Touring FranceVirtually, with
Chêne Bleu
Austin
By Forrest Preece, Master Scribe
C’est Magnifique! The Austin Chapter of the Knights of the Vine went on a virtual trip to France for a wine tasting with Nicole Rolet of Chêne Bleu on Sunday, September 13. Maitre de Partis Rose Betty Williams did a masterful job of arranging the tour. The selection of fine wines sampled during the excursion included Chêne Bleu’s 2019 Rosé, 2015 Aliot, 2012 Heloise, and 2012 Abelard. Thanks to the generosity of Twin Liquors, an Austin-based family business with 100 locations in Texas, co-owned by Master Knight David Jabour, participants in the tour were able to buy the four wines at a discount. During the session, the Knights and Gentle Ladies among the thirty-plus couples who “took the journey” were treated to a wonderful expedition that covered the vineyards, winery, spectacular grounds, scenery and buildings of Chêne Bleu.
tement of Vaucluse in the southern Rhône, where the boundaries of Gigondas, Côtes du Ventoux, Côtes du Rhône and Séguret come together. It enjoys an exceptional terroir due to this pristine, remote location and its complex geology, with many exposed strata of rock.
Master de Partis Rose Betty Williams was the moderator in Austin during the tour and tasting.
Ms. Rolet, who owns the property with her husband Xavier, described the history of this ancient estate and discussed how Chêne Bleu’s location in the foothills of Mount Ventoux and specifically, the climate, terroir, and altitude, contribute to Chêne Bleu’s production of Super Rhône wines. Chêne Bleu’s Chef provided recipes for dishes to complement the wines. Blessed with a confluence of natural factors, Chêne Bleu has the benefit of an exceptional location, multifaceted geology, and a southern Rhône climate with soils more typical of the northern Rhône. Isolated and protected, high in a mountain saddle, Chêne Bleu has its provenance in a unique, four-corner borderland of the dépar-
The environment brings about wines that have the aromas and flavors of the southern Rhône, the finesse of the northern Rhône and the aging potential of the region’s finest Appellations d’origine contrôlée (AOCs). Xavier and Nicole purchased the property in 1993, enchanted by the secluded location of the vineyard and the history of the ancient priory that had been built nearly 1,000 years ago.
All the Knights and Gentle Ladies who were relaxing in their homes during the event created menus of noshing delights to accompany the wines. As the online session was winding down, cries of “à bientôt!” and “à votre santé!” were heard.
Nicole Rolet of Chêne Bleu takes members on a virtual tour of their property
Marisa & Jim Bushee 4
The Arbor
