Apr. 14
No Wine Day
4/15
In the evening, I had dinner with Mr. Francois Brouard, the owner of Chateau Fongrave, who came to Japan from Bordeaux, France, and Mr. Claudie, Madame, at the Thai-Vietnamese restaurant “Ginger Glass” in Shinjuku.
In the past, I used to see Francois often, but due to the Covid-19 disaster and daimajo-sama’s care, I haven’t been able to see him much lately.
When I counted, it was the first reunion in six years.
I met Francois when I was working at Yamaya, so we have known each other for 30 years.
When I actually met him, it seemed like a lie that I hadn’t seen him for that long.
As usual, we can’t stop talking about wine.
Tonight, my son Dai also participated from Osaka, so we will be excited to talk about winemaking.
One of the topics that left a lasting impression on me was the story of the white wines of the Medoc.
Now, the Grand Cru chateau in the Medoc is competing to produce white wine.
Francois’s vineyards are planted with Semillon vines that are over 60 years old and are managed using sustainable farming methods.
He received an offer from Chateau Langoa Barton, the third-class Medoc Grand Cru, to buy the grapes, and the staff of Langoa Barton went into Francois’s vineyard and harvested them one by one.
Wow, that’s amazing.
Well, the wine we drank were,
Chase the Grape and Obuse Winery Merlot.
Francois was amazed at the high quality, perfection, and dignity of Obuse’s Merlot.
Chase the Grape was also complimented by Francois.
The good times flew by.
Francois, Claudie, it was a pleasure to meet you today.
Chase the Grape Bordeaux Blanc may be able to do it sooner or later.
See you again!
Francois and Claudie are going to Koyasan tomorrow and staying at a “Shukubo”.
Amazing!
