On January 27 the first ever Soiree des Grands Crus will give New Yorkers a rare chance to get up close and personal with younger generation of Bordeaux winemakers for an evening of tasting and learning.
Thomas Serrano one of the organizers took time to discuss how this special event came to be.
Q: Thomas, is la Soiree des Grands Crus representative of your usual projects at Euro RSCG Luxe Events?
It is more an extension of what we've been doing. Up to now we mostly produced custom private events. For example we introduced Dom Perignon's new bottle at an evening affair in Meat Packing district during Fashion Week.
Q: La Soiree des Grands Crus brings fine wine and watches together, is it a constant in your work?
No, we deal with a variety of high end brands, wine and watches aspect was brought in by W2 our parter in Grands Crus, hence their name?
Q: How did the January 27 event come about and what is the division of work between you and W2?
Julien Angevin of W2 is based in France. He developped the concept and asked for my help on the ground in New York since I'm there.
W2 created the program, selected winemakers, built the event site and so forth. I found a space to host it, sponsors, a local marketing firm and all these practical details.
Q: It is the first ever Soiree des Grands Crus, correct?
Yes it is the first ever Soiree des Grands Crus. Julien had the idea after hearing from Bordeaux winemakers that as much as they liked their annual January visit to the US to meet the trade, they would like to meet wine drinkers, wine fans.
This type of setting allows wine lovers to put a face on who's making a specific wine, learn not just about technical facts but as important the place it comes from and the story (history) behind each Chateau. It creates a bond between winemakers and fans.
Q: Why did you go beyond picking one or two appellations and decide to showcase left and right banks of Bordeaux?
We wanted variety and diversity in style and price as well. Wines poured at the event range from $55 to $350 a bottle retail.
Q: You also made a concious effort to showcase a younger generation of winemakers including a number of women, is it part of that search for diversity?
Yes, winemakers in attendance at the event are between 27 and 45 years old. For family owned properties, it is often parents passing the baton. As for women you see more and more of them in what used to be a male bastion.
Q: What size audience do you expect for this first edition of La Soiree des Grands Crus?
It should be around 500 over the 5 hours the event lasts. It will ebb and flow.
Q: What vintages will be served?
It will run from 2000 to 2007.
Q: Are you planning similar events in other cities?
We hope to add other US cities for 2012 edition. Hong Kong is also in the cards.
Q: To conclude, what would you say to people still undecided as to whether to attend?
If the image you have of Bordeaux wines is haughty and only for experts, tasting these Grands Crus and meeting the men and women whose passion make the Bordeaux magic happen will make this day one to remember.
Merci, Thomas.
The organizers were kind enough to offer a promotional rate for 'Serge the Concierge' readers. It will be published later today.
They also offered 2 tickets for a readers's contest. Details will be announced tomorrow, Friday, January 21.