The event allowed guests to sample a selection of wines from the expansive and innovative chateau in the heart of the Beaujolais region in France.
By French standards, Château de la Chaize is not small. Coming in at 250 acres, it’s actually one of the most substantial estates in the region, the infamous Beaujolais area of Burgundy. Founded in 1670, it’s also among the oldest. After centuries of production, Château de la Chaize is celebrated for its terrior, with 50% of its vines coming in at 50 years old, and a portion coming in at over 75 years old. This, paired with remarkably porous soil allows for grapes to grow with truly unique characteristics which are now being fully capitalized on as Château de la Chaize expands its offerings, elevates its ecological mindfulness and sustainability efforts, and working toward finer and more impressive vintages though innovative practices.
Guests who joined the Château de la Chaize’s Nicolas Meilly at small French bistro Lucien in the Lower East Side were treated to a sampling of five different wines, include a very special 2017 Cote De Brouilly “Bruhlier”, which is deeply light, smooth, and dry due to its grapes’ physical situation on the Mont Bouilly- an area affectionately known as “the scorching place”. Guests also enjoyed a Pouilly-Fouise 2018, which was my personal favorite. Obsessively balanced and gentle, this wine really connected with a baseline of citrus.
Château de la Chaize is going great lengths to improve the quality of the wine and the longevity of the chateau itself by way of improved growing techniques and sustainable practices. This is in interests of achieving certified organic status for the whole of the chateau in the next few years.
Beyond the estate itself, Château de la Chaize is working to improve the perception of the Beaujolais wine generally. It’s a battle of branding and engagement, and Château de la Chaize is making true inroads in changing the relationship with the community and the world at large. The estate is working to be certified organic in the coming years and grass is being grown between vines to more carefully regulate erosion and infuse the soil.
Learn more about this fascinating and innovative chateau at https://www.chateaudelachaize.fr/
