Tag Archives: French Wine

Show 482, July 9, 2022: Matthieu Mangenot, Technical Director, Domaines Albert Bichot, Beaune, France Part One

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Matthieu Mangenot of Domaines Albert Bichot

Matthieu Mangenot is the Technical Director for Domaines Albert Bichot based in Beaune, France. His last stop on his recent mid-May tour of the United States was at the new Restaurant Lulu at The Hammer Museum in Westwood overseeing a lunch and tasting of Albert Bichot wines for a select group of food and wine journalists. Matthieu joins us from Beaune, France (Burgundy) to pull the cork on all that is Domaines Albert Bichot.

“The first traces of the Bichot family date back to 1214. From 1350, the family was established in Burgundy, at its stronghold on Chateauneuf-en-Auxois. The family’s coat of arms has not changed since then, nor has its symbol, a deer. Since 1996, Alberic Bichot has represented the 6th generation to run the house.

“Albert Bichot is present all along Burgundy with more than 250 acres shared by 6 prestigious estates.”

“Albert Bichot’s expertise is based on respect for terroir and for nature. Using organic and sustainable viticultural practices, based on observation, prevention and attention to Nature’s equilibrium, Albert Bichot strives to preserve this fertile land for future generations.”

“Each domaine is in the hands of a dedicated viticulture team and vinification team who tailors wines with a perfect sense of terroir. This is unique in Burgundy.”

“Matthieu Mangenot joined the Albert Bichot team in 2007 as manager of the Domaine Long-Depaquit estate in Chablis. His dual training as an agronomist and an oenologist allows him to have a comprehensive approach to winemaking, from vineyard management to bottling.”

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Show 482, July 9, 2022: Matthieu Mangenot, Technical Director, Domaines Albert Bichot, Beaune, France Part Two

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Matthieu Mangenot of Domaines Albert Bichot

Matthieu Mangenot is the Technical Director for Domaines Albert Bichot based in Beaune, France. His last stop on his recent mid-May tour of the United States was at the new Restaurant Lulu at The Hammer Museum in Westwood overseeing a lunch and tasting of Albert Bichot wines for a select group of food and wine journalists. Matthieu joins us from Beaune, France (Burgundy) to pull the cork on all that is Domaines Albert Bichot.

“The first traces of the Bichot family date back to 1214. From 1350, the family was established in Burgundy, at its stronghold on Chateauneuf-en-Auxois. The family’s coat of arms has not changed since then, nor has its symbol, a deer. Since 1996, Alberic Bichot has represented the 6th generation to run the house.

“Albert Bichot is present all along Burgundy with more than 250 acres shared by 6 prestigious estates.”

“Albert Bichot’s expertise is based on respect for terroir and for nature. Using organic and sustainable viticultural practices, based on observation, prevention and attention to Nature’s equilibrium, Albert Bichot strives to preserve this fertile land for future generations.”

“Each domaine is in the hands of a dedicated viticulture team and vinification team who tailors wines with a perfect sense of terroir. This is unique in Burgundy.”

“Matthieu Mangenot joined the Albert Bichot team in 2007 as manager of the Domaine Long-Depaquit estate in Chablis. His dual training as an agronomist and an oenologist allows him to have a comprehensive approach to winemaking, from vineyard management to bottling.”

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Show 473, May 7, 2022: Ventoux AOC, Rhone Valley, France with Jonathan Cristaldi, Wine Journalist Part One

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Sommelier and Wine Journalist Jonathan Cristaldi

“The wines of AOC Ventoux in the Rhone Valley of France are made at the foot of Mont-Ventoux, which culminates at 1912 meters, offering a unique freshness and balance. It has been an AOC since 1973. It is the only appellation with vineyards spreading over two Regional Natural Parks. It is also recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. Ventoux is first and foremost defined by its cooler climate: the influence of the mountain creates a wide variation of temperatures between days and nights.”

It covers some 14,000 acres of vineyards with the resulting wines being 54 per cent Red, 38 per cent Rose and 8 per cent White. There are 150 wineries in the AOC representing private ownership, co-ops and negociants. Ventoux AOC wines are just becoming readily available in the USA and generally represent good value.

“Vines have been grown in the Ventoux area since ancient times; archaeological digs around the village of Mazan uncovered a potter’s workshop dating from the 1st century BC, where the first known wine amphorae in France were produced.”

“The vineyards flourished during the Avignon Papacy, and over the centuries Ventoux wines, alongside other leading French wines, were served to the kings of France at the Royal Court.”

Wine journalist Jonathan Cristaldi is our well-informed guide to Ventoux AOC.

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Show 473, May 7, 2022: Ventoux AOC, Rhone Valley, France with Jonathan Cristaldi, Wine Journalist Part Two

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Sommelier and Wine Journalist Jonathan Cristaldi

“The wines of AOC Ventoux in the Rhone Valley of France are made at the foot of Mont-Ventoux, which culminates at 1912 meters, offering a unique freshness and balance. It has been an AOC since 1973. It is the only appellation with vineyards spreading over two Regional Natural Parks. It is also recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. Ventoux is first and foremost defined by its cooler climate: the influence of the mountain creates a wide variation of temperatures between days and nights.”

It covers some 14,000 acres of vineyards with the resulting wines being 54 per cent Red, 38 per cent Rose and 8 per cent White. There are 150 wineries in the AOC representing private ownership, co-ops and negociants. Ventoux AOC wines are just becoming readily available in the USA and generally represent good value.

“Vines have been grown in the Ventoux area since ancient times; archaeological digs around the village of Mazan uncovered a potter’s workshop dating from the 1st century BC, where the first known wine amphorae in France were produced.”

“The vineyards flourished during the Avignon Papacy, and over the centuries Ventoux wines, alongside other leading French wines, were served to the kings of France at the Royal Court.”

Wine journalist Jonathan Cristaldi continues with us pulling the cork on all that is Ventoux AOC.

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Show 468, April 2, 2022: Steven Goodale, Proprietor, Park 1039, San Luis Obispo

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Steven Goodale of Park 1039

“Park 1039 in San Luis Obispo was built with the dream of bringing together products that inspire the staff, and a team that genuinely loves what they do.”

“Owner Steven Goodale is the heart of Park 1039 and has worked tirelessly to open a top-notch eatery and market for the last three years. Goodale is passionate about fine wines, especially when it comes to France. Steve humbly wants everyone to experience the best food and wine the world has to offer, and bring a unique selection of offerings to his beautiful City of San Luis Obispo.”

“Park 1039 aims to celebrate food that is alive – an expression of nature. The Chefs are passionate about foraging for wild herbs, flowers and even sea water for finishing salt. The products that can’t be made in-house are thoughtfully sourced from local farmers or high-quality import producers. The Chefs are dedicated to creating seasonal offerings that make their high-quality ingredients the star of each course.”

Also on the menu are a wide variety of specialty cheeses, customized food gift baskets and Cheese & Charcuterie Boards.

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Show 409, January 23, 2021: Kyle Meyer, Managing Partner, Wine Exchange in Santa Ana

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Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeIn times of crisis it’s always best to call on the calming expertise of those truly knowledgeable in their specific areas. Such is the case with our always engaging resident wine authority Kyle Meyer, the Managing Partner of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange.

On January 12th a 25 percent tariff was placed (with little advance notice) on high-alcohol wines from Europe. Wines that were already paid for by importers that were already in transit from Europe will be assessed with this significant tariff that was not known at the time of purchase.

In late 2019 a 25 percent tariff was placed on lower-alcohol European wines. We’ll discuss the unfortunate tariff situation with Kyle and how they negatively impact wine pricing.

 

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Show 358, February 2, 2020: Kyle Meyer, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana – Bordeaux, Tasting the 2017 Vintage

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Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeWhy is Bordeaux region of Southwest France considered one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world? Our resident wine expert, Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange, artfully pulls the cork for us on this. Last week in Los Angeles was the eagerly anticipated annual tasting of the soon-to-be-released 2017 vintage organized by the Union Des Grands Crus de Bordeaux.

The Union is an affiliation of the best Bordeaux producers from all of the major Bordeaux winegrowing regions including Margaux, St Julien, Pauillac, St Estèphe, Listrac, Moulis, Haut-Médoc, Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Sauternes and Barsac! More than 60 châteaux attended and winemakers and owners poured over 100 wines from the exciting, soon-to-be-released 2017 vintage.

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Show 279, June 30, 2018: The Wine Exchange’s Tristen Beamon, Bordeaux Barrel Tastings for the 2017 Vintage

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Tristan BeamonYou don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to appreciate the high-quality of wine from Bordeaux, France. It’s one of the great wine grape growing regions of the world.

Our resident wine authority, Tristen Beamon from The Wine Exchange, was recently in Bordeaux tasting wines in the barrel (two trips) from the 2017 vintage. Tristen suggests that the 2015 and 2016 vintages are great. 2017 is the years of “haves” and “have nots.”

We’ll get his insider’s report on what to expect. Who says Bordeaux needs to be expensive?

“So as we like to say here at Wine Exchange…Let the games begin!”

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Show 225, May 27, 2017: Kyle Meyer, Co-Proprietor, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana

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Kyle Meyer of Wine Exchanget’s about that time to again uncork it with our resident wine authority Kyle Meyer of Santa Ana’s Wine Exchange. Is bag-in-a-box wine worthy of purchase? Kyle offers his informed opinion.

Rose’ (particularly from France) has improved in quality and is gaining in popularity. It’s the perfect Summer picnic wine. We’ll get Kyle’s thoughts. He also explains how Rose’ is produced.

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Show 173, May 28, 2016: Kyle Meyer, Co-Proprietor, Wine Exchange, Santa Ana

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Kyle Meyer of Wine ExchangeFrance’s Alsace region produces 18 per cent of the total French production of still white AOC wines. Our resident wine authority Kyle Meyer of Wine Exchange is here to give us an overview of the prominent region. Kyle will also chat with us about how wine professionals navigate their way through trade tastings.

Alsace is located on France’s eastern border and on the west bank of the upper Rhine, adjacent to Germany and Switzerland. In 1962, centuries of winemaking excellence were rewarded when Alsace received AOC status.

Alsace produces 10 per cent of all Riesling consumed worldwide. It is regarded as one of the finest white wines in the world and widely considered to reach its peak form in Alsace.

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