Stephanie Sack organizes cruises on the preserved European canals that allow guests to discover wine regions from a different angle. We host her guest post where she tells us about her last visit at one of the most renowned producer of Chablis:
“The most revered name in French white wine is arguably Chablis. The Barge Lady, an American-based broker of barge cruises offers guests an immersion into the wine culture of France as part of the barging lifestyle.
Stephanie Sack, the Barge Lady’s Marketing Director, was excited to cruise on the barge named ‘Luciole’ in Northern Burgundy. Read about her tour and wine tasting at Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard.
Grown exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, Chablis wine is known for its carefully curated process, and is often cited for the purity of its aroma and taste.
A leading winery in Chablis, Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard produces wines across the range of Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru, and Chablis Grand Cru appellations. From the very first vintage in 1973 Jean-Marc Brocard, the son of a farmer, set out to create a wine that was true to the unique qualities, history, and tradition of Chablis.
Since its foundation, Domaine Brocard has grown from one hectare of vines to over one hundred. The estate employs other family members to whom the land’s history and preservation is of the utmost importance. In keeping with this vision, a large portion of the estate’s vines have been certified as organic or biodynamic, or is currently under conversion. Ultimately, the intent is to spotlight the amazing fruit and soil of Chablis for all the world to enjoy the clarity, nuance, and complexity found within.
Sebastien, the brother-in-law of the winery’s owner, gave us a tour making the esoteric world of land, sunshine, and grapes come alive with fascinating details and insider knowledge.
We first went to their underground tasting room to learn about the land’s eons of history. We then viewed the different types of barrels in which the wine is aged. From the second story of the public facility, a birds-eye view of the vineyards followed. Sebastien offered fascinating explanations of how the sun affects the growth and taste of the grapes, informing the varietal and classifications of the wines.
Once back at the private tasting bar, I sampled five types of Chablis, including an organic selection from their “biodynamic” varietal. The later was easily my favorite thanks to its fruity notes and zesty acidity. Lucky guests aboard other vessels in the Northern Burgundy region will also have the chance to visit this acclaimed vineyard!
The wine experience on a Barge Lady cruise adds a pleasurable and memorable dimension to the vessel’s itinerary. Guests enjoy hand-selected local and regional wine pairings with lunches and dinners, attend vineyard tours and wine tastings at some prestigious wineries. They can chat with wine experts and wine enthusiasts about the “terroir”, grapes, and varietals. These opportunities make for an exceptional experience, whether you are a wine connoisseur or enjoy a sip here and there. Join us for a glass or two as we immerse in the mysterious and wonderful world of European wines…”
For more information, visit bargeladycruises.com.
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