Cheers to Meursault with a Glass of It’s Finest

Located in the heart of the Burgundy wine region, Meursault offers all the charm and enchantment that France has become known for.  From beautiful scenery to rich history to delectable dining and fine wines, there is more than meets the eye in and around this lovely place.  If you’re looking for something to do, see, taste and experience, the Meursault area is a must-visit destination.

Meursault is an Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) that is located a mere 7 km from the beautiful town of Beaune.  This quaint old village is home to the famous Hotel Dieu, once the spot of a hospital back in the 15^th century, and still remarkably well-preserved.  There is a lot of fascinating history in Beaune, from the ancient walls surrounding the area to the medieval buildings found scattered throughout, including a 12^th century clock tower.  It’s a fantastic place to cycle through or enjoy a leisurely stroll.  There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to visit and get a true feel of the Burgundy region.

Perhaps what Meursault is best known for, as are many Burgundy towns and villages, is the exquisite fine wine that is produced there.  While there are a handful of red varieties, the vast majority (nearly 98%) of the wine that comes out of Meursault is white.  To put it into perspective, of the 2.5 million bottles produced in Meursault annually, less than 50,000 bottles are red wine.

There are several classifications, or climats, of wine in Meursault which are generally divided into Northern and Southern.  Many of these are highly regarded Premier Cru, which is the second-highest classification level of wine, rated below that of Grand cru but above the basic village AOCs.  There are five climats in the north which make up Santenots, and four climats in the south of the commune.  The resulting wines typically exhibit an oak influence and are often described as “buttery”.

If you’re visiting Meursault at the end of the grape harvest, you’re in for a treat.  This is when the La Paulée de Meursault is celebrated; a spectacular luncheon tradition that began in the mid 1920’s and was once exclusive to winemakers, cellar workers, and those who lived in the surrounding community.  Today the event has grown to become an international wine festival which includes a formal dinner at the Clos de Vougeot as well as a charity auction.  The event is organized and run by the grandson of Count Lafon, who was the original event organizer.

Even if wine isn’t your forte, you’re certain to enjoy a visit to this charming little town.  Experience the heart of the Burgundy region with its rich, fascinating history, unmatched cultural pride and heartwarming picturesque landscapes.  Meursault is the perfect place to relax, unwind and explore the beautiful French countryside.  What will you discover there?

Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé!

The new Beaujolais has arrived!

The strike of midnight on the third Thursday of every November, France erupts in massive celebration in honor of the uncorking of the most popular French wine, Beaujolais Nouveau! This red wine is made from Gamey grapes produced in the Beaujolais province situated in the Rhone-Alpes and Burgundy regions of France. By law, all grapes in this region must be harvested by hand. Beaujolais’ fermentation process lasts a few weeks and the wine is ready to drink 6 – 8 weeks after the harvest.

Around 49 million liters of Beaujolais Nouveau are produced a year. This makes up almost half of this region’s wine production. Among that, half is exported, with Germany and Japan being the biggest markets and the United States closely following. Many Americans like to enjoy this wine on Thanksgiving, which falls a week after the wine’s release day.

Here are 10 interesting facts about Beaujolais Nouveau from http://www.winecountrytravel.com/France/beaujolaisnouveaufacts.html:

1.) Beaujolais [BOE-zjoh-lay] Nouveau is always released the third Thursday of November, regardless of the start of the harvest.

2.) The region of Beaujolais is 34 miles long from north to south and 7 to 9 miles wide. There are nearly 4,000 grape growers who make their living in this picturesque region just north of France’s third largest city, Lyon.

3.) All the grapes in the Beaujolais region must be picked by hand. These are the only vineyards, along with Champagne, where hand harvesting is mandatory.

4.) Gamay (Gamay noir à Jus Blanc) is the only grape permitted for Beaujolais. While certain California wineries may label their wine “Gamay Beaujolais” this is not the same grape variety as what is grown in France, and is quite different in taste and growing habits.

5.) Beaujolais Nouveau cannot be made from grapes grown in the 10 crus (great growths) of Beaujolais-only from grapes coming from the appellations of Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages.

6.) Beaujolais Nouveau owes its easy drinkability to a winemaking process called carbonic maceration—also called whole berry fermentation. This technique preserves the fresh, fruity quality of the wine, without extracting bitter tannins from the grape skins.

7.) Beaujolais Nouveau is meant to be drunk young-in average vintages it should be consumed by the following May after its release. However, in excellent vintages (such as 2000) the wine can live much longer and can be enjoyed until the next harvest rolls around.

8.) Serve Beaujolais Nouveau slightly cool, at about 55 degrees Fahrenheit-the wine is more refreshing and its forward fruit more apparent than if you serve it at room temperature.

9.) Approximately 1/3 of the entire crop of the Beaujolais region is sold as Beaujolais Nouveau.

10.) The region of Beaujolais is known for its fabulous food. The famed Paul Bocuse Restaurant is just minutes from the heart of Beaujolais, as is Georges Blanc’s eponymous culinary temple. These great restaurants have plenty of Beaujolais on their wine lists. This quintessential food wine goes well with either haute cuisine or Tuesday night’s meat loaf.

From more information visit http://www.winecountrytravel.com/France/beaujolaisnouveau.html

5 Foods to Try in Burgundy

The French region of Burgundy offers visitors a little bit of everything in one breathtaking destination.  Teeming with rich history and vibrant culture and boasting beautiful landscapes just waiting to be explored and discovered, Burgundy provides all the charm and elegance that the world has come to expect from the country of France.  But beyond all of the quaint villages, exciting events and unforgettable sights and experiences, perhaps the most memorable part of Burgundy is the incredible gastronomy of the region.  If a holiday there is in your near future, here are 5 foods you’ll want to try during your stay.

Beef Bourguignon

This well-known beef stew type meal is incredibly popular throughout the Burgundy region.  It’s prepared with extremely high quality meat, braised in red wine and stewed with fresh vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, onions and garlic.  The stew is seasoned with a combination of spices including thyme, parsley and bay leaves.  The mouthwatering result is simply spectacular and will most certainly have you reaching for seconds.

Coq Au Vin

This Burgundy specialty consists of a free range chicken that is delicately braised and cooked in sauce made from full-bodied red wine.  The key to this recipe is the quality of poultry used, which is notable for its tender and tasty meat.  While there are a number of varying recipes for the dish, the one thing that remains consistent among all of them is the use of delicious Burgundy ingredients and the preparation method of marinating the chicken in red wine for an entire day before cooking.  The accompanying sauce may contain a variety of different spices and ingredients, from garlic, rosemary, parsley and bay leaves to mushrooms and celery, but no matter what the combination the flavorful result is unforgettable.

Escargots de Bourgogne

This delectable dish, made from Burgundy land snails, is widely known as one of France’s most refined delicacies.  The snails are prepared in a sauce of garlic and parsley butter, making the naturally chewy shell dweller incredibly tender and giving it a mouthwatering flavor.  Escargots de Bourgogne is traditionally served warm in a small casserole dish.  Other chefs prefer to serve the snails in their shells.  Regardless of how they’re served, Burgundy snails are in great demand and are widely exported.  Once you give this delicious plate a taste, you’ll understand why.

Mushrooms

Almost as plentiful as the wines of the Burgundy region are the variety of mushrooms produced there.  There are 150 different varieties found throughout the area, including the most sought after truffles.  Depending on the season, you can find a number of mushroom dishes on the menus at just about every restaurant around Burgundy, each featuring different flavors and tastes, but all splendidly delicious.  Be cautioned, however, that you should leave the mushroom harvesting to the experts, as many of them are highly poisonous.  Stick with those prepared by chefs or sold in local markets to enjoy these tasty little fungi.

Ile Flottante (Floating Island)

A dish of many names, but always delicious, this dessert is among the most delectable in the world.  Ile Flottante is also sometimes called Oeufs à la neige, which means “eggs in snow” due to its preparation which involves whipped egg whites combined with sugar and vanilla extract and then poached, and served atop a delicious custard.  There are a few different variations of the dessert but whichever way you try it, the end result is sure to please even the most finicky sweet tooth.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, history, culture or romance, you’ll find it all in Burgundy.  But to truly experience the beauty and charm of this French region, you must taste the delectable food prepared there.  In a region where food and wine has become a true art form, visitors can enjoy unforgettable meals set amidst the backdrop of the unblemished countryside and feast on the heart of the French lifestyle at its absolute best.

Burgundy Musts

Of all the marvelous regions to visit in France, perhaps the most noteworthy is Burgundy.  From food and wine to nightlife and shopping to history, music and art, there is a little bit of everything to experience in this one beautiful place.  Explore ancient châteaux and vineyards, enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride through picturesque medieval villages or relax alongside the many charming canals and rivers that weave their way peacefully through the area.  Burgundy is home to a number of lovely towns and cities, including the more popular Beaune and Dijon.  And while these cities are certainly great, there are other less-known cities that feature just as much to do and see.  Here are three that top the must-visit list.

Auxerre

This fantastic little city happens to serve as the capital of Burgundy’s Yonne department and is home to some of the most incredible wine produced in the world, particularly Chablis.  If wine tasting isn’t your forte, there are plenty of other things to do and see in Auxerre.  The Old Town is rich with history and boasts a lovely clock tower to visit.  There is also the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne d’Auxerre, a gothic-style building that was constructed back in the early 1200’s.  It boasts three remarkable doorways and some of the most exquisite stained glass windows in all of France.  Finally, the Abbey of Saint Germain houses several ancient paintings within its crypt.  One thing is for certain, a visit to Auxerre certainly won’t leave you bored.

Macon

Located along the Saone River, in the southernmost part of Burgundy, the quaint city of Macon is home to a little over 35,000 people.  It is particularly well known for the many beautiful parks and flourishing gardens found throughout the area.  Macon is also rich with history, boasting a number of historical buildings to explore.  The Macon Cathedral, also known as Old Saint-Vincent, can be found in the town’s center and the Church of Saint Pere is located just opposite of Town Hall.  The Theater of Macon also makes an interesting place to visit.  Macon’s ideal location, fascinating historical finds and spectacular natural beauty make it a particularly unique and unforgettable destination.

Nevers

Speaking of ideal locations, the peaceful city of Nevers is situated on a hill along the right bank of the beautiful Loire River, making it an especially picturesque place to visit.  It’s not all about landscapes, of course – there are also plenty of sites of interest to discover there.  For instance, the Cathédrale of Saint Cyr-Sainte Julitte presents a fascinating combination of two architectural styles with the west side boasting Romanesque design and the east side Gothic in style.  History lovers will particularly enjoy a visit to the Ducal Palace, which was built during the 16^th century.  Now utilized for the courts of justice and home to a ceramic museum, the building is one of central France’s principal feudal edifices.  The city perfectly combines intriguing history with all the charm an old French town can offer.

The French region of Burgundy offers just about everything possible to satisfy even the worldliest traveler.  Rest, relaxation, excitement and discovery, both cultural and historical, can all be found here, amidst the many quaint cities, towns and villages.  If a trip to Burgundy is in your future, be sure to include a stop at each of the three cities listed above so you can experience the very best that this incredible region has to offer.

No Condiment Quite Like It

Let’s bring it back to when Dijon was only a little town in the Burgundy region of France. Yes, Dijon is not only a mustard as most may know it as, it is a town as well. Dijon began as a Roman settlement called Divio, located on the road from Lyon to Paris, where today lays one of the easiest ways to get from Lyon to Paris, the TGV. This city also has the largest amount of buildings more than 300 years old, which are still standing.

The original indication to mustard extravaganza in Burgundy was in 1336 when a banquet was given for the King of France, Philip VI. Reports show that 66 gallons of mustard were consumed during this event. Later, the French mustard only urbanized its reputation at the end of the 18th century. The cause for its fame originates from the recipe of a Dijon mustard producer, Jean Naigeon, who decided to use vinegar instead of verjuice, (which is juice of unripe grapes). In fact, even as the original Burgundy condiment made out with verjuice was acid, the successful Dijon Mustard had a delicate and smooth taste. To protect this authentic recipe, the two major companies of mustard, “Grey Poupon Mustard” and “Maille” combined as one.

Today most mustard is made outside of Dijon, and 90% of the world’s supply of mustard seeds is grown in Canada, but that doesn’t stop the towns reputation from remaining “the mustard capital of the world.” In addition some of the finest mustard is still made in small, artisanal factories such as Edmond Fallot in Beaune. Therefore, when you are biking through Burgundy make sure you buy, or at least try, a jar of Dijon Mustard from the folks that know the condiment best.