Debbie Miller Nelson's Trip to France, Part 10

All of our managers and wine staff travel at least once a year to a wine-growing region somewhere throughout the world. Traveling is one of the many aspects of Joe Canal’s that sets us apart from other wine shops. We know that by meeting the winemakers, walking the vineyards and tasting new wine from the barrel, we can see first-hand the passion that goes into each bottle. We can then convey this commitment to quality to our customers. Rather than having you just looking at a label and a score, we believe it is our responsibility to bring you closer to how the wine was made and the people who made it. We'll be sharing their trip reports with you here on the BottleBlog.

In June 2011, Debbie Miller Nelson, Wine Manager of the Iselin store had the privilege of traveling to France and immersing herself in French food, culture, and most importantly, wine! Here is the 10th installment of Debbie’s trip.

We drove to mid-Gevrey to meet Alain Burguet and his live-in girlfriend Domenique. Alain speaks no English, but again, he was able to communicate with us very well through gestures and inflexion (as well as a lot of flirting). Of course we have a translator, but you never get the whole translation.


Alain takes us to the cellar to taste 2010 barrel samples and then join Alain & Domenique in their home for some Champagne before lunch.


We also meet their new 2 month old puppy who has taken a liking to me. He played with me for at least an hour!


Since I don’t speak French, I pointed to the dog, then my knapsack and nodded at Alain. I was denied.

We moved into their dining room where Domenique made us a wonderful lunch of roast chicken, salad, greens and more chocolate mouse. Yum! We also enjoyed some mystery wine. It was so old and unmarked, even Alain didn’t know what it was.


By the way, the French love American wine. Just look at that empty bottle of Opus One on the ledge behind Alain!

We leave Alain, but will see him later for dinner.


Next stop Meo-Camuzet!

Available at Joe Canal’s:
Domaine Burguet Chambolle Musigny Les Chardannes 2005 BC $64.94
Domaine Burguet Gevrey-Chambertin Justice 2005 BC $65.94
Domaine Burguet Chambertin Clos de Beze 2006 BC $246.99