When I was visiting the vignerons last autumn, happy coincidences kept happening. I was beginning to believe the universe was conspiring in my favour. It all started when I was visiting Jean Foillard in Morgon. As I was visiting a number of vignerons in the region, I decided to stay at the bed and breakfast of Jean Foillard for a couple of days. By the way, if you love France
Back to the story…Well, Monsieur Foillard asked if I wanted to join the family for a lunch. Oui! In the middle of having a delicious lunch that Madame Foillard prepared for us, Monsieur Foillard stood-up, disappeared and returned with a bottle of white wine, declaring that the meal begs for a glass of white. There was already a bottle of Côte du Py on the table. I barely kissed my lips on the Côte du Py that Monsieur Foillard poured for me to taste enjoy. The bottle of white was no other than Thierry and Jean-Marie Puzelat Le Clos du Tue-Boeuf Pinot Gris. Crisp, minerally and delicious. There were now two glasses of generous pours in front of meal. BLISS CONSCIOUSNESS! I chuckled and informed Monsieur Foillard that I will be visiting Thierry and Jean-Marie Puzelat of Le Clos du Tue-Boeuf in a few days. A pause, then Monsieur Foillard glanced at me in a different light. I am not certain but I think that was the moment when Monsieur Foillard decided to give me some allocation to import.
Then, I was visiting Thierry and Jean-Marie Puzelat at their Le Clos du Tue Boeuf. During a tasting, a sample of Pinot Gris was poured. The very cuvée that Jean Foillard had poured for me at his domain only a couple of days ago. I chuckled and told Thierry about the Pinot Gris at Jean Foillard. A pause, then Thierry glanced at me in a different light. I am not certain but I think that was the moment when Thierry decided to give me some allocation to import.
With Thierry Puzelat at Le Clos du Tue-Boeuf Amongst the Vines, Surrounded by Diversity of Forests
Then, I was visiting Jean Maupertuis. After a tasting, I followed him to his personal cellar for a tour. What a cellar! Well, what do I see among the wines? Jean Foillard’s ‘PI-π’ – a wine only made in certain vintages. I chuckled and told Jean Maupertuis that I just visited Jean Foillard the day before. A pause, then Jean Maupertuis glanced at me in a different light. I am not certain but I think that was the moment when Jean Maupertuis decided to give me some allocation to import.
Jean Maupertuis among the Vines at Le Guillaume Vineyard (500 m above sea level on limestone)
Then to top it off, I was visiting Noëlla Morantin. When I arrived at her domain, she had nothing to sell. All her bottled wines were sold out. Generously, she had to dip into her personal stash to give me a taste. A conversation led to many things and Noëlla asked what other vignerons I was visiting. I told her all the names. Apparently, Noëlla just returned from Jean Foillard. I am not certain but I think…
