France

Our journey has taken us to a very precious place in France. The region of Burgandy. Where the vineyards are very small compared to the ones in  Italy, California and Spain. At least the ones I have been to. The distance between Dijon to Beaune is only about 75 miles long and a hillside wide. Burgundy is one of the world most prestigious wine regions. It is home to some of the expensive wines known to the universe.  (Keep in mind I had no idea of this) But of course, they also have wines that are affordable. It only represents 3% of the vines planted in France. The land being very expensive to the tune of 2.5 million for 2.5 acres.

They only grow two types of grapes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Now that being said I, three days ago I didn’t like either one of them.

The original wine makers were Monks to the region. Now the new wine makers want to make sure you know not only the origin of the grapes but the territory and even the village it comes from. The thing that makes this wine so unique is that 2,000 years ago the region was part of a vast tropical sea which created limestone in the soil. And in certain places there is a mixture of both limestone and clay that becomes magic. But not in the valley, not on the cliff, only in the slopes. And there for we have Grand Cru. Which is nothing like I have tasted before. There are wines from other parts of the world that have the same grapes but they don’t have, the magic hill. These wines, which ever variety, are crisp, round and delicious.

We went on a private wine tasting tour with Bourgogne Gold Tour Company and our guide Fabian was informative, knowledgeable and  delightful. We were able to go to Château’s that were by appointment only, and got to meet wine makers personally.

The passion they have about their few precious vines is unsurpassed. This show’s in the  product they produce. There labels tell you everything about the wine. From the  Domain, village, region, quality  of the grapes, down to how many walls the grower has around there land. If you see the word ” Clos “ that just means its closed with 3 or 4 walls. The labels are very complex and in this one visit I am still very confused!

As far as the city, it is extremely old, some of the wine cellars and Château’s are dated back to the 11th Century. They have wine cellar ceilings that have penicillin growing on them that you can touch. The buildings are big, but not elaborate. This part of France was very plain without a lot of flowers. A lot of limestone walls that go on forever. Except for Hotel Dieu des Hospices. Built in gothic style with the roof made from colored tiles dating back to 1443. This is where they took care of the sick whether you are rich or poor.

La Moatarare Fallot is the last of the mustard mills that exists in Burgundy. It is quite the process marketing mustard.

Fact: Dijon is a recipe of mustard not the town

Fact: Mustard originally was made from young grapes and mustard seeds not vinegar and mustard seeds.

Who would know that?

Now Lyon is a completely different story. Now we are back in the city with the presence of royalty throughout Church’s is dating back to BC. Monuments of kings and artists where ever you look. It was known for their markets and there silk Industries. They have secret passageways through the city, that if you know they are there, you can open the door walk through it and find yourself in a totally different part of the city. So much fun!  They have small cobblestone streets between the buildings that only pedestrians can go through filled with small shops, restaurants that look like small caves, when you peek your head in them.

We made it to some fine restaurants and the food was outstanding! With the food looking like peices of art.

We went last night to Michelin star restaurant called Pierre Orsi in Lyon. Not only was it outstanding, but the experience of Pierre coming out after each course that was prepared was so special! He was so elegant, kind and gracious. There was even a cookbook signed for me waiting at the table because I know a friend of his, that is a Master French Chef. It was wonderful surprise. It was a memorable evening to last a lifetime!