Domaine du Pas Saint Martin Village: Doué la Fontaine Appellation: 16ha Saumur Anjou Coteaux du Layon Grower: Laurent Charrier Website: https://www.lepassaintmartin.fr/ 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. La Vie en Rose La Vie en Rose is produced in the “Methode Ancestrale”. This method pre-dates the “Methode Champenoise” and employs one interrupted fermentation rather than an induced second fermentation. Centuries ago fermentation would stop naturally or at least retard due to the cooling temperatures in the late fall and winter. The warmer temperatures of spring would reenergize and recommence the fermentation. The “Methode Ancestrale” takes advantage of this natural cycle by taking the partially fermented juice and bottling it in the spring where it finishes its fermentation. Laurent Charrier makes this sparkling wine from Grolleau Noir that is grown in his Anjou vineyard . Grolleau Noir is a centuries old grape type native to the Loire and one that is used primarily in Rosé d’Anjou. Saumur Blanc “La Pierre Frite” The Saumur Blanc is produced from 100% Chenin Blanc that grow in siliceous-limestone soils. Vinification methods include the settling of the must “debourbage” which concentrates the flavors, and extended contact with the lies to enrich the wine. There is no malo-lactic fermentation resulting in a wine that offers springtime aromas and a refreshing palate. Saumur Blanc “Jurassique” The “Jurassique” cuvée is produced from a parcel of 80 year old chenin blanc vines. The yield from this parcel is on average 30hl/ha. After a natural settling of the juice, it is fermented in stainless steel tanks and then matured for less than a year in French oak barrels of one and two years. The wine combines expressive aromatics, a rich mouth feel and great length supported by the wine’s vibrant acidity. Saumur Rouge “La Pierre Frites” The Saumur Rouge “Pierres Frites” is produced from Cabernet Franc that is grown in siliceous-limestone soils. The grapes are de-stemmed and then fermented in stainless steel vats. The maceration lasts about ten days and the fermentation temperature is controlled. The objective is to produce an expressive wine not burdened by harsh tannins. News December 2, 2021 Prehistoric Origins of Lieux-Dit “Pierres Frites” told by Laurent Charrier, Domaine du Pas Saint Martin a translation of Laurent's (pre)historical explanation of the place-name "Pierres Frites", the name of his Saumur Blanc and Saumur Rouge bottlings. MENHIRS During the neolithic era, our distant ancestors erected megaliths (or menhirs) in very particular locations. Blocks of hard stone were placed at points of convergence of water currents and telluric currents (points of energy currents emanating from deep earth). They became objects of radiant force, of revitalization. Men and women would come to these menhirs, to rub themselves against the stone, in order to capture the energy coming from the ground. Oral legends preserved the memory of this ancient period, and today we still have the place-name "Pierre Frite", coming from the Latin "fricta" meaning to rub (against). The existence of sandstone slabs in the wood by our vineyards, confirms, in the eyes of specialists, the hypothesis of the existance here of an erected stone. visit this link to the website for the original (click the neon-moss green bar at the bottom of the page): https://www.lepassaintmartin.fr/fr/le-terroir-p3.html#prettyPhoto Domaine du Pas Saint Martin has been Ecocert certified since 1997 and is devoted to the cause of biodiversity. Also check out this link : https://www.lemondedepierrefrite.fr/familles.htm to their site "La Monde de Pierre Frite". Since 2009 the Domaine, teaming up with other skilled artisans in its community, has devolped an interactive teaching program for children to encourage awareness and understanding of biodiversity. The Domaine was awarded the 2012 Eco-Trophy by the Parc National Loire-Anjou-Touraine. On the site you can watch videos of kids in the vineyards learning, seeing, photographing the fauna and flora populating the vines and neigboring woods. There is a "galerie" of photos taken by the children that is not to miss! 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 Join us @ Chez Pascal’s new Wurst Kitchen in Providence Monday, September 17th! Chez Pascal presents: Wurst Wine Tasting Monday, September 17 6:00pm - 8:00pm ed & barbara. we anxiously await their arrival. In collaboration with our friends at Campus Wines, this will be a fun, casual, mingle about, wine sipping, wurst nibbling evening. We will be trying 5 fantastic wines from one of our favorite importers. If you have been to a few of our wine events before you will remember Barbara & Ed of Wine Traditions and their wealth of information and unique and wonderful wines. Come, mingle, taste wine and enjoy some of our new wurst offerings out of the Wurst Kitchen. The tasting will be held in our Wurst Kitchen & side dining room. Wines we will be tasting: Domaine du Pas Saint Martin, La Vie en Rose, sparkling Domaine Brana, Harri Gorri, Irouleguy Rose Domaine Grosbot-Barbara, La Vreladiere, Saint Pourcin Blanc Domaine Grosbot-Barbara, Chambre d'Edouard, Saint Pourcin Rouge Domaine Philemon, La Croix de la Bouscarie, Gaillac Rouge The price is $45 per person and this INCLUDES the wine, hors d'oeuvres from the Wurst Kitchen, tax and gratuity! Please call Chez Pascal for reservations. Payment for this event will be taken in advance with a credit card, non refundable but you can certainly pass your reservation on to a friend. 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 Untitled EXPRESSIONS OF THE LOIRE with Denis Barbara of Domaine Grosbot-Barbara SATURDAY, October 22nd at 6:30PM The story begins with Elie Grosbot whose domain began in 1910, with Elie taking over operation in 1956. In 1995, as he was approaching retirement he called Denis Barbara, a young winemaker who had just finished his studies and asked him to join in the operation of the Estate. Elie is the rootstock, with its empirical knowledge and tradition. Denis is the passion. He loves the region, winemaking and the vineyards that make up the Estate. The fields of Grosbot-Barbara, the vineyards of Saint Pourçain, are on the eastern slope of the oldest vineyards in France. The plots span four sites on the slope of the vineyard of Saint Pourçain: Bransat, Cesset, Verneuil en Bourbonnais and Montord. We will taste the white and red wines of the Estate together with a selection of Sparkling Wines from Saumur in the Loire Valley. Together we will taste: Gougeres with cuminDomaine du Pas Saint Martin, Saumur Brut 2007 Salmon Rillette Domaine Grosbot-Barbara, Saint Pourçain "Le Vin d'Alon" 2010 Duck Confit with Herb Roasted Potatoes Domaine Grosbot-Barbara "Chambre d'Edouard" Saint Pourçain Rouge 2009 Branzino with A Sauce of Exotic MushroomsGrosbot-Barbara "Cuvee Charles Henri" Saint Pourçain Blanc 2009 Almond Tart with House-made Ricotta and Honey Roasted Figs Domaine du Pas Saint Martin, Vie en Rose NV The Grosbot-Barbara Dinner is $50 and attendance will be limited to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of our guests. PLEASE NOTE: A selection of these wines will be reserved at a discount for tasting guests only to purchase at Cork Market! Where & When Cork Market & Tasting Room1805 14th Street, NW 202-265-2674 Saturday, October 22nd at 6:30PM Space is limited, so please RSVP by October 20th toTastings@CorkDC.com Guests must be 21 or over to attend, please bring a picture
December 2, 2021 Prehistoric Origins of Lieux-Dit “Pierres Frites” told by Laurent Charrier, Domaine du Pas Saint Martin a translation of Laurent's (pre)historical explanation of the place-name "Pierres Frites", the name of his Saumur Blanc and Saumur Rouge bottlings. MENHIRS During the neolithic era, our distant ancestors erected megaliths (or menhirs) in very particular locations. Blocks of hard stone were placed at points of convergence of water currents and telluric currents (points of energy currents emanating from deep earth). They became objects of radiant force, of revitalization. Men and women would come to these menhirs, to rub themselves against the stone, in order to capture the energy coming from the ground. Oral legends preserved the memory of this ancient period, and today we still have the place-name "Pierre Frite", coming from the Latin "fricta" meaning to rub (against). The existence of sandstone slabs in the wood by our vineyards, confirms, in the eyes of specialists, the hypothesis of the existance here of an erected stone. visit this link to the website for the original (click the neon-moss green bar at the bottom of the page): https://www.lepassaintmartin.fr/fr/le-terroir-p3.html#prettyPhoto Domaine du Pas Saint Martin has been Ecocert certified since 1997 and is devoted to the cause of biodiversity. Also check out this link : https://www.lemondedepierrefrite.fr/familles.htm to their site "La Monde de Pierre Frite". Since 2009 the Domaine, teaming up with other skilled artisans in its community, has devolped an interactive teaching program for children to encourage awareness and understanding of biodiversity. The Domaine was awarded the 2012 Eco-Trophy by the Parc National Loire-Anjou-Touraine. On the site you can watch videos of kids in the vineyards learning, seeing, photographing the fauna and flora populating the vines and neigboring woods. There is a "galerie" of photos taken by the children that is not to miss!
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 Join us @ Chez Pascal’s new Wurst Kitchen in Providence Monday, September 17th! Chez Pascal presents: Wurst Wine Tasting Monday, September 17 6:00pm - 8:00pm ed & barbara. we anxiously await their arrival. In collaboration with our friends at Campus Wines, this will be a fun, casual, mingle about, wine sipping, wurst nibbling evening. We will be trying 5 fantastic wines from one of our favorite importers. If you have been to a few of our wine events before you will remember Barbara & Ed of Wine Traditions and their wealth of information and unique and wonderful wines. Come, mingle, taste wine and enjoy some of our new wurst offerings out of the Wurst Kitchen. The tasting will be held in our Wurst Kitchen & side dining room. Wines we will be tasting: Domaine du Pas Saint Martin, La Vie en Rose, sparkling Domaine Brana, Harri Gorri, Irouleguy Rose Domaine Grosbot-Barbara, La Vreladiere, Saint Pourcin Blanc Domaine Grosbot-Barbara, Chambre d'Edouard, Saint Pourcin Rouge Domaine Philemon, La Croix de la Bouscarie, Gaillac Rouge The price is $45 per person and this INCLUDES the wine, hors d'oeuvres from the Wurst Kitchen, tax and gratuity! Please call Chez Pascal for reservations. Payment for this event will be taken in advance with a credit card, non refundable but you can certainly pass your reservation on to a friend.
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 Untitled EXPRESSIONS OF THE LOIRE with Denis Barbara of Domaine Grosbot-Barbara SATURDAY, October 22nd at 6:30PM The story begins with Elie Grosbot whose domain began in 1910, with Elie taking over operation in 1956. In 1995, as he was approaching retirement he called Denis Barbara, a young winemaker who had just finished his studies and asked him to join in the operation of the Estate. Elie is the rootstock, with its empirical knowledge and tradition. Denis is the passion. He loves the region, winemaking and the vineyards that make up the Estate. The fields of Grosbot-Barbara, the vineyards of Saint Pourçain, are on the eastern slope of the oldest vineyards in France. The plots span four sites on the slope of the vineyard of Saint Pourçain: Bransat, Cesset, Verneuil en Bourbonnais and Montord. We will taste the white and red wines of the Estate together with a selection of Sparkling Wines from Saumur in the Loire Valley. Together we will taste: Gougeres with cuminDomaine du Pas Saint Martin, Saumur Brut 2007 Salmon Rillette Domaine Grosbot-Barbara, Saint Pourçain "Le Vin d'Alon" 2010 Duck Confit with Herb Roasted Potatoes Domaine Grosbot-Barbara "Chambre d'Edouard" Saint Pourçain Rouge 2009 Branzino with A Sauce of Exotic MushroomsGrosbot-Barbara "Cuvee Charles Henri" Saint Pourçain Blanc 2009 Almond Tart with House-made Ricotta and Honey Roasted Figs Domaine du Pas Saint Martin, Vie en Rose NV The Grosbot-Barbara Dinner is $50 and attendance will be limited to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of our guests. PLEASE NOTE: A selection of these wines will be reserved at a discount for tasting guests only to purchase at Cork Market! Where & When Cork Market & Tasting Room1805 14th Street, NW 202-265-2674 Saturday, October 22nd at 6:30PM Space is limited, so please RSVP by October 20th toTastings@CorkDC.com Guests must be 21 or over to attend, please bring a picture