Before I take a few days out to put together and give you my full report of our trip to Beaujolais, believe me it will take some writing, let me say this:
The region is wonderful. You could not ask for a more picturesque scenario, especially in snowfall. The producers were happy to oblige, and the wines were soooooooooperb.
I’d like to give my ‘Oscaresque’ speach to:
Calad’in Comptoir for the much needed food at your bistro. That was a long morning. Your food was the strength I needed.
Also for intorducing me to Marion Fessy, proprietor of the bistrot and daughter of the Fessy estate.
The wineries we visited.
Chateau de Montmelas
Paul Henri Thillardon.
Your innovation is an inspiration to all Beaujolais winemakers.
Domaine de la Bonne Tonne. My own personal favourite winery.
The rest of my thanks go to:
Domaine Anne Sophie Dubois.
Domaine Nicolas Chemarin, plus their future child. Congratulations.
Domaine Romain Jambon.
Domaine de la Tour des Combes.
The other unsong heroes
Alex Layton at Westbury Communication
Aurelie Vabre, Jean Bourjade, Anthony Collet
Other chaps most definitely worth a mention are the tour group.
Matthew Scowen, Assistant Buyer – Hennings Wine Group. www.henningswine.co.uk
Celia Buridant – Sipp London Wine Merchant. www.sipplondon.com
Mr, Mrs, Master, Mademoiselle, good god. Even he was confused by the end of the trip – Meirion Williams.
Shop manager. www.yapp.co.uk
The most superbly named, and last one to turn the lights off, as he was flying to Gatwick, nearly 3 hours after we left.
Ed Perfect of Grape & Grain www.grapegrain.co.uk
Let us not forget the questions from Laura Heywood, staff writer from Harpers.