
The Vallet family of Gevrey Chambertin in Burgundy, whose old fashioned “real” Pinot Noirs were some of the first wines which Paul Boutinot bought to the UK back in the early 1980s – and who influenced many of his classical winemaking principles – visited our stand at Vinidivio in Dijon, Burgundy this week.

Where it all began: Paul Boutinot's first portfolio tasting in the UK in 1980, with Bernard Vallet (second from left) and his father Louis Vallet at the end on the right.
Here they are about to taste our new Seriously Cool Cinsault, to find out whether Paul’s proclomation in our latest issue of Waterkloof – The News – “If you love Burgundy, you’ll love this” – is actually true!

Paul Boutinot shows off his Seriously Cool Cinsault withThe Vallet family. From left: Jean-Christophe Vallet, Paul Boutinot, Pierre Vallet and Bernard Vallet.
Pierre Vallet helped with a vintage at Waterkloof in 2011, while our Cellar Master Nadia Barnard worked at Vallet Freres in the same year – continuing our relationship with this wonderful family and their fantastic wines. Paul has been brought full circle this week, as he is in Dijon not to find wines to bring back to the UK, but instead to bring his wines from the Schapenberg to the people of France. Bon chance, Paul!
– Louis Boutinot

The cycle continues: Pierre Vallet and Louis Boutinot do pigeage at Waterkloof in 2011.