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Chablis

Amongst the Chablis vines for a Wine Discovery Experience Day


Last Saturday we were at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard in the heart of the Chablis vineyards for a Gourmet Odyssey Wine Discovery Experience Day.  The objective for the day, to learn more about cultivating the vines, and biodynamic winemaking.

In the Middle of the Chablis vineyards for the Wine Dicovery Experience Day

Céline Brocard, the daughter of Jean-Marc, welcomed us to the winery in the magnificent reception room that overlooks the estate's vineyards which surround the building.  Céline introduced us to the region and winery, and from the balcony explained the difference in the terroir of the Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru.

Explanation of Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru vineyards


We were fortunate to have a crisp blue skied day.  After equipping ourselves with boots and warm coats, we headed off directly for the Boissonneuse vineyard, where the adopted vines of the Gourmet Odyssey Wine Experience clients are located.  We were accompanied by Yvonnick, a modern day "druid" who is in charge of the biodynamic culture at the estate, and passionate about working in harmony with the environment and nature's rhythm.  Under his expert guidance, we learnt why and how to prune the vines, and realised that pruning vines is not as simple as it seems!

Learning how to prune the vines


Yvonnick then explained the fascinating principles of biodynamic farming, explaining the difference between organic and biodynamic, and how the biodynamic treatments are prepared using plant infusions, cow manure and silica, and how they are applied to treat the vines. 

Explanation of biodynamic wine making


After a few hours spent outdoors, the relative warmth of the cellar was very welcome!  At one end of the cellar, the wall has been left in its natural state to expose a cross section of the earth that characterises the Chablis terroir; Kimmeridgian strata composed of alternating limestone and clay marl.  The cellar was the location for our wine tasting session of the estate's organic Chablis wines, including a Chablis "vielles vignes", the Chablis from the Boissonneuse vineyard, several Chablis Premier Crus and a Chablis Grand Cru "Les Preuses".  The gougères, a Burgundy specialty, helped keep the hunger at bay before tucking into the Chablis Ham, served at lunch overlooking the vines!

Wine tasting session in the celllar


In the afternoon, we headed down to the wine making building to get an introduction into the vinification side of things, and finished with a final wine tasting, direct from the oak casks, of a few of the 2010 wines that are still ageing.

Wine tasting direct from the oak casks
Another great day that once again helped better understand the care and effort that is needed to make a quality wine!

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The Millésime Bio Organic Wine Fair Returns to Montpellier


The New Year has come, let the wine fairs begin! From the 24th to the 26th of January, the Millésime Bio Wine Fair will take place in Montpellier.

Millésime Bio 2011 Winefair

This fair's aim is to present organically certified wines from around the world to the visitors and professional wine buyers.

Two of Gourmet Odyssey's partners, Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard and Domaine Chapelle, are exhibiting at this organic wine fair, and will be happy to welcome you should you be attending.

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Burgundy Wines Showcased in London!


On 20th January, London welcomes a hundred Burgundy winemakers at the Terroirs & Signatures de Bourgogne 2011 wine fair.

Meet our partners at the Terroirs and Signatures 2011 wine fair in London

Domaine Chapelle and Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard, the two Burgundy partners of Gourmet Odyssey located in this beautiful region, will be presenting a wide range of their best wines.

It's the occasion to meet the winemakers and discover the richness of Burgundy wines during a huge wine tasting session that lasts the whole day! And for those who want to improve their knowledge of wines, a training seminar with a commented tasting of Village appellations will be presented from 10 to 12 am.

A mouth watering and enriching day awaits!

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What is biodynamic wine?


In our blog post of 15th June "What makes French Organic Wine Organic?", we talked about what the label "organic wine" actually means.  Whilst organic wines are becoming more and more popular, there is also another environmentally responsible way of producing wine that is much less well understood, but is gaining momentum - biodynamic wine.

Biodynamic Wine Treatment Using Cow Horns and Manure

Biodynamic wine making shares the same root principles as organic wine, eliminating the use of chemical herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers, and then goes much further.  The guiding philosophy of biodynamic agriculture is to respect the harmony between the earth, plants, and animals, and the natural energy from the cosmos. 

The practice of biodynamic farming dates back to 1924, after a group of farmers had voiced their concerns about the deterioration of the quality of their seeds and produce to Rudlof Steiner, an Austrian philosopher.  Steiner believed that an over-used and poor quality soil can't re-establish itself on its own.  It is therefore necessary to give life back to the soil using natural treatments using medicinal plants, or animal matter such as cow manure.  Administered following the lunar calendar, these treatments improve the wellbeing of the soil and plants, and help to produce more healthy food. Biodynamic agriculture has continued to grow in popularity, and now has many practioners in a wide variety of sectors.

Sounds pretty farfetched to many, but there are many followers and indeed initial doubters who have noted that it significantly improves the quality of the wine.  One of Gourmet Odyssey's partners confided to us that intellectually he finds it difficult to believe that the state of the moon and the herbal treatments have such a direct impact on the health of the vines, but what he has actually witnessed from biodynamic winemaker friends is that their vines are indeed healthier, resulting in better quality wines since their biodynamic conversion.

  Biodynmic Wine Certified by the Demeter Label

Biodyvin Biodynamic Label

 

In France, two labels exist to certify and show that the products have been produced biodynamically: Demeter and Biodyvin (specialised in biodynamic wine. French language only link).

Another of Gourmet Odyssey's partners, Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard, started producing biodynamic Chablis wine in 1999 from their Domaine de la Boissonneuse vineyard.  In 2005 the estate received biodynamic certification by Demeter.  Clients of the Gourmet Odyssey Wine Experience who adopt vines at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard not only learn all about winemaking, but also about the biodynamic methods used.

Follow this link if you would like to find out more about biodynamic winemaking.

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The Snow covers the Chablis Vines!


Winter is not yet officially upon us, but the Chablis valleys have already been whitened... 

Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard Vineyard Chablis under the snow
The snow flakes that have fallen during the past few days have been enough to cover the burgundy vineyards with a white cloak. This picture is taken from the "Boissonneuse" vineyard, looking back across the vines towards Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard.

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Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard Reviewed by Le Figaro Magazine


Chablis - La Boissonneuse 2008

Chablis la Boissonneuse Wine Label
A true test for Julien Brocard.  Convince his father, Jean-Marc, one of the great Chablis winemakers, that a biodynamic wine, made using the traditions of yesteryear, can achieve excellence.  The bet has paid off : a white wine that is mineral, generous, perfumed and very much alive.

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Adopt a Vine in France and Follow the Making of Your Own Wine !

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