The 1969 white Burgundy, Le Montrachet ,from Bernard Grivelet, scored 20 points on the Dionysian scale of 20! Its 13% alcohol was perfect. Back in 1973, the wine cost $20, today it’s $500. I seldom age most white wines for more than six to ten years, but this Grand Cru, I knew, could grow old gracefully.
A wine to be drunk “Hatless and on one’s knee,” said Dumas, author of The Three Musketeers. It was one of the most perfect white Burgundies I’ve ever had. Well worth the wait.
At 47 years old, this wine proved that well made, non excessive alcoholic wines, stored in a cold, dark cellar can age to perfection; red or white. It had creamy apple fruit blended with some mineral and chalk that lasted forever in its aftertaste. Dionysian Gary Pavlis said it was the best he’d ever had.
Because the wine was so special, it was served with a simple roasted chicken, vegetable and basic salad dish.
When serving a wine like Le Montrachet, keep the food basic; the wine is the focal point and it proved true for this Tuesday evening meal. In vino veritas.
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