Recently Wine Times had the pleasure of meeting
Frederique Bachotet, a native of Burgundy and the winemaker for her uncle,
Christian Serafin’s winery – Serafin Pere et Fils. Christian Serafin is one of
the figureheads of Gevrey and his reputation is as great as his vineyards are
microscopic.
Working with only 4.3 hectares, Frederique
produces low-yield wines on the estate making rare, hard to find and concentrated
wines from the classic Burgundian grape, Pinot Noir. These wines are designed
to both age well but are extremely approachable at a young age too making them
highly sought after and, we assume, hard to keep in the cellar knowing that they
are ready to drink at any age.
Ms. Bachotet took the time out of her busy
schedule to sit down with us so we could learn more about what made her the
winemaker she is today.
WTHK: What inspired you to become a wine maker?
FB: “Well, my grandfather used to work on the
vines so I have always had exposure to the business. I went to school to learn
winemaking and during harvest time I would always be in the winery and in the
vineyards with my uncle. I guess it was a family thing, but something I was
always very interested in. I always knew I would work with my uncle”.
WTHK: Has wine always been a big part of your
life?
FB: “Yes. The family has always drunk and
tasted wine together and it was a great way for the family to get together. We’d
always get together on weekends and try new wines and drink our favourites”.
WTHK: You only make Pinot Noir. Do you think
that’s easier than working in, for example Bordeaux where you have many
different grape varieties?
FB: “Oh my, what a question, it’s tough to
answer as I have always only worked in Burgundy with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
I’ve never considered whether it was harder or not to make different wines as I
have spent my whole Iife in Burgundy”!
WTHK: Why is the land you own and harvest such
a special area?
FB: “Really, Burgundy has many different unique
terroir which cannot be found anywhere else. We work with a single varietal
which really makes us think and work around, and with, the terroir. It’s all
about making wine that expresses the terroir of the region and we are fortunate
to have such great vineyards and grow grapes that really express the land we
farm”.
WTHK: If you did not work in Burgundy where else
would you like work?
FB: “I love making wine in France and have only
ever made wine in Burgundy so it’s hard to say! But for sure it would be
somewhere where the sun always shines as I love being in the vineyards in the
sun. I love tasting wines from all around the world but making wine elsewhere….not
sure. Burgundy is the best place to work and make wine of course”!
WTHK: Have you ever paired Chinese food with
your wines?
FB: “No, never. I am very excited about being
here in Hong Kong and seeing how our wines pair with Chinese cuisine. It should
be a very interesting experience as the wines of Burgundy are very versatile
and I hear the cuisine here is extremely good – I am really looking forward to
it”.
WTHK: What are your thoughts on Hong Kong so
far as this is your first time here?
FB: “I like it here, I am surprised how clean
it is here for such a big city. Also, everything here moves at such a fast pace…it’s
not like Burgundy at all, but it’s great being here and experiencing the
different cultures and customs”.
Domaine Serafin wines are exclusively imported
and distributed by One Red Dot Fine wines and they can be contacted on sales@onereddot.com or by phone on (+852)
24089682
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