| Visits With The King Of Beaujolais And The King Of The Rhone | | | | By: Ron Kapon |  Page 1 of 6 next >> |
INTRODUCTION- I have enjoyed wine for most of my 69 years having sampled my first wine I was but three years of age (mixed with water). I have met Kings and Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers, but nothing was as thrilling to me as my recent visit to Beaujolais, the Rhone, tasting with Georges and Franck Duboeuf and their counterpart in the Rhone Marcel and Philippe Guigal. I first met the senior Duboeuf about 15 years ago when he journeyed to New York to present his Nouveau in the fall and his Cru Beaujolais selections in the spring; a few years ago his son Franck joined him during these trips. Philippe Guigal is almost 30 years old and the last time I saw him he was 10 and my brother and I took father, mother (Bernadette) and son to dinner at Sparks Steak House in New York City. But I was coming to their country and it was to see them, taste their wines and visit their wineries. A bonus for me was a short visit and tasting at Beaucastel, the greatest producer of Chateauneuf du Pape, and a vineyard tour with the Prince of the Rhone- J.Vidal-Fleury. But we are getting ahead of ourselves; let’s return to the point of origin; New York City.
The 11PM Air France flight to Paris is a favorite for several reasons. One, there is very little traffic going to the airport late on a Saturday night. Two, the Air France terminal is almost empty and I was able to be upgraded to business class which made the 7 hour flight much more pleasant. A short 1 ˝ hour layover gave me enough time to get to the other terminal and board another Air France flight to Lyon. My other option was the TGV fast train right from Charles de Gaulle airport that took about two hours. But that would have meant waiting for my luggage and moving it to the train station so I opted for the easy 1 hour flight. This is a wine rather than a travel story but I am adding certain sources and suggestions to help you with your trip planning. A taxi from the Lyon airport would have been about $60 so I hopped on the waiting bus to the train station and then a short taxi ride to the 4 Star Sofitel Bellecour Hotel in the center of the city (total cost about $20). A few hours were spent walking the city core and I was ready for bed as my adventure began early the next day. The Duboeuf’ operations are in Romaneche- Thorin, less than an hours drive.
More Information- www.lyon-france.com
www.franceguide.com
www.raileurope.com
www.airfrance.com
BEAUJOLAIS AND GEORGES DUBOEUF- In the 1950’s Georges Duboeuf began selling wine from his home in the Macon area and delivering his wares by bicycle .In 1957 he met the late Alexis Lichine who encouraged him in his vinous pursuits and purchased wine from him. Georges calls Alexis “one of my heroes”. Editors Note- In 1964 I was an apprentice at the Lichine owned Chateau Lascombes and learned much of what I know about the marketing of wine from Alexis. In 1964 Duboeuf started the company that bears his name selling mainly Pouilly Fuisse. Since he needed a red wine for his portfolio he traveled to Beaujolais and discovered his nirvana. Remember, this is a story about vision, pleasure, eye-appeal and love of the grape. At present over 500 vignerons and 40 cooperatives in Beaujolais sell their wares to Duboeuf, most with only a handshake for an agreement. Presently Duboeuf sells a million cases in the US (3 million worldwide) through his importers Yale Sager of Winesellers Ltd. and Bill Deutsch of W.J.Deutsch & Sons Ltd. who began representing his wines in 1980. W.J.Deutsch & Sons cover the east coast and Winesellers the balance of the country.
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