There are wines and then, there are French Wines...

Some of you reading my blog during the past two weeks might think that I have become an agent for French wines with the abundantly positive comments I have been making about them. Well, not really. It's that one must recognize quality and be willing to admit it. And it's not just the French wines. It's the French mind set about growing, making, and preserving wine that sets the standard. Every country--including mine--brags about its wine. The French do too, but they have a good reason to do so.

I had the opportunity to visit the Maison Bredif--the Wine Cellar of Marc Bredif in Rochecordon in the Loire Valley of France. By the way, one needs to redefine the term wine cellar when referring to Marc Bredif. It consists of 1.2 mile-long and centuries-old abandoned lime stone galleries that at one time provided the building stones for many of the cathedrals and chateaux of France. Entering the wine cellar was a spiritual experience for me. The barrels and bottles--dusty and cobweb covered--in the glow of candles inside the man-made caves gave the feeling of a medieval Byzantine monastery.

We were escorted by Matthieu--a delightful, knowledgeable and friendly young man--who made our wine touring experience most enjoyable. One of the bonus benefits, by the way, of visiting wineries and wine cellars around the world, is often meeting the wonderful people behind the wines. Matthieu was one of those people. We left Vouvray and the Loire with the best of memories--hope to visit again this wonderful part of France...