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A Burgundian Journey |
By Rajiv Singhal |
Maison Joseph Drouhin was founded in Beaune in the heart of Burgundy in 1880 by a daring and enterprising 22 year old from Chablis who wanted to offer great quality wines that would bear his name. |
The domaine was assembled parcel by parcel over the years to be one of the largest in the region that spans around 90 different appellations and comprises of 73 hectares of vineyards in the Cote de Nuits, Cote de Beaune, Cote Chalonnaise and Chablis - more than two thirds classified as Premier and Grand Crus. The cellars grew from the founding historical royal cellars from the 12th - 18th century in Beaune to the famed 18th century Moulin de Vaudon in Chablis. This allows Joseph Drouhin to offer a range of authentic terroirs - with its own subtle variations. |
Besides the art of winemaking, the qualities that have been handed down over generations have included a rigorous attention to detail, self-imposed discipline, a desire to learn, a rigorous sense of values, intense passion, and a never ending search for quality. |
Grandson Robert was one of the pioneers in the region to introduce "culture raisonnee" (no pesticides and chemicals) much before it became the "in" thing! He also built an oenology laboratory that was run by Laurence Jobard, the very first woman oenologist in Burgundy. |
The fourth generation of the house is in control now, and all descendants uphold the founding values and the constant quest for quality of the House. They are motivated to make wines for the pleasure of all those who have a deep appreciation for the natural elegance of Burgundy. |
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Sumit Sehgal with Christophe Thomas • Joseph Drouhin wines at Megu |
Christophe Thomas, the Export Director shared some wines from Maison Joseph Drouhin. Sharing the history of the house and the emphasis on the biological and biodynamic approach, he highlighted the impact of global warming as this year would be the smallest crop in France since 1945. |
The wines were paired with the authentic Japanese specials at Megu at the Leela Palace New Delhi. A very stimulating learning experience. |
Tasting Notes |
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Joseph Drouhin La Foret Chardonnay 2015
100% Chardonnay. Light yellow. Citrusy aromas with hints of vanilla. Fresh, fruity and dry with balanced acidity. Easy drinking.
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Joseph Drouhin Chablis Reserve de Voudon 2015 100% Chardonnay. Pale gold with greenish hues. Fresh green apple aromas. Crisp, dry and fruity, with minerally notes. Pleasant with a longish aftertaste. |
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Joseph Drouhin Puligny Montrachet 2014 100% Chardonnay. Bright gold. White floral aromas and hints of almond on nose. A textured fruity peach palate. Well-structured with a lingering finish. Christophe introduced "Montrachet" from two communes Puligny and Chassagne that are surrounded by the four others Batard-Montrachet, Chevalier Montrachet, Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet and Criots-Batard-Montrachet.
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Joseph Drouhin Pommard 2014
100% Pinot Noir. Dark ruby red with violet tints. Spicy nose. Earthy. Black cherries on the palate. Soft rounded tannins and textured finish. |
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Joseph Drouhin Clos des Mouches Premier Cru Rouge 2014 100% Pinot Noir. Deep ruby red. Intense nose of berries with hints of pepper and smokiness. Medium bodied with smooth tannins. Well balanced with a longish finish.
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Joseph Drouhin Nuits-Saint-Georges 1995 (from magnum) 100% Pinot Noir. Deep red colour. Powerful aromas of plum with hints of wood. Fruity, syrupy and spicy on the palate. Full-bodied, well-structured and well balanced with soft rounded tannins. A dream finish - delicious.
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Rajiv Singhal was invited to the "Journey with Joseph Drouhin" by the Indian importer, Prestige Wines & Spirits. |
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O T H E R S T O R I E S |
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