Bordeaux 2010

In early June of this year, I had the pleasure of joining with ten fellow wine professionals from the United States and Canada for an in-depth education program presented at the Ecole du Vin in Bordeaux. History buffs might appreciate the coincidence that our group arrived at the Hotel Normandie on June the 6th. 
It was an intense week of classroom study, combined with visits to several Chateau, personally guided by their owners. 

Our instructor and guide, Alexander Hall, gave us a good-natured warning that it would be quite the challenging "tour gastronomique" as well! True to his word, by the second day of the trip my colleagues and I found ourselves jokingly complaining, "fois gras, again?" As far as enhancing my knowledge of the region and its' wines, this trip surpassed my expectations! 

I found that many of my preconceived notions of "Old World" winemaking were surely in need of an update. From visiting Grand Cru Classe estates, to new wave "Garagistes," and savvy "Negociants," I came to appreciate how inaccurate it is to refer to Bordeaux as Old World anymore.

In August, M&R will be hosting two Bordeaux themed Wine Dinners - be sure to check out the events section of our website! It will be a great opportunity to meet the M&R managers that toured Bordeaux. We would love to share our experiences with you, and what better forum than a wonderful, French themed meal! We hope you can join us!
- Bill Luckey

  Hotel Normandie, Bordeaux - Across the street from Ecole du Vin

 Luncheon Tasting at La Belle Epoque Restaurant

 Alexander Hall 
Instructor at Ecole du Vin