Well, here we are just a few weeks prior to harvest and things are firming up quite a bit. I have spent my time in Chagny at a friends house, resting in between train runs up through the region. One day, Saint Aubin, the next, Beaune and Gevrey-Chambertin. You know, you truly have no idea of the size of these villages until you are walking alongside the Grand Cru highway, cars whooshing by and wondering if you will make it to Nuits Saint George with all of your limbs in tact.
A few days ago, I decided to upgrade to a much more luxurious mode of transport, a20 year old Peugeot 10 speed bicycle. While on bike I noticed just how small these villages are, Vougeot, Vosne Romanee, whoosh, whoosh. I also noticed that I am a far cry from bring in serious biking condition. Maybe people were right about my diet of beer,wine and rich foods…Maybe not.
Anyhow, with a chain of luck, I succeeded in getting into contract on my shared facility in Morey Saint Denis, close to Magnien just off the RN74. The day before, I secured my contract for 5 barrels of grapes from Morey Saint Denis - Les Chaffots 1er cru, just next to Clos Saint Denis Grand Cru. Today, I will travel to Gevrey-Chambertin using a friend’s Kangoo transport to sign for my extended contract of both Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru grapes, all from Aux Charmes I might add, as well as for my Le Chambertin in grapes. What an Amazing week…
This year, we will produce:
5 barrels from Morey Saint Denis -Les Chaffots 1er Cru
7 barrels from Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru
2 barrels from Le Chambertin Grand Cru
everything is from purchased grapes under long contracts. Well, I am off.
Thanks guys. I am having an unbelievable time here. And this week has gone exactly how I wanted it. I am now in contract for all of my fruit. Thanks again for the support guys!
I can imagine Ray on his peugeot with a big sign saying, “will work for grand cru contracts”
Sounds great Ray, I wish I had some $$ to invest in this project- if nothing else there would be a lot of nice Pinot to drink. That’s what I told myself when I started making Syrah up here in the Humboldt nation.
Good luck!
Ray,
Great sources! Out of curiosity, how far apart are the Chambertin and Charmes plots. Charmes doesn’t always get it’s due, but as I’m sure you know, some of those plots up by Chambertin can produce really great wines (e.g., Bachelet or Roty).
It’s been a while since I agreed with Robert (not due to me thinking him wrong, just me not spending as much time on boards), but I agree. Charmes at its best lasts a lot longer than people might think, and they are among the most joyful wines I have had from Burgundy.
Hey Robert,
I totally agree. First if all, all of the Charmes is coming from the Aux Charmes plot right across the road from Le Chambertin. I believe the road is 10 feet wide. So, 15 to 20 apart from the vines maybe. Drouhin and I are said to be the only pickers from this exact plot. We will be picking in alternating but in the same rows.she goes, I follow, back and forth. So, we share the rows and will get a certain amount each, mine being grapes that measure out to 7 barrels worth of grapes.
UPDATE
the pics of the vineyards are on the blog now…
Guys thanks for all of the support.
As for the Peugeot, I actually really enjoyed it. And a sign would do no good there. I have walked 4 times from the train station at Gevrey-Chambertin to Nuits-St-George without anyone noticing someone was tightrope walking the ‘pedestrian’ lane next to the gorge beside it. Anyhow, I am looking forward to not walking the RN74 anytime soon.
I must confess. After seeing countless numbers of old men passing me by on their bicycles vanishing quickly into the horizon I imagine them being quite pleased to leave a youngster in the dust. I envy them this feeling.
I really enjoy these bikes. I was thinking of buying one but is was more expensive than a Ninja 600 sitting next to it. Oh well. Take care of that bike.
Ray, wow, I’m totally blown away by what you’re doing. Talk about going for it. Your story started out more than interesting and is getting more intriguing by leaps and bounds. I’m one of the many who’ll be following the adventure. Best of luck with harvest.