visits you just don’t forget. Thank you Jérôme and see you soon.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><i>You can
find another report on Jérôme Prévost <a href="http://madwine.blogspot.dk/2012/12/jerome-prevost.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-72211119598058387832014-01-12T14:53:00.000+01:002014-04-09T22:45:20.648+02:00“L’Apôtre” Vertical 1999 >>> 2009<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIArwuVmAMqWih_mhU_arlnhENGHhPtrqjoDF0gvJuilfWy8zCK0o2dfyAFn42J62mPWy72kBKpyIxCQaHrCDN-RorJXypVcddbEiVNX8v_BVUjtGlgpVpbnjNCRZ7m_4N5I8uuhI95E/s1600/IMG_9184small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIArwuVmAMqWih_mhU_arlnhENGHhPtrqjoDF0gvJuilfWy8zCK0o2dfyAFn42J62mPWy72kBKpyIxCQaHrCDN-RorJXypVcddbEiVNX8v_BVUjtGlgpVpbnjNCRZ7m_4N5I8uuhI95E/s1600/IMG_9184small.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In late November
2013 David Léclapart stopped by <a href="http://www.lidkoeb.dk/" target="_blank">Lidkoeb</a> in Copenhagen to celebrate (almost) 3 anniversaries.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">His Danish
Importer <a href="http://www.petillant.dk/" target="_blank">“Petillant” </a>(Mia & Mads Rudolf) celebrated their 10-year
anniversary of importing David Léclapart to Denmark. An event like this
required something to drink, so they had lined up not only 10 – but all 11
existing vintages of L’Apôtre; 1999 >>> 2009. The third anniversary
was restauran<a href="http://noma.dk/da" target="_blank">t Noma’s</a>, who opened in Nov-2003 and where some of us (including
me) continued with a tailor made David Léclapart dinner. It should be mentioned
that their was an event on the Sunday as well @ restaurant <a href="http://www.kadeau.dk/" target="_blank">Kadeau</a>, where I
sadly couldn’t’ participate. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I still
remember the first time I tasted 2002 “L’Apôtre”. It was a Friday in April
2008. At that time I was searching for another route in
Champagne, which didn’t led to another blind alley of bling bling, gift boxes
and tax-free luxury goods. I knew about Selosse and Vilmart and enjoyed both,
but there had to be others making real WINE in Champagne. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2002
“L’Apôtre” blew me away and it was the first time I tasted such uncompromising
soil intensity in a bottle of Champagne. However the greatest gift about
“L’Apôtre” was the man behind it; David Léclapart, whom I had the pleasure of
meeting for the first time in April 2009, when I stopped by his place in
Trépail. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">David
Léclapart is one of the most humble winemakers I have ever met. He is addition
such a kind, funny and inspirational human being and I have to confess, that my
appreciation for his wines under heavy influence of his personality. That said,
I am confident that David belongs among some of the “greatest”, but sometimes I
wonder if David actually knows that? His easygoing and bohemian approach to
life and the way he speaks about his work are never a detailed technical
presentation. David speaks more about the bigger lines, such as nature’s influence
and how he as a winemaker interacts with the given premises. He is truly
unique, hard working with a clear vision of how he wants’ to make wine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXT3qEN5kNln1WDlJ5wEbIqKq6FGCYhxTHCw5LLEakiqM29Zqujvip3HBZfGMs-908jgDk7aFRclr8nnUQgWCu57QuCzBFu27A-yys64Bv06OkDGYfLX9FUsKaqaOriCVyFLbPO4zv2o/s1600/IMG_8666small+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXT3qEN5kNln1WDlJ5wEbIqKq6FGCYhxTHCw5LLEakiqM29Zqujvip3HBZfGMs-908jgDk7aFRclr8nnUQgWCu57QuCzBFu27A-yys64Bv06OkDGYfLX9FUsKaqaOriCVyFLbPO4zv2o/s1600/IMG_8666small+copy.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have of
course some notes on the 11 bottles for you, but I have to say that I am
becoming less eager about writing technical tasting notes. For sure – I am like
a robot when I sit down in a quite room and sniff to wine. My pen instantly
start to dance on the paper and I can write tasting notes in my sleep. But
tasting a glass or two of L’Apôtre is not really what this Champagne is about.
It requires a lot of air and the real conclusion (if at all any) would be more
appropriate after a whole bottle. So – take my judgements with a pinch of salt.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>L’Apôtre is
always a lieu-dit made from the vineyard “La Pierre St-Martin”. The vines are
pretty old – planted in 1946 by David’s grandfather and L’Apôtre is vinified in
oak, whereas “L’Amateur” (his entry level Champagne) is vinified in steel and
“L’Artiste” is half oak / half steel. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Before we
started, several of us would have liked to be sort of calibrated with a simple
glass of some other bubbly stuff. You felt it was 1,2,3 GO!! And then one of
the greatest Champagne just landed in front of you.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFADILcdvg8ZbymjVbcj31dgvoGI8Y4p7WMNI3ZGEn94yik37ZPSJvMdEQHu9oX5BNUFSZ80rhj4CFmgnTnbW-Nns-rdHWfNxGTeMcDhiRGDBVJBnVGbMRTDs_8d2uD3DhKO1RfKjZ8xo/s1600/IMG_9177-2small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFADILcdvg8ZbymjVbcj31dgvoGI8Y4p7WMNI3ZGEn94yik37ZPSJvMdEQHu9oX5BNUFSZ80rhj4CFmgnTnbW-Nns-rdHWfNxGTeMcDhiRGDBVJBnVGbMRTDs_8d2uD3DhKO1RfKjZ8xo/s1600/IMG_9177-2small.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b> 2009
“L’Apôtre”</b></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">David
explained how ’09 reminded him a little of ’03. Yet the burning of the sun was
more intense in ’03, yet the warmth in the two vintages was similar. ´09 is
officially not released yet and you can feel how the vanilla of the oak is too
brutal at the moment, but I would assume it would be more integrated when it’s
released in 2015. ’09 is overall a brutal beast at this stage, yet the
minerality is fascinating intense, but when you taste it at this young stage
there is too much fireworks in front of the mouth. Time will tell.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2<b>008
“L’Apôtre”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">’08 is a
hyped vintage in Champagne and from what I have tasted from other producers I
can understand why. Let’s cut to the chase; 2008 “L’Apôtre” is magic and it’s
probably one of the most harmonic young Champagnes I have ever tasted. The
fruit in this Champagne are beyond delicious – crystal clear and super ripe
material with enormous electrical intensity. The acidity is mind blowing intense, making
it already irresistible at this stage. The 2008 “L’Apôtre” are the finest ever released
IMHO and if you decided to buy it when it’s released later this year I would
suggest you try it right away before moves into a shy phase. Hunt it like demons my
fellow friends. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2007
“L’Apôtre”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">’07 was a
challenge in Champagne and it shows. David saw parallels to ’01, which is
indeed also a difficult vintage. After the magic ’08 the ’07 stands out even
more awkward. The nose is quite shy and filled with herbal character and
peppermint associations. The taste is a touch better as it’s delicate drink,
yet missing a lot of bite. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2006
“L’Apôtre”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have
always liked ’06 vintage in Champagne. It has a certain trademark, fuelled from
a really devilish intensity. Yet some cuvées needs time and that also goes for
the ’06 “L’Apôtre”, which I now taste for the third time. You have to analyze
this Champagne more on what it’s actually hiding, as it still feels like the
’06 are trapped in a small box, making its fruit flavours feel like a compact
hand grenade. Despite the taste takes the same compact shape, it’s has this devilish
intensity, strong bite and a very vibrant acidity to go with it. Give it 3-5
years more in the cellar.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sqcY5wFVhS6Z5nQiMcBLe8LdNEyzTcBEE20Qewqp4VzKjHbXOXjjDLuKZwrv4R62RVGd4nMdFex3luCl_CkQMwSX50Wp_97F0qpDQ05YsL4p3yN2wMqXz7jGbsUSuMZXJAQwpnw6UbU/s1600/IMG_9191small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0sqcY5wFVhS6Z5nQiMcBLe8LdNEyzTcBEE20Qewqp4VzKjHbXOXjjDLuKZwrv4R62RVGd4nMdFex3luCl_CkQMwSX50Wp_97F0qpDQ05YsL4p3yN2wMqXz7jGbsUSuMZXJAQwpnw6UbU/s1600/IMG_9191small.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2005
“L’Apôtre”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>David told
us that the ’05 and ’03 had the same Ph-level. A hot vintage, but no burn on
the grapes like it happened in the rather freaky ’03 vintage.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The ’05
vintage has always troubled me. In all of David’s Champagnes, there have been
an element of rotten potatoes, which is not a coincident, as a lot of producers
have been dealing with rot in the ’05 vintage. Yet I have to say this is the
finest version of ’05 “L’Apôtre”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have ever tasted. No rotten notes, yet
a fraction herbal character with fennel and coffee beans. The taste is also
good, despite a vintage like ’06 have far more bite. Overall a nice surprise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2004
“L’Apôtre”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Every time
you talk with someone about the ’04 “L’Apôtre”, you always talk about whether
it was closed or not? The ’04 shined like a diamond when it was released, with
the most insane fresh laser precision and soil intensity. But shortly after it
closed down – or did it? I have tasted it many times before and I have to say
it feels like it’s constantly bouncing between opened or closed. If conclude
anything I would say it’s more closed than open right now. This was also the
case at this vertical – but more pronounced on the nose, where it reveals an
intense, but somewhat angular character. The taste is however divine- creamy
and clinic purity with out of this world focus. It will hold many years – but be
patient. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2003
“L’Apôtre”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have
always thought that David has managed to balance this freaky vintage. For sure
the vintage will never be elegant and when you have just had a vintage like the
’04, which is sleek elegance, then the ’03 feels a little vulgar in comparison.
But wine is also about finding the right occasion and this exotic, deep nutty
and caramel breed is more about letting go and being seduced. I actually liked
it and still think David has made a fantastic result. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1xJg9_C4TDXrp84d3P1sQsPuYDgd-88IdVV466Ma4OqDsFKP1z69_XoWcxXWJywLsEZWq9kV56l4JEOknyrsQwToCARmy3_FfLLos_uwfZG9C8WPRQ2p6C3M2XbVMh1eZ5Bd5eaR47A/s1600/IMG_6797small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1xJg9_C4TDXrp84d3P1sQsPuYDgd-88IdVV466Ma4OqDsFKP1z69_XoWcxXWJywLsEZWq9kV56l4JEOknyrsQwToCARmy3_FfLLos_uwfZG9C8WPRQ2p6C3M2XbVMh1eZ5Bd5eaR47A/s1600/IMG_6797small.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>(David - image from Terres et vins de Champagne 2013)</i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2002
“L’Apôtre”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Basically
the ’02 have everything you look for in a great bottle of wine. Every component
is harmonic and it stands out as a perfect Champagne with 110% balance. What
you might find interesting (but not new to me) is that “L’Apôtre” will actually
become rather classic “Champagne” with age, where the autolysis notes start to
shape and all those secondary notes comes forward. The difference is however a
far cleaner, crisp and real wine without any fuss or make-up. The 2002 are
still young and will probably last 20-25 years more. Be happy if you own it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2001
“L’Apôtre”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Very
difficult vintage and David had to capitalize in ’01, which he is far from his
philosophy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Despite
there is only one year between the ’02 and ’01, the latter feels 10 -15 years
older in the glass. Pretty developed with a lot of nutty autolysis notes and
again it feels like very classic aged Champagne. If I have had this alone I
would have enjoyed it, but when you know how much soil bite “L’Apôtre” are
capable of producing, you can’t help think of a rather amputated specimen. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2000
“L’Apôtre”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The two
available bottles at the tasting was apparently very different. I think I got
the “wrong” version as mine was rather blurry in the glass and the mousses were
almost absent. I have however tasted the ’00 before, which I remember as
seductive, buttery, exotic, pineapple creamy and like aged white Burgundy. But
this one was impossible to judge as was pretty strange.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>1999
“L’Apôtre”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The ’99 are
really nice glass of Champagne. Again “classic” and despite it has the same
oxidized character like the ’01 is has much more to offer. There is better
intensity and the aged flavours have lots of nerve. The acidity is it’s only
problem, so I would guess it has its peak now and +5-7 years from now. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfine4cu5HkR6ZnNFv2fHIIikcl_0rzHMsVPRaq0rn39zajFGoeW2MBMPNlm8xIn9VZVyUVFrNKpyTjWT8EAAWMW3SNXeP3nf97sfV4j2oBFkAOErZ41_YiEkIK4m6K5G5jRQCcEOqRX4/s1600/IMG_0571+1small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfine4cu5HkR6ZnNFv2fHIIikcl_0rzHMsVPRaq0rn39zajFGoeW2MBMPNlm8xIn9VZVyUVFrNKpyTjWT8EAAWMW3SNXeP3nf97sfV4j2oBFkAOErZ41_YiEkIK4m6K5G5jRQCcEOqRX4/s1600/IMG_0571+1small.jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(The first <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“L’Apôtre” - the 1999 and the old label)</span></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So we
continued at restaurant Noma, where I sat just beside David and had a dinner I
will never forget. No camera, pen or paper – just pleasure, life, wine, food
and good friends.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5367424679032651122.post-20810925463462438392013-10-06T14:21:00.003+02:002013-10-06T14:23:32.524+02:00Alcohol – how low can you go?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgqYQjvg9BWgr6MFcCy1UslSYglfL5Ej38wZlrQAZGb-hOhsseOPtTInxa-_kpSnsya948AkSodaHNAFN_91BvDZrwsp6opb_Q4yUp8xV6Ff4ljWor3KKKzDWpOIhdSo_tZ9pKTH-YcA/s1600/IMG_8711small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgqYQjvg9BWgr6MFcCy1UslSYglfL5Ej38wZlrQAZGb-hOhsseOPtTInxa-_kpSnsya948AkSodaHNAFN_91BvDZrwsp6opb_Q4yUp8xV6Ff4ljWor3KKKzDWpOIhdSo_tZ9pKTH-YcA/s400/IMG_8711small.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of the
most fascinating things about wine is not only discovering how complex the
subject are, but also how you interact with wine and how your taste evolves
over time. One of the things I have discovered is how I relate to high and low
alcohol wines. My personal taste has for a long time shifted towards wines with
less alcohol. But my appreciation for lower % and wines with more finesse seems
to be in line with a permanent shift in taste. Even Eric Asimov from The New
York Times reports:<i> “of a slight shift in taste in the United States, the
proverbial pendulum swing, from heavy wines of power to lighter wines of
greater finesse”.</i></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It has
always been tricky to navigate around the subject of alcohol level. The risk of
just another trench warfare discussion about numbers has always been present. Such
a debate will always try to set a threshold number what’s acceptable and take
it from there. The discussion is in addition a one-way thread – focussing only
on high numbers or have you ever heard anyone wanting more alcohol is their
Moscato d’Asti or German Spätlese? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Picking
wines from a %-level is like label checking a piece of clothes and not buying
it because it wasn’t the right brand. Snobbery at worst – maybe even prejudices,
dogmatic and sacred will often be the first reaction towards those who didn’t
focus what was actually “inside”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mostly the
discussion finds its compromise by concluding that the numbers in itself has
little meaning, if the wine were in “balance”. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But what
does balance actually mean?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It means
that high alcohol wines can work and you will see taster’s saying that no burning
or heat was felt. So end of discussion – or? In my opinion the balance argument
is flawed because it’s just another individual opinion and not a very complex
parameter. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">“The wine
worked for you – but it didn’t work for me”. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Temperature
is also critical for high alcoholic wines and the overall drinking pleasure. I
don’t know about you, but some years ago every wine concluding argument in my
own backyard was always related to some pompous tasting event. The event was a
race with points, notes, ridiculous amount of bottles and blue teeth. Nowadays
I see a far more diverse landscape, where we have shifted from tasting wine at
these tastings events, to drinking wine at home. This has changed the concept
of “balance” for me. A good wine has to provide drinking pleasure – not matter
what. The criteria for success are quite simple; the next sip just has to be
better and better. Often such wines are characterized by you wish there was
more left in the bottle when you have finished it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So how did
this start?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well it all
started quite innocent by falling in love with cool tempered wines. It was a
desire for finesse and not power. Red Burgundy was one of the first discoveries
for me, but financial wines I felt myself a bit distant from these expensive offerings.
So I discovered German Spätlese, but despite providing great finesse I found it
difficult to use these wines with everyday food. Next on my route was Champagne
and today my greatest love affair. Champagne is a phenomenal drink. Incredible
with food, great finesse and always ranged between 12% <> 13% alcohol.
From there I have taken a big journey into natural wine. Natural wine have
learned me a great deal about my perception of wine and really rocked my
boat. One of the many things I can
take out of this journey, have been how low alcohol wines have proved to be a
key element to drinking pleasure. It’s interesting to see how your taste buds
starts to reform when you have so many low alcohol wines and I can’t help to
compare it with how I saw the same pattern some 6-7 years ago when I started to
drink Non dosage Champagne. When first addicted – some “Brut” Champagnes was
suddenly appalling sweet. The same side affect has happened again, as I am now
far more sensitive against high alcohol wines.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And I am
not alone. Everyone of those I has shared wine with over the past 10-15 years
are moving in the same direction. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So today –
when I buy wines – yes admitted, I “label check”. What’s the alcohol
level? Above 14,5% and it’s 95% a
no go. I can make a few exceptions when especially referring to a Barolo. They
are often in this high end, but somehow they can balance at this point. But I
need food with Barolo – I can’t just drink them alone…and it doesn’t really
hurt when I think of a beautiful risotto and Barolo <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But overall
I prefer wines in the range of 11% <> 13% and 90% of the wines I drink
are in this range. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think low
alcohol wines are “the new black”. It will be more than a trend, because when
you have first learned to appreciate the light weighted finesse of these wines,
you want more and you will never ever go back to heavy dull and clumsy
blockbuster wine. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What do you
think?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092972086667650035noreply@blogger.com6