It is snowing in Paris, this is so pretty ! The city is very quiet today, it gives me romantic thoughts. Feeling good in the snow flakes, I also keep on thinking of Beaujolais. Calling a friend, she told me there is 20 centimeters of snow over there : time to run in the white field, make some smoke in the air with your breath and enjoy the smell of burnt vine-shoot.

On the Beaujolais Road

How I miss my Beaujolais ! Last year, same period I was on a road trip with a friend to pick up the wines that were going on my Beaujolais tasting in Lyon. A few weeks ago the château de Carra was again on my beaujolais tasting in Paris.

The daughter of Philippe Bonhomme – Clémence – was there to introduce her Beaujolais nouveau, beaujolais blanc and beaujolais Prestige. And let me tell you… I’m hearing about the Prestige again today : THEY ALL LOVED IT.

Vicky Beaujolais and Nouveau Tasting in Paris

The Château de Carra (domaine de Bacarra) is one you can’t forget. First it’s in one of the prettiest place in Beaujolais (Saint Etienne La Varenne), covered in snow it’s a small paradise, between hills, old village and vines. I’ve already written a few words last year but can’t help starting again today.

Philippe Bonhomme Rocker, Photographer and Wine Maker

• Born to Rock the Vines

Then, and I insist, Philippe, the wine-maker is a great host. Photographer and musician, visiting his domaine means also visiting his music studio and photo space. Since teenagehood he played in a rock’n'roll band that still gather in his home made studio.

Before called Les Préférés de Maman (Mum’s favorites), the beaujolais group members have changed over time but the band remains now know as Electric Dandies. This is something more philippe can share with his kids and friend that never miss a show ! In the group now you have a bass player that was touring in London in the 60′ and a drumer that used to play all over Lyon… Not to talk about the singer that is probably the only academician that’s in a rock band . How cool is that ?

The Younger Generation on the Scene

Electric Dandies Studio

When he has a spare minute, philippe also enjoys it to shoot beautiful pictures, a check to his website will tell you more. Living there, I’d be a photographer too, to capture such a region beauty !

So Philippe lives the good life and with his artistic soul produces great wines. As my wine tasters loved the Prestige (kept in my cellar for a year) I should tell you more about this particular one… Now if you want to try the rest :> , drop philippe a line or order it at Les Mois Du Vin. YOu’ll also be able to find some wine in New York, Canada and in Kurdistan, probably ne of the only beaujolais in the country .

Beaujolais et Beaujolais Prestige Domaine De Bacarra

Château du Carra (Domaine de Bacarra) : 16 hectares of Vines shared between Gamay and Chardonnay. Semi-Carbonic vinification, Ciment tanks and burgundy foudre and barrels where the Beaujolais Prestige ages for 6 months. Soils of granit and sand.
Cuvée Prestige 2008 : Made of 100% Gamay, it has also aged in oak barrels for 6 months, which give it more structure and helps it age. Today in 2010, the 08 was perfect, smooth, tender, with croquant fruit and lenght. They all came  back to it at the tasting : proof of a great wine !
Enjoy the week-end !

Vicky