A noticeable shift in style

THERE is some snobbishness attached to wine drinking which should be deplored and that is the almost disdainful attitude towards negociant Burgundies, those of Drouhin, Jadot, Faiveley, et al, because negoce wines are not considered to be in the same class as "grower's" burgundies as the wines are made from brought-in fruit and not from vineyards they own. Absolute nonsense!

What is not generally known, and even if known, conveniently forgotten, is that the Houses of Drouhin, Jadot, et al are among the largest owners of vineyards, particularly the most sought-after vineyards, Musigny, Montrachet, et al. Among the kindest and most generous of hosts who have received me since my first foray into Burgundy 30 years ago were Robert Drouhin, Andre Gagey and Francois Faiveley, doyens of the wine trade in Burgundy.

Maison Joseph Faiveley