Wine Gear: Blind Tasting Sleeve

My family loves to blindtaste, and when we found these sleeves in Beaune and just had to have them. They come in these four colors and orange, and this way we can blindtaste many wines at a time.

You can buy them here. They are made by Manacrea, and you can read more about them here.

Louis-Michel Liger-Belair

My first visit to Beaune included a visit to Louis-Michel Liger-Belair. It was a fantastic visit, unlike any other I have experienced before. Louis-Michel spent the first half speaking about the history of the winery, his family and their traditions. It was fascinating listening to how his wines have evolved over the different generations.

The tasting itself took place in the cellar, and with a glass in hand, we walked around the barrels and tasted directly out of them. He took time to explain about each wine, explaining with passion and excitement. He also allowed us to taste from his personal barrel, where he stores wine that will not make it onto the market. Although he keeps some for himself, he offers the bottles of this particular wine to charity auctions, helping them raise more money. He also said that since this wine is not on the regular market, it allows him to experiment with it.

Wine Gear: Wine Cooler

I found this in the many different wine stores in Beaune. It's one of my many new additions to the wine gear collection.

Summer 2014 in Wine

 

Matrot

The first time in Beaune and I was lucky enough to visit Matrot. Adele Matrot gave the tasting, and I got to taste some of my favorite wines. She was very excited about her work, and although she spoke mostly French (there were 6 Frenchmen there also), she took the time to explain about the winery and the wine in English as well.

Before we arrived in Beaune, there had been a hail storm, and many of the grapes were ruined. The winemakers were truly disappointed, and hope for better weather next year.

Summer 2014

The calendar is filling up, mostly with wine visits. Earlier, Italy has been the only place on the agenda, but this year I am expanding my horizons, and the adventure continues in France. The whole family is renting an apartment in Beaune, allowing me to experience wine there as well. 

I believe we are visiting Louis-Michel Liger-Belair, and attempting to visit a few others. One of my favorites, Matrot, is high on my list of wineries to visit. 

foto: piemontegirl

elio altare, summer 2012

And, of course, Piemonte is on the agenda. As previous years, Altare is first on the list. Bartolo Mascarello, Vietti, Cavallotto and Ettore Germano are also on the schedule. We are trying to add some new wineries to the list, since we rarely visit new ones, but I love seeing old friends again. 

With the vacation fast approaching, the excitement is growing and growing. I can't wait!!