In the Summer Game of Seasons offers summer wine tours and gothic adventures thru La Maison Du Pont Semur-en-Auxois: Gothic Wine Tours in France. One of our stops is Domaine Flavigny-Alesia. Part 1.

Great day wine tasting in
Domaine Flavingny-Alesia.....The interesting thing about this place....it isn't part of the AOC and not recognized, therefore can't be imported into the US. The owner since 2002 a South African, Ida Neal, brought her exotic influence to the region.

This is a historic estate, in the old farm buildings of the Abbey of Flavingny dating to the 13th century. The wine Estate had its glory days in the Medieval Ages, due to the monks who served it to the table of the French kings. Due to the various economic factors and phylloxera, the vineyard gradually disappeared by the end of the 19th century.

1994, 13Ha of the vineyard was replanted in the traditional way.... After 33yrs residing in the Island of Mayotte, 101st French Department in the Indian Ocean, Ida was ready for the challenge, to create exceptional wine!

Located near the famous historical site of the battle Alésia, between Cèsar and the Gaules. The Winery was restored to excellence, and has a wonderful atmosphere. It's also close to the famous French candy and sweets: the Anis of Flavingny. The same candy spot and movie set in the beautiful médiévale village where the movie CHOCOLAT>> was filmed. 
Domaine Flavingny-Alesia in the Côté D'or, is in😄 Burgundy. People love this affordable wine, with their unique bottling, and blends. 

These wines are produced from 6 varieties of vines:
Aligote, Auxerrois, Chardonnay, Cesar, Pinot Noir and Pinot Beurot. By blending Chardonnay with Pinot Noir they produce a White and Rose sparkling wine. The winery also does a Fine de Flavigny which is (Brandy) distilled and Ratafia which is a blend of grape juice and brandy. 

Great place for a party...

Chess anyone?

Beautiful grounds.....restored to perfection.
Protected by the limestone cliffs, the vies are established on the hills to the south and on clay-limestone soil. The grapes are hand picked when they are ripe and ready. Since 2011 this has been their process into becoming biodynamic and continue to produce organic. 

Gothic feeling everywhere, yet still in the present. The estate is near the famous historical site of the battle Alesia, between the Cesar and Gaules; the birthplace of the French nation. One of the oldest vineyards of France, and is mapped at the time of Charlemagne in 741, as documented at the wine museum in Beaune.

My pic of the day..... #awesomeloot
1. A lovely dessert wine Vin de Colombier 2011
2.100% Cesar grape 2015 which is a treat. It's grown in this area of Burgundy and Irancy. It is also an aging beauty and can pour for the next 10 years.
3. Pinot Noir Atrium 2015 lite tannins, make for a soft elegant experience if you want red on a hot day.

Like California, Burgundy has suffered many weather issues in 2015, 2016, and 2017..... frost, maladies, heat, and constant rain is a cause of wine shortage in Bourgogne. We say in the wine business Mediterranean(or "many climates".)
Global climate issues are real. I tend to go for the things I can hold on to. Wine that is Grand Cru and not Cru....just good wine will do for me.
I'm grateful to be able to find things that I love, and get my hands on. I will cherish each bottle with loved ones, friends, and in the tub.

Part II.....where to eat? Stay tuned for our next blog.

Cheers, happy summer, and Namaste,

xoxo Game of Seasons