Not the 11th Hour You Imagined

The patron saint of winemakers is Saint Martin, and today (Nov 11th) is Saint Martin’s Day. (Corks usually start being pulled on the 11th minute of the 11th hour, of this, the 11th day of the 11th month). A Roman cavalry officer, Saint Martin eventually became a monk and the bishop of Tours in the Loire Valley (France). After his death, his remains were kept in an abbey there until war caused the relics to be brought to Obédiencerie, a chapel in the monastery of Chablis. Today, Obédiencerie is within the old cellars of Domaine Laroche. In honor of today, we tasted Domaine Laroche’s Grand Cru Chablis “Les Blanchots” 2012 ($105). A Grand Cru Chablis’ signature is purity and its sleek line—like a runway model. This wine was perfect testament. (Saint Martin, btw, is also the patron saint of France and of geese).