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Winery News |
 |  | Journey To The Home of BurgundyFor many years Morton Estate Katikati wine maker, Nic Millichip has dreamed
of immersing himself in the techniques used by the wine makers of Burgundy. In September, he went to the region of Burgundy in France, a narrow 150-kilometre limestone strip regarded as the most important region in terms of producing fine quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. While visiting Burgundy Nic steeped himself in wine making traditions that go back many generations. "In every nook and cranny you find a barrel of wine," he enthused. "Because the skill of wine making passes from parent to child, there are nuances to the way they make wine that no manual could ever capture. Certainly, no instructor or book could pass such innate knowledge on. You have to be there and be part of it." Nic joined the de Montille family at the Domaine in Volnay at the beginning of vintage, and worked there and the cave in Meursault. During that time, he worked alongside Hubert de Montille (one of the most influential men in the making of Burgundy) and Alix and Etienne, Hubertıs daughter and son. According to many, Hubert has Pinot Noir in his veins. He explained why the regionıs reputation for making the worldıs finest Burgundy is without equal. "Every grape is hand harvested," he said, adding "I handled grapes I had only ever read about. Just to be there, to touch those grapes was a unique experience. Unforgettable." One of several highlights for Nic was going to Domaine Romanee Conti, in Vougeot and being part of a degustation evening, tasting wines from every decade starting in 2001 and ending with a 1956 La Tache. "Every wine had a unique complexity and perfumed youth that was unparalleled." While he was at Domaine de Montille, Nic gained an insight into his craft he would never have acquired any other way. This valuable knowledge will complement the vast international experience he brings to producing Morton Estateıs Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the two grapes that form the back-bone of Burgundy. |
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