Domaine Rois Mages Village: Rully Appellation: 11ha Rully Rully 1er Cru Bouzeron Beaune 1er Cru Growers: Anne-Sophie Debavelaere Felix Debavelaere Website: https://rois-mages.com/en/ Anne-Sophie Debavelaere, of Burgundian roots, began her domaine in 1984 with one hectare of land. Over the years, the estate has expanded and now includes 11 hectares divided among seven “climats”. The parcels are mostly in Rully but include small plots in Bouzeron and Beaune. In Rully they have vineyards in four “climats”: the 1er Cru “Les Pierres” and the three lieux dits “Les Cailloux”, “Moulin A Vent” and “Chaponnière.” In 2014, Anne-Sophie’s son, Felix joined her at the domain. Their vineyards are all worked with respect for the environment. No insecticides or herbacides are used, the ground is plowed but otherwise the use of a tractor is restricted. The winery or “cave de vinification” is a vaulted cellar which was dug from the Rully hillside in 1850. It was originally built by a local negociant who wanted to have a cellar for sparkling wine similar to those in Champagne. Today, it offers Anne-Sophie and Felix a wonderful environment in which to mature their wines. Read Anne-Sophie’s comments in the Burgundy Vintage Reports Rully “Les Cailloux” Blanc Anne-Sophie and Felix farm 3 hectares in the “Les Cailloux” vineyard. 1.3 hectares are planted to Chardonnay and the remaining 1.6 hectares are planted to Pinot Noir. The plant density is 8,000 plants per hectare and the vines have an average age of over 50 years. Anne-Sophie and Felix further ensure quality fruit by severely limiting the yields of their plants with the Chardonnay yielding 40hl per hectare. The “Les Cailloux” vineyard descends from a plateau at one of the highest elevations in Rully and offers beautiful views of the Rully valleys below and the greater Côtes Challonnaise. As the vineyard name suggests, this “lieu dit” has a great many surface stones. They absorb the sun’s heat during the day and radiate it back to the plants after sunset. Wild herbs and grasses are encouraged to grow between the rows and in the summer, it gives their vineyard the look of an untamed garden. The grasses in combination with the rocky soils and dense planting produce an environment where the vines produce few bunches with grapes that are beautifully ripe, concentrated, and balanced. All harvesting is done by hand. After the juice is very gently pressed from the skins, the Rully “Les Cailloux” Blanc is put into stainless steel tanks at a low temperature to allow for a natural settling of the must. The juice is then transferred to barrels (10% new) where it ferments with indigenous yeasts. During the alcoholic and malo-lactic fermentations, the wine is stirred “battonage” every day. The wine then matures in barrels for a year without any stirring or racking. The wine is fined but not filtered before bottling. An average vintage produces 600 cases. Rully “Les Cailloux” Rouge Anne-Sophie and Felix farm 3 hectares in the “Les Cailloux” vineyard. 1.6 hectares are planted to Pinot Noir and the remaining 1.3 hectares are planted to Chardonnay. The plant density is 8,000 plants per hectare and the vines have an average age of over 50 years. Anne-Sophie and Felix further ensure quality fruit by severely limiting the yields of their plants with the Pinot Noir yielding between 30 and 35 hl/hectare. The “Les Cailloux” vineyard descends from a plateau at one of the highest elevations in Rully and offers beautiful views of the Rully valleys below and the greater Côtes Challonnaise. As the vineyard name suggests, this “lieu dit” has a great many surface stones. They absorb the sun’s heat during the day and radiate it back to the plants after sunset. Wild herbs and grasses are encouraged to grow between the rows and in the summer, it gives their vineyard the look of an untamed garden. The grasses in combination with the rocky soils and dense planting produce an environment where the vines produce few bunches with grapes that are beautifully ripe, concentrated, and balanced. All harvesting is done by hand. After a pre-fermentation "cold soak", the red wine is fermented in cement "cuves" with indigenous yeasts and with little heating of the tanks. This allows the fermentation to be slow and gentle. The maceration lasts about two weeks with the juice being pumped over the cap twice a day. Felix also does some foot pressing "pigeage" during this period. The juice is then drawn from the tanks and matured in barrel, 10% new, for at least a year. An average vintage produces 750 cases. Bouzeron The appellation of Bouzeron, in the Côte Chalonnaise, comprises only 56 hectares. It is an exceptional appellation in Burgundy in that Aligoté is its only authorized grape variety. Aligoté is a grape type with a long history in the Burgundy region. It was widely planted in the nineteenth century before the phylloxera crisis, but never had the same reputation as Chardonnay. A vigorous plant, producing a lot of grape bunches, Aligoté was grown more for quantity than quality. In the twentieth century it was best known as the proper wine with which to mix Crème de Cassis to make the drink called Kir. Today, little Aligoté is grown in Burgundy, perhaps only 500 hectares with Bouzeron accounting for one tenth of that. However, many small growers are taking a renewed interest in the grape and farming it for quality with the result that there are an increasing number of stunning Aligotés being produced. Just as with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the Aligoté variety displays a wide range of expressions according to the terroir. The idyllic valley of Bouzeron provides a limestone terrain that serves to limit the plant’s natural vigor and a sun filled micro-climate that promotes ripe fruit. Anne-Sophie and Felix farm one hectare in Bouzeron on soils of clay/limestone that are rich in marine fossils. After the grapes are hand-harvested, they receive a very gentle pressing to protect the freshness of the wine. The alcoholic and malo-lactic fermentations are done in stainless steel tanks. The wine rests in the same tanks “sur lie” until bottling before the next harvest. Beaune Premier Cru "Les Sceaux" Anne-Sophie and Felix farm a bit more than half a hectare in the 1er Cru vineyard « Les Sceaux”. The vineyard is associated with the 1er Cru vineyard “Les Reversées” and is on gentle slope near the town of Beaune.The vines are between 30 and 50 years old. Harvesting is done by hand and a selection “tri” of grape bunches is made before vinification. After a pre-fermentation “cold soak”, the wine is fermented in cement “cuves” with indigenous yeasts and with little heating of the tanks. The maceration lasts about two weeks with the juice being pumped over the cap twice a day. Felix also does some foot pressing “pigeage” during this period. The wine is aged in barrel for a year before bottling. News December 2, 2021 Christian Schiller, DC Wine Journalist, Blogs about Buck’s Winemaker Dinner. Lot’s of Great Pics! SCHILLER-WINE A DAILY, INTERNATIONAL WINE BLOG FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 13 French Winemakers Presenting their Wines at a Dinner at Buck’s Fishing and Camping in Washington DC, USA Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Husband and Wife Team M. Jean Francois Meynard and Christelle Gauthier from Chateau La Bouree, Cotes de Castillon, BordeauxThis was a very exciting winemaker dinner: With 13 visiting winemakers from all around France. It took place a Buck’s Fishing and Camping in the Chevy Chase area in Washington DC. The winemakers were in town for the annual portfolio tasting of Wine Traditions, an importer of French wines. Ed and Barbara Addiss’ Wine TraditionsWine Traditions: Created in 1996 by Edward Addiss and Barbara Selig, the philosophy of Wine Traditions is to discover independent winemakers whose passion for their vineyard and mastery of their winemaking craft combine to create a product that is a beautiful expression of the land from which it comes. They believe their portfolio demonstrates that wonderful wines can be found beyond well-known appellations and need not be overpriced. For them, wine is meant to be enjoyed with dinner, every day and at prices that make it an appropriate component of the meal. Pictures: Christian G.E. Schiller and Barbara Assiss, and Ed Assiss, Owners of Wine Traditions Buck’s Fishing and CampingTom Sietsema, Washington Post: This arty and eclectic restaurant serves classic food made with the best ingredients. There are few local kitchens that do its familiar dishes better than Buck’s. The 4 expertly prepared courses of American cuisine from Chef James Rexroad were indeed excellent. Picture: Buck's Fishing and Camping on 5031 Connecticut Avenue, Washington DCOwner James Alefantis, who told us that he also owns a restaurant in Berlin, Germany, is charming and welcoming as is his restaurant: We are a small, neighborhood independently owned Fish Camp of a restaurant, where a woody, fire lit atmosphere is a great place to enjoy the best local produce, meats and fish. Pictures: Annette Schiller, Ombiasy PR and WineTours, Christian G.E. Schiller and Owner James AlefantisSee: 3 Wine Tours by ombiasy Coming up in 2014: Germany-North, Germany-South and Bordeaux Winemaker Dinner with 13 Producers from FranceAt this totally unique event, after a Champagne and oyster welcome, the 13 French winemakers were on hand to present their wines. We had the opportunity to select one of three wines with each of the 4-courses to pair side-by-side with Buck's beautiful menu. Pictures: The DinnerWelcomeOysters on the 1/2 Shell, Warm Gougeres, and Selection of Saucisson Bourdaire-Gallois, Brut Champagne NV First CourseHouse Applewood Smoked Salmon with its Roe 3 Wines and 3 Winemakers Pictures: Brigitte Ardurats, Felix Debavelaere and Katia Mauroy-Gauliez, and their WinesChateau Magneau, Graves Blanc 2012Brigitte and Jean-Louis Ardurats: Winemakers/ Owners of Chateau Magneau, a beautiful Graves producer in the south of Bordeaux. The Graves region is often referred to as 'the cradle of Bordeaux wine' and has been described as a beauty asleep in her woods and forests. We were delighted to taste their Graves Rouge. Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Brigitte and Jean-Louis Ardurats, Winemakers/ Owners of Chateau MagneauDomaine de Bel Air Pouilly-Fume 2012 Owner/ Winemaker Katia Mauroy-Gauliez from Domaine de Bel Air hails from the Loire Valley where the Sauvignon Blanc grape thrives. Katia Mauroy-Gauliez and her brother Cedric Mauroy are the ninth generation to manage Domaine de Bel Air. Their 15 acres of vineyards straddle the towns of Pouilly-sur-Loire and Saint Andelain. Pouilly-Fume is one of the Loire Valley’s most famous wines – a quintessential expression of flinty, vivacious Sauvignon Blanc. Domaine Rois Mages "Les Cailloux" Rully Rouge 2011Anne-Sophie Debavelaere, a native Burgundian, began her Domaine in 1984. 5 years ago, her son, Felix Debavelaere, who was sitting next to me at the dinner, took over. He now farms 11 hectares of vines which are mostly in Rully, but include small parcels in Bouzeron and Beaune. The vineyards are all worked with respect for the land in a fashion known as "lutte raisonnée". The winery or "cave de vinification" is a vaulted cellar which was dug from the Rully hillside in 1850. It was originally built by a local negociant who wanted to have a cellar for sparkling wine similar to those in Champagne. Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Felix DebavelaereSecond CourseWild Local Mushrooms with Tagliatelle Pasta and Herbs 3 Wines and 3 Winemakers Pictures: Samuelle Delol, Elisabeth Billard, Michel Champseix with Ed AddissDomaine Billard Hautes Cotes de Beaune Blanc 2012Winemaker Elisabeth and Jerome Billard, Domaine Billard have 12.5 hectares of vineyards in different appellations throughout the Cotes de Beaune. Their largest holdings are in the Hautes Cotes de Beaune with other small plots located in Saint Romain, Saint Aubin 1er Cru, Auxey Duresses and Beaune. Chateau Vieux Chevrol Lalande de Pomerol 2009 The Champseix family has made wine at Château Vieux Chevrol for many generations and continues to do so in a traditional manner. Jean-Pierre Champseix runs the estate today (20 hectares), aided by his son Michel. He has a profound respect and veneration for his land, a relationship that truly guides his work. The vineyard lies on the Neac plateau overlooking the vineyards of Pomerol. The soil is clay mixed with gravel and iron-rich sandstone known locally as "crasse de fer". The vineyard is planted to 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Picture: Jean-Pierre Champseix, Château Vieux Chevrol, Lalonde de Pomerol, and Christian G. E. SchillerChateau Gueyrosse Saint Emilion 2003Winemaker Samuelle Delol, owns two estates Chateau Bel Air and Chateau Gueyrosse in St. Emilion. Chateau Gueyrosse dates from around 1750 and the Delol family obtained the property in 1850. Samuelle, who has recently taken over from her father, is the sixth generation to make wine at Gueyrosse. The vineyard is in the southwestern corner of Saint Emilion, on the outskirts of Libourne and has a soil of "graves rouge", a soil type similar to that found in the southern corner of Pomerol. Third CourseMagret Duck Steaks with a Frisee Salad of Duck Cracklins and Farm Poached Egg 3 Wines and 3 Winemakers Pictures: Ed Addiss, Dominique Ressès, Christelle Gauthier and Catherine Roque, and their WinesChateau La Bourree Cotes de Castillon 2011The husband and wife team M. Jean Francois Meynard and Christelle Gauthier, who were sitting next to me at the dinner, own 4 chateaux with a total vineyard area of 40 hectares. Chateau La Bouree extends over 10 hectares. The vineyard is planted with 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The yields are kept to 45h/hl by green harvesting and leaves are pulled as needed to insure proper ripening. Fermentation on the skins lasts for three weeks after which the wine is aged in used barrels for a year Picture: Annette Schiller, Ombiasy PR and WineTours and the husband and Wife Team M. Jean Francois Meynard and Christelle Gauthier, BordeauxChateau La Caminade Commandery Cahors 2009Dominique Ressès: The Chateau La Caminade vineyards (34 hectares) lie in Parnac, in the heart of the Cahors region. The vineyard covers a variety of soil types including gravelly sand and clay/limestone. The Ressès family has been making wine here for four generations.One of my early posting were about Dominique Ressès and his beautiful wines: The Wines of Chateau La Caminade in the Cahors, France - Malbec from its Birthplace Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Dominique Ressès, CahorMas D'Alezon Presbytere Faugeres 2012Catherine Roque, Languedoc, is owner and winemaker of Mas d'Alezon and Domaine du Clovallon. Catherine says that seeing the results of bio-dynamic farming practices has greatly inspired her. Both of her estates are in Languedoc. Fourth CourseA Selection of 3 Regional Cheeses 3 Wines and 3 Winemakers Pictures: Julien Teulier, Laurent Charrier, Jean-Marc Grussaute and Ed Assiss, and their WinesCamin Larredya La Part Davan Jurancon Sec 2012Jean-Marc Grussaute: The Grussautes have a small but remarkable vineyard (9 hectares) situated in the Chapelle de Rousse area of Jurançon. The word "Camin" used instead of Domaine is the local dialect for chemin or road.The majority of the vineyard, planted by Jean-Marc’s father 40 years ago, is terraced and lies on steep and curved slopes that form an amphitheater. The vineyard is planted to 60% Petit Manseng and 37% Gros Manseng and 3% Petit Courbu. Jean-Marc Grussaute began estate bottling in 1988. He has farmed organically since 2007 with the first certified vintage being 2010. Jean-Marc names his wines after the vineyard parcels from which they come.The Jurançon Sec which is called La Part Davan, blends two thirds Gros Manseng with Petit Manseng and a small quantity of Petit Courbu.. The wine undergoes a "maceration pellicullaire" before fermentation in stainless steel tanks and foudres. The wine then is kept "sur lie" for at least six months. Picture: Jean-Marc Grussaute and Christian G.E. SchillerDomaine du Pas Saint Martin Jurassique Saumur Blanc 2011 Domaine du Pas Saint Martin is set among troglodyte caves formed out of ancient fossilized marine life that covered the Saumur region 10 million years ago. During the Middle Ages these caves served the Protestants as secret places of worship.Laurent Charrier and his mother run the domaine which is a certified organic farm. Laurent’s father was not interested in producing wine and thus in 1994 when Laurent took over the responsibility of the domaine, he picked up where his grandfather had left off. He immediately set out to acquire certification for organic farming which he received in 1997. The family vineyards are a bit spread out with small holdings in Anjou and Coteaux du Layon in addition to their primary vineyard in Saumur. The average age of the vines is 25 years with a good part being older than 35 years. Vinification is carried out in temperature controlled stainless steel vats.Domaine du Cros Lo Sang del Pais Marcillac 2012Winemaker Julien Teulier: Deliciously fruity red wine from Marcillac, first used to quench the thirst of pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Santiago di Compostella, and then miners from nearby coalfields. Made from the local fer servadou grape from a vineyard that was saved from extinction by a handful of dedicated growers in Southwest France. Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Julien Teulier DessertTanis Bark and Fresh Ginger Wafers December 2, 2021 Lovely Accolades for Domaine Rois Mages in the French Press In their 2012 releases, the Guides Hachette des Vins, Bettane & Desseauve des Vins de France and Dussert-Gerber des Vins publish high praises for Anne-Sophie Debavelaere's Bouzeron and Rully "Les Cailloux" White and Red! Hachette says: Rully Les Cailloux 2008 White. This cuvee, coming from an incredibly rocky soil, breathes the minerality of its terroir matched with supple notes of ripe fruit. On the palate it begins fresh and delicate, then gives place to a rich and ardent wine of substance. Rully Les Cailloux 2009 Red. Notable for its aromatic harmony, allying red fruits with forest floor and vanilla to more animal notes. Bouzeron 2009. Of a beautiful gold color tinged with delicate green....a discreet nose which opens to notes of freshly cut grass, so characteristic of Aligote. The palate is floral, vibrant and fresh. A balanced, pleasing wine, perfect for rabbit terrine with tarragon. December 2, 2021 Félix Debavelaere, Domaine Rois Mages, wins again! Laureate Prize 2020 for Young Winemakers of Burgundy, category Côte Chalonnaise. Each year in Burgundy the "Group of Young Wine Professionals" (GJVP) hosts a competitive expo of wine from young winemakers at the Salon des Jeunes Talents. Félix Debavalaere of Domaine Rois Mages continues to be at the top, now with his 2018 vintage wines. December 2, 2021 Salon des Jeunes Talents at the festival Grands Jours de Bourgogne ; 3 Entrants, 3 Winners, It’s a Sweep! Each year, for 25 years, at the festival Grands Jours de Bourgogne, the "Group of Young Wine Professionals" (GJVP) hosts a competitive exposition of wine from young winemakers the Salon des Jeunes Talents. In a blind tasting a winner is chosen from each of the 5 growing regions in Burgundy. In this years expo, held at the Château de Garnerot in Mercurey, Thursday March 24th , 3 winemakers from Wine Traditions’ portfolio participated in the competition. The results are announced : It’s a full sweep! All three of them are the 2015 trophy winners for their region!!! We congratulate Cyril Gautheron winner for the Chablisien, Felix Debavalaere, Domaine Rois Mages winner for the Côte Chalonnaise and Romuald Petit winner for the Mâconnais. Romuald PetitCyril Gautheron December 2, 2021 Sunday March 2nd Dinner with 13 Winemakers @ Buck’s, Washington DC February 17th, 2014 See Our 90+ Bargains | See Our Mixed Case Specials New Happenings Coming Up at Finewine.com!!! Dinner with 13 French Winemakers & Aussie Wine Class!!! We've been asked many times to do more wine dinners so we're delighted to parnter with Buck's Fishing & Camping and Wine Traditions Importers for an epic evening of great food and wine. We will welcome 13 visiting French winemakers who will ALL be at the dinner to share annidotes and stories about their great domaines and wines. We've also got a fantastic "Outback Adventure" with a wine class on New Zealand and Australian wines! French Winemaker Dinner at Bucks Fishing & Camping Featuring 13 Winemakers and Your Choice of Wine for Each Course Sunday March 2nd at 6:30pm - $99 (Tax and Gratuity included)We've planned a thrilling wine dinner with 13 visiting winemakers from all around France at one of DC's hottest and upcoming restaurants! "This arty and eclectic restaurant serves classic food made with the best ingredients." says The Washington Post This wine dinner will feature four expertly prepared courses of American cuisine from Chef James Rexroad. At this totally unique event, after a Champagne and oyster welcome, 13 French winemakers will be on hand to present their distinctive and delicious wines. You will have the opportunity to select one of three wines with each of your 4-courses to pair side-by-side with Buck's beautiful menu. At Bucks Fishing & Camping you will taste the real deal , Washington Post Food critic, Tom Sietsema says "there are few local kitchens that do its familiar dishes better than Bucks," "the kitchen distinguishes itself is so many small ways" full of localy sourced foods; these flavor are simple and excellent. Owner James Alefantis, is charming and welcoming as is his restaurant. We will have full run of the place as they are closing their doors to all other diners on Sunday night! This is the perfect venue for great wine, wonderful food and friends! Join the finewine.com team and dine with us! Menu ~ Buck's Fishing & Camping13 French Winemakers with chef James Rexroad& Wine Traditions Ed and Barbara AddissWelcome Oysters on the 1/2 Shell, Warm Gougeres, & Selection of Saucisson. Bourdaire-Gallois, Brut Champagne NV first course House Applewood Smoked Salmon with it's Roe. choose one; Chateau Magneau, Graves Blanc 2012, Domaine de Bel Air Pouilly-Fume 2012 or Domaine Rois Mages "Les Cailloux" Rully Rouge 2011 second course Wild Local Mushrooms with Tagliatelle Pasta & Herbs choose one; Domaine Billard Hautes Cotes de Beaune Blanc 2012, Chateau Vieux Chevrol Lalande de Pomerol 2009 or Chateau Gueyrosse Saint Emilion 2003 third course Magret Duck Steaks with a Frisee Salad of Duck Cracklins & Farm Poached Egg choose one; Chateau La Bourree Cotes de Castillon 2011, Chateau La Caminade Commandery Cahors 2009 or Mas D'Alezon Presbytere Faugeres 2012 fourth course A Selection of Three Regional Cheeses choose one; Camin Larredya La Part Davan Jurancon Sec 2012, Domaine du Pas Saint Martin Jurassique Saumur Blanc 2011 or Domaine du Cros Lo Sang del Pais Marcillac 2012 dessert Tanis Bark & Fresh Ginger Wafers Buck's Fishing and Camping is located at 5031 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (NW Washington- Next to Politics and Prose - Connecticut and Nebraska). This dinner is a great value as you will be drinking 5 outstanding French wines to compliment each delicious course. Call 301-987-5933 or click on the "sign up" button below. This dinner will sell out VERY quickly, so don't delay. All seats must be reserved and pre-paid in advance through finewine.com. SIGN UP December 2, 2021 Wine Tasting @ Arrowine in Arlington, VA March 2nd Big Tasting with Winemakers from Wine Traditions... Sunday March 2nd 1:30 to 4:30 pm One of our most important suppliers of traditional French wines from family-owned, small-scale, boutique wineries is oufriend Ed Addiss of Wine Traditions. Not only are wine imported by Wine Traditions unique and excellent, but they're fantastic values as well. For this event, six of the impressive producers represented in the Wine Traditions portfolio will be presenting their wines for a unique, exciting and educational tasting experience. Not only that, but during the event all the wines presented will be on sale (at least 10% off regular prices). Here are the wines... Chateau Magneau (Bordeaux) Jean-Louis Ardurats Graves Blanc 2012 Graves Rouge 2009 Chateau Vieux Chevrol (Bordeaux) Jean-Pierre and Michel Champseix Lalande de Pomerol 2009 Camin Larredya (Jurancon)Jean-Marc Grussaute Jurancon Sec, "La Part Davan" 2012 Jurancon "Costat Darrer" 2011 Domaine Rois Mages (Burgundy) Felix Debavelaere Rully "Les Cailloux" Blanc 2011 Rully "Les Cailloux" Rouge 2011 Domaine du Cros (Marcillac) Philippe Teulier Marcillac, Lo Sang del Pais 2012 Marcillac, "Vieilles Vignes" 2010 Vignobles Meynard (Bordeaux) Christelle Gauthier and Jean-Francois Meynard Chateau La Bourree, Cotes de Castillon 2011 L'Etoile de Clotte, Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2010
December 2, 2021 Christian Schiller, DC Wine Journalist, Blogs about Buck’s Winemaker Dinner. Lot’s of Great Pics! SCHILLER-WINE A DAILY, INTERNATIONAL WINE BLOG FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014 13 French Winemakers Presenting their Wines at a Dinner at Buck’s Fishing and Camping in Washington DC, USA Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller with Husband and Wife Team M. Jean Francois Meynard and Christelle Gauthier from Chateau La Bouree, Cotes de Castillon, BordeauxThis was a very exciting winemaker dinner: With 13 visiting winemakers from all around France. It took place a Buck’s Fishing and Camping in the Chevy Chase area in Washington DC. The winemakers were in town for the annual portfolio tasting of Wine Traditions, an importer of French wines. Ed and Barbara Addiss’ Wine TraditionsWine Traditions: Created in 1996 by Edward Addiss and Barbara Selig, the philosophy of Wine Traditions is to discover independent winemakers whose passion for their vineyard and mastery of their winemaking craft combine to create a product that is a beautiful expression of the land from which it comes. They believe their portfolio demonstrates that wonderful wines can be found beyond well-known appellations and need not be overpriced. For them, wine is meant to be enjoyed with dinner, every day and at prices that make it an appropriate component of the meal. Pictures: Christian G.E. Schiller and Barbara Assiss, and Ed Assiss, Owners of Wine Traditions Buck’s Fishing and CampingTom Sietsema, Washington Post: This arty and eclectic restaurant serves classic food made with the best ingredients. There are few local kitchens that do its familiar dishes better than Buck’s. The 4 expertly prepared courses of American cuisine from Chef James Rexroad were indeed excellent. Picture: Buck's Fishing and Camping on 5031 Connecticut Avenue, Washington DCOwner James Alefantis, who told us that he also owns a restaurant in Berlin, Germany, is charming and welcoming as is his restaurant: We are a small, neighborhood independently owned Fish Camp of a restaurant, where a woody, fire lit atmosphere is a great place to enjoy the best local produce, meats and fish. Pictures: Annette Schiller, Ombiasy PR and WineTours, Christian G.E. Schiller and Owner James AlefantisSee: 3 Wine Tours by ombiasy Coming up in 2014: Germany-North, Germany-South and Bordeaux Winemaker Dinner with 13 Producers from FranceAt this totally unique event, after a Champagne and oyster welcome, the 13 French winemakers were on hand to present their wines. We had the opportunity to select one of three wines with each of the 4-courses to pair side-by-side with Buck's beautiful menu. Pictures: The DinnerWelcomeOysters on the 1/2 Shell, Warm Gougeres, and Selection of Saucisson Bourdaire-Gallois, Brut Champagne NV First CourseHouse Applewood Smoked Salmon with its Roe 3 Wines and 3 Winemakers Pictures: Brigitte Ardurats, Felix Debavelaere and Katia Mauroy-Gauliez, and their WinesChateau Magneau, Graves Blanc 2012Brigitte and Jean-Louis Ardurats: Winemakers/ Owners of Chateau Magneau, a beautiful Graves producer in the south of Bordeaux. The Graves region is often referred to as 'the cradle of Bordeaux wine' and has been described as a beauty asleep in her woods and forests. We were delighted to taste their Graves Rouge. Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Brigitte and Jean-Louis Ardurats, Winemakers/ Owners of Chateau MagneauDomaine de Bel Air Pouilly-Fume 2012 Owner/ Winemaker Katia Mauroy-Gauliez from Domaine de Bel Air hails from the Loire Valley where the Sauvignon Blanc grape thrives. Katia Mauroy-Gauliez and her brother Cedric Mauroy are the ninth generation to manage Domaine de Bel Air. Their 15 acres of vineyards straddle the towns of Pouilly-sur-Loire and Saint Andelain. Pouilly-Fume is one of the Loire Valley’s most famous wines – a quintessential expression of flinty, vivacious Sauvignon Blanc. Domaine Rois Mages "Les Cailloux" Rully Rouge 2011Anne-Sophie Debavelaere, a native Burgundian, began her Domaine in 1984. 5 years ago, her son, Felix Debavelaere, who was sitting next to me at the dinner, took over. He now farms 11 hectares of vines which are mostly in Rully, but include small parcels in Bouzeron and Beaune. The vineyards are all worked with respect for the land in a fashion known as "lutte raisonnée". The winery or "cave de vinification" is a vaulted cellar which was dug from the Rully hillside in 1850. It was originally built by a local negociant who wanted to have a cellar for sparkling wine similar to those in Champagne. Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Felix DebavelaereSecond CourseWild Local Mushrooms with Tagliatelle Pasta and Herbs 3 Wines and 3 Winemakers Pictures: Samuelle Delol, Elisabeth Billard, Michel Champseix with Ed AddissDomaine Billard Hautes Cotes de Beaune Blanc 2012Winemaker Elisabeth and Jerome Billard, Domaine Billard have 12.5 hectares of vineyards in different appellations throughout the Cotes de Beaune. Their largest holdings are in the Hautes Cotes de Beaune with other small plots located in Saint Romain, Saint Aubin 1er Cru, Auxey Duresses and Beaune. Chateau Vieux Chevrol Lalande de Pomerol 2009 The Champseix family has made wine at Château Vieux Chevrol for many generations and continues to do so in a traditional manner. Jean-Pierre Champseix runs the estate today (20 hectares), aided by his son Michel. He has a profound respect and veneration for his land, a relationship that truly guides his work. The vineyard lies on the Neac plateau overlooking the vineyards of Pomerol. The soil is clay mixed with gravel and iron-rich sandstone known locally as "crasse de fer". The vineyard is planted to 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Picture: Jean-Pierre Champseix, Château Vieux Chevrol, Lalonde de Pomerol, and Christian G. E. SchillerChateau Gueyrosse Saint Emilion 2003Winemaker Samuelle Delol, owns two estates Chateau Bel Air and Chateau Gueyrosse in St. Emilion. Chateau Gueyrosse dates from around 1750 and the Delol family obtained the property in 1850. Samuelle, who has recently taken over from her father, is the sixth generation to make wine at Gueyrosse. The vineyard is in the southwestern corner of Saint Emilion, on the outskirts of Libourne and has a soil of "graves rouge", a soil type similar to that found in the southern corner of Pomerol. Third CourseMagret Duck Steaks with a Frisee Salad of Duck Cracklins and Farm Poached Egg 3 Wines and 3 Winemakers Pictures: Ed Addiss, Dominique Ressès, Christelle Gauthier and Catherine Roque, and their WinesChateau La Bourree Cotes de Castillon 2011The husband and wife team M. Jean Francois Meynard and Christelle Gauthier, who were sitting next to me at the dinner, own 4 chateaux with a total vineyard area of 40 hectares. Chateau La Bouree extends over 10 hectares. The vineyard is planted with 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The yields are kept to 45h/hl by green harvesting and leaves are pulled as needed to insure proper ripening. Fermentation on the skins lasts for three weeks after which the wine is aged in used barrels for a year Picture: Annette Schiller, Ombiasy PR and WineTours and the husband and Wife Team M. Jean Francois Meynard and Christelle Gauthier, BordeauxChateau La Caminade Commandery Cahors 2009Dominique Ressès: The Chateau La Caminade vineyards (34 hectares) lie in Parnac, in the heart of the Cahors region. The vineyard covers a variety of soil types including gravelly sand and clay/limestone. The Ressès family has been making wine here for four generations.One of my early posting were about Dominique Ressès and his beautiful wines: The Wines of Chateau La Caminade in the Cahors, France - Malbec from its Birthplace Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Dominique Ressès, CahorMas D'Alezon Presbytere Faugeres 2012Catherine Roque, Languedoc, is owner and winemaker of Mas d'Alezon and Domaine du Clovallon. Catherine says that seeing the results of bio-dynamic farming practices has greatly inspired her. Both of her estates are in Languedoc. Fourth CourseA Selection of 3 Regional Cheeses 3 Wines and 3 Winemakers Pictures: Julien Teulier, Laurent Charrier, Jean-Marc Grussaute and Ed Assiss, and their WinesCamin Larredya La Part Davan Jurancon Sec 2012Jean-Marc Grussaute: The Grussautes have a small but remarkable vineyard (9 hectares) situated in the Chapelle de Rousse area of Jurançon. The word "Camin" used instead of Domaine is the local dialect for chemin or road.The majority of the vineyard, planted by Jean-Marc’s father 40 years ago, is terraced and lies on steep and curved slopes that form an amphitheater. The vineyard is planted to 60% Petit Manseng and 37% Gros Manseng and 3% Petit Courbu. Jean-Marc Grussaute began estate bottling in 1988. He has farmed organically since 2007 with the first certified vintage being 2010. Jean-Marc names his wines after the vineyard parcels from which they come.The Jurançon Sec which is called La Part Davan, blends two thirds Gros Manseng with Petit Manseng and a small quantity of Petit Courbu.. The wine undergoes a "maceration pellicullaire" before fermentation in stainless steel tanks and foudres. The wine then is kept "sur lie" for at least six months. Picture: Jean-Marc Grussaute and Christian G.E. SchillerDomaine du Pas Saint Martin Jurassique Saumur Blanc 2011 Domaine du Pas Saint Martin is set among troglodyte caves formed out of ancient fossilized marine life that covered the Saumur region 10 million years ago. During the Middle Ages these caves served the Protestants as secret places of worship.Laurent Charrier and his mother run the domaine which is a certified organic farm. Laurent’s father was not interested in producing wine and thus in 1994 when Laurent took over the responsibility of the domaine, he picked up where his grandfather had left off. He immediately set out to acquire certification for organic farming which he received in 1997. The family vineyards are a bit spread out with small holdings in Anjou and Coteaux du Layon in addition to their primary vineyard in Saumur. The average age of the vines is 25 years with a good part being older than 35 years. Vinification is carried out in temperature controlled stainless steel vats.Domaine du Cros Lo Sang del Pais Marcillac 2012Winemaker Julien Teulier: Deliciously fruity red wine from Marcillac, first used to quench the thirst of pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Santiago di Compostella, and then miners from nearby coalfields. Made from the local fer servadou grape from a vineyard that was saved from extinction by a handful of dedicated growers in Southwest France. Picture: Christian G.E. Schiller and Julien Teulier DessertTanis Bark and Fresh Ginger Wafers
December 2, 2021 Lovely Accolades for Domaine Rois Mages in the French Press In their 2012 releases, the Guides Hachette des Vins, Bettane & Desseauve des Vins de France and Dussert-Gerber des Vins publish high praises for Anne-Sophie Debavelaere's Bouzeron and Rully "Les Cailloux" White and Red! Hachette says: Rully Les Cailloux 2008 White. This cuvee, coming from an incredibly rocky soil, breathes the minerality of its terroir matched with supple notes of ripe fruit. On the palate it begins fresh and delicate, then gives place to a rich and ardent wine of substance. Rully Les Cailloux 2009 Red. Notable for its aromatic harmony, allying red fruits with forest floor and vanilla to more animal notes. Bouzeron 2009. Of a beautiful gold color tinged with delicate green....a discreet nose which opens to notes of freshly cut grass, so characteristic of Aligote. The palate is floral, vibrant and fresh. A balanced, pleasing wine, perfect for rabbit terrine with tarragon.
December 2, 2021 Félix Debavelaere, Domaine Rois Mages, wins again! Laureate Prize 2020 for Young Winemakers of Burgundy, category Côte Chalonnaise. Each year in Burgundy the "Group of Young Wine Professionals" (GJVP) hosts a competitive expo of wine from young winemakers at the Salon des Jeunes Talents. Félix Debavalaere of Domaine Rois Mages continues to be at the top, now with his 2018 vintage wines.
December 2, 2021 Salon des Jeunes Talents at the festival Grands Jours de Bourgogne ; 3 Entrants, 3 Winners, It’s a Sweep! Each year, for 25 years, at the festival Grands Jours de Bourgogne, the "Group of Young Wine Professionals" (GJVP) hosts a competitive exposition of wine from young winemakers the Salon des Jeunes Talents. In a blind tasting a winner is chosen from each of the 5 growing regions in Burgundy. In this years expo, held at the Château de Garnerot in Mercurey, Thursday March 24th , 3 winemakers from Wine Traditions’ portfolio participated in the competition. The results are announced : It’s a full sweep! All three of them are the 2015 trophy winners for their region!!! We congratulate Cyril Gautheron winner for the Chablisien, Felix Debavalaere, Domaine Rois Mages winner for the Côte Chalonnaise and Romuald Petit winner for the Mâconnais. Romuald PetitCyril Gautheron
December 2, 2021 Sunday March 2nd Dinner with 13 Winemakers @ Buck’s, Washington DC February 17th, 2014 See Our 90+ Bargains | See Our Mixed Case Specials New Happenings Coming Up at Finewine.com!!! Dinner with 13 French Winemakers & Aussie Wine Class!!! We've been asked many times to do more wine dinners so we're delighted to parnter with Buck's Fishing & Camping and Wine Traditions Importers for an epic evening of great food and wine. We will welcome 13 visiting French winemakers who will ALL be at the dinner to share annidotes and stories about their great domaines and wines. We've also got a fantastic "Outback Adventure" with a wine class on New Zealand and Australian wines! French Winemaker Dinner at Bucks Fishing & Camping Featuring 13 Winemakers and Your Choice of Wine for Each Course Sunday March 2nd at 6:30pm - $99 (Tax and Gratuity included)We've planned a thrilling wine dinner with 13 visiting winemakers from all around France at one of DC's hottest and upcoming restaurants! "This arty and eclectic restaurant serves classic food made with the best ingredients." says The Washington Post This wine dinner will feature four expertly prepared courses of American cuisine from Chef James Rexroad. At this totally unique event, after a Champagne and oyster welcome, 13 French winemakers will be on hand to present their distinctive and delicious wines. You will have the opportunity to select one of three wines with each of your 4-courses to pair side-by-side with Buck's beautiful menu. At Bucks Fishing & Camping you will taste the real deal , Washington Post Food critic, Tom Sietsema says "there are few local kitchens that do its familiar dishes better than Bucks," "the kitchen distinguishes itself is so many small ways" full of localy sourced foods; these flavor are simple and excellent. Owner James Alefantis, is charming and welcoming as is his restaurant. We will have full run of the place as they are closing their doors to all other diners on Sunday night! This is the perfect venue for great wine, wonderful food and friends! Join the finewine.com team and dine with us! Menu ~ Buck's Fishing & Camping13 French Winemakers with chef James Rexroad& Wine Traditions Ed and Barbara AddissWelcome Oysters on the 1/2 Shell, Warm Gougeres, & Selection of Saucisson. Bourdaire-Gallois, Brut Champagne NV first course House Applewood Smoked Salmon with it's Roe. choose one; Chateau Magneau, Graves Blanc 2012, Domaine de Bel Air Pouilly-Fume 2012 or Domaine Rois Mages "Les Cailloux" Rully Rouge 2011 second course Wild Local Mushrooms with Tagliatelle Pasta & Herbs choose one; Domaine Billard Hautes Cotes de Beaune Blanc 2012, Chateau Vieux Chevrol Lalande de Pomerol 2009 or Chateau Gueyrosse Saint Emilion 2003 third course Magret Duck Steaks with a Frisee Salad of Duck Cracklins & Farm Poached Egg choose one; Chateau La Bourree Cotes de Castillon 2011, Chateau La Caminade Commandery Cahors 2009 or Mas D'Alezon Presbytere Faugeres 2012 fourth course A Selection of Three Regional Cheeses choose one; Camin Larredya La Part Davan Jurancon Sec 2012, Domaine du Pas Saint Martin Jurassique Saumur Blanc 2011 or Domaine du Cros Lo Sang del Pais Marcillac 2012 dessert Tanis Bark & Fresh Ginger Wafers Buck's Fishing and Camping is located at 5031 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (NW Washington- Next to Politics and Prose - Connecticut and Nebraska). This dinner is a great value as you will be drinking 5 outstanding French wines to compliment each delicious course. Call 301-987-5933 or click on the "sign up" button below. This dinner will sell out VERY quickly, so don't delay. All seats must be reserved and pre-paid in advance through finewine.com. SIGN UP
December 2, 2021 Wine Tasting @ Arrowine in Arlington, VA March 2nd Big Tasting with Winemakers from Wine Traditions... Sunday March 2nd 1:30 to 4:30 pm One of our most important suppliers of traditional French wines from family-owned, small-scale, boutique wineries is oufriend Ed Addiss of Wine Traditions. Not only are wine imported by Wine Traditions unique and excellent, but they're fantastic values as well. For this event, six of the impressive producers represented in the Wine Traditions portfolio will be presenting their wines for a unique, exciting and educational tasting experience. Not only that, but during the event all the wines presented will be on sale (at least 10% off regular prices). Here are the wines... Chateau Magneau (Bordeaux) Jean-Louis Ardurats Graves Blanc 2012 Graves Rouge 2009 Chateau Vieux Chevrol (Bordeaux) Jean-Pierre and Michel Champseix Lalande de Pomerol 2009 Camin Larredya (Jurancon)Jean-Marc Grussaute Jurancon Sec, "La Part Davan" 2012 Jurancon "Costat Darrer" 2011 Domaine Rois Mages (Burgundy) Felix Debavelaere Rully "Les Cailloux" Blanc 2011 Rully "Les Cailloux" Rouge 2011 Domaine du Cros (Marcillac) Philippe Teulier Marcillac, Lo Sang del Pais 2012 Marcillac, "Vieilles Vignes" 2010 Vignobles Meynard (Bordeaux) Christelle Gauthier and Jean-Francois Meynard Chateau La Bourree, Cotes de Castillon 2011 L'Etoile de Clotte, Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2010