Ep 439: Gamay All Day with Serge Doré (AKA, Serge talks about Beaujolais!)

Another energetic, entertaining show with Serge!   Serge Doré with his daughter Gabriele. Photo: JoAnn Actis-Grande Portsmouth Herald Serge Doré, importer of French wine (and American via Quebec…he’s a man of many identities and a worldliness we can only aspire to!) and popular podcast favorite, joins us to talk about Beaujolais, one of his favorite regions. Like all the French regions with which he works, Serge has seen the ups and downs of Beaujolais and has stuck around through a lot in working with the producers here. In the show, Serge takes us through the evolution of the region. He details the rise and fall of the Beaujolais Nouveau craze, the aftermath, and the outstanding recent history of the region. He shares stories of producers he imports and gives us inside dirt.   Here are the topics we cover: Serge began working in Beaujolais in 1979. He tells us about the region then and what it was like to meet the famed Georges Duboeuf and learn about Beaujolais from him.  We discuss the phenomenon of Beaujolai Nouveau and how it was the rise and fall of the region (and how the crus are responsible for the rebirth of Beaujolais).   We discuss the three main areas of Beaujolais: the basic Beaujolais AOP in the south, the Beaujolais-Villages AOP, mainly in the north, and the 10 Beaujolais Crus, all in the north. We discuss why soil and location matters so much in this area of the world and give ideas on the character of some of the crus: Regnie, Saint-Amour, Chiroubles, Brouilly, Cote de Brouilly, Fleurie, Chenas, and Julienas, Morgan and Moulin-a-Vent Older map from Beaujolais.com Serge describes the scenery, culture, and people of Beaujolais in a way only he can! It sounds like we all need to get there ASAP!   Serge opines on how Burgundy and Beaujolais are different and the relationship between them.   We discuss Serge’s producers in Beaujolais and how they are part of the exclusive Terroirs Originels group (list of producers is here). His portfolio includes: Jean-Michel Dupré, Lucien Lardy, Laurent Gauthier, Pascal Aufranc, and Patrick Tranchand (you can get them in New Hampshire and Massachusetts or order them online) This is a DELICIOUS wine!!!    We discuss the dynamic producers of Beaujolais, how they are coping with climate change, and Serge’s advice for enjoying beautiful Beaujolais! Go to Serge Doré Selections to learn more and find out where you can get these beautiful wines! ____________________________________________________ Thanks to our sponsors this week: Wine Spies uncovers incredible wines at unreal prices - on Zinfandel, Barolo, Champagne...you name it - up to 75% off! It’s not a club and there’s no obligation to buy. They have a build-a-case option, so you can mix and match wines while enjoying free shipping on every purchase. Visit www.winespies.com/normal you’ll get $10 credit to use on your first order! Check them out today!   If you think our podcast is worth the price of a bottle or two of wine a year, please become a member of Patreon... you'll get even more great content, live interactions and classes!  www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople   To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth go to: www.winefornormalpeople.com/classes