Bonjour, I’m Erwan

Discovering the Secrets of French Wine Through the Secret Wine Door

Story by Terry Check

The Secret Wine Door is not just a wine-tasting venue; it’s an experience that blends French culture, history, and storytelling into every glass. At the helm of this establishment is Erwan, a wine enthusiast whose mission is to take you on a sensory journey where each bottle tells its unique story. Whether you’re savoring the rich nuances of Bordeaux, the crisp freshness of a Loire Valley white, or the elegant complexity of a Burgundy red, every tasting at the Secret Wine Door feels like unlocking a hidden chapter of French heritage.

In addition to curated tastings, the Secret Wine Door offers wines for purchase and operates a wine club that ships exquisite bottles to members across Europe and the USA. The selection reflects Erwan’s deep respect for traditional French winemaking, as well as a focus on sustainability and terroir-driven wines.

Masquerade Magazine explores the different wine regions of France, the types of wine they produce, and how they come together to create a holistic wine – tasting experience at the Secret Wine Door.

Bordeaux: The World’s Wine Capital

Bordeaux is perhaps the most famous wine region in the world, renowned for its red blends. Located in southwestern France, Bordeaux benefits from a maritime climate that helps the vineyards produce some of the finest and most age-worthy wines. The primary grapes used here include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, which are typically blended to create the classic Bordeaux style.

• Left Bank wines are generally more Cabernet Sauvignon-heavy, delivering bold flavors of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco. Famous Left Bank appellations include Medoc, Pauillac, and Graves.
• Right Bank wines, dominated by Merlot, are often softer and more approachable in their youth, offering rich notes of plum, cherry, and chocolate. Top Right Bank appellations include Pomerol and Saint-Émilion.

At the Secret Wine Door, Bordeaux tastings often include both Left and Right Bank examples, allowing guests to appreciate the full spectrum of Bordeaux’s styles. As Erwan might explain during a tasting, each Bordeaux wine has its distinct character, shaped by the interplay of soil, climate, and grape variety.

Burgundy: A Symphony of Terroirs

Burgundy, or Bourgogne, is revered for its terroir-driven approach to winemaking. This region, located in east-central France, is where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reign supreme. Unlike Bordeaux, where blending is the norm, Burgundy wines are often single-varietal, highlighting the influence of terroir—the specific characteristics of the vineyard’s soil, climate, and topography—on the final product.

• Burgundy is divided into several subregions, including Côte de Nuits (home to some of the world’s most expensive Pinot Noirs), Côte de Beaune, and Chablis, famous for its steely and minerally Chardonnays.
• The concept of climat in Burgundy refers to the unique parcel of vineyard land, which can vary dramatically in its soil composition even over short distances. This diversity allows for an incredible range of flavors, even within the same grape variety.

At the Secret Wine Door, a Burgundy tasting is a study in subtlety and refinement. As each wine is poured, Erwan draws attention to the nuances that make one Chablis distinct from another, or how a Premier Cru Pinot Noir differs from a Grand Cru. These tastings serve as a deep dive into the world of terroir, showing that no two wines are truly the same.

Loire Valley: The Garden of France

Stretching from the Atlantic coast to central France, the Loire Valley is known for its diverse wine styles. It’s often referred to as “The Garden of France” due to its lush landscapes and abundant agricultural produce. The Loire Valley is home to several key subregions, each with its distinct wine profile:

• Muscadet: This subregion near the coast produces light, crisp white wines from the Melon de Bourgogne grape. These wines are known for their saline quality, making them perfect for pairing with oysters and other seafood.
• Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé: These regions are famous for their Sauvignon Blanc, offering wines that range from zesty and citrusy to more structured and mineral-driven.
• Vouvray: Made from the Chenin Blanc grape, Vouvray wines can range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, with notes of pear, honey, and sometimes a hint of spice.

During a Loire Valley tasting at the Secret Wine Door, Erwan might emphasize the variety within this one region, offering wines that span the flavor spectrum—from a refreshing Muscadet to a richly textured Vouvray. These wines pair wonderfully with the array of French cheeses available, particularly goat cheese, a specialty of the region.

Rhône Valley: A Land of Bold Reds and Exotic Whites

The Rhône Valley, located in southeastern France, is known for producing some of France’s most robust and characterful wines. The region is divided into two distinct parts—the Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône—each with its unique grape varieties and styles.

• In the Northern Rhône, Syrah is the dominant grape, producing powerful and savory reds with flavors of black pepper, dark berries, and olive tapenade. Famous appellations include Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Saint-Joseph.
• The Southern Rhône is famous for its blended wines, primarily made from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. The region’s most famous appellation, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, is known for its complex, full-bodied reds that often display layers of dried herbs, leather, and ripe fruit.

A Rhône Valley tasting at the Secret Wine Door allows guests to explore the depth and breadth of this diverse region. Erwan might pair these wines with a selection of hearty French cheeses and breads, bringing out the savory elements in both the food and the wine.

Champagne: The Sparkling Jewel of France

No exploration of French wine would be complete without a nod to Champagne, the world’s most famous sparkling wine. Produced exclusively in the Champagne region of northeastern France, this effervescent wine is made using the traditional method (Méthode Champenoise), which involves a second fermentation in the bottle.

• Champagne is typically a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, though there are also blanc de blancs (100% Chardonnay) and blanc de noirs (made from Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier) variations.
• The region’s unique chalky soils and cool climate give Champagne its characteristic brightness, acidity, and finesse.

At the Secret Wine Door, a Champagne tasting is often the grand finale of an evening, with Erwan explaining the intricate process of Champagne production while pouring glasses of some of the finest bottles. These tastings are a celebration of both the wine and the art of winemaking itself.

The Wine Club: Bringing the Experience Home

For those who want to continue their journey with French wine beyond the tastings, the Secret Wine Door offers an exclusive wine club. Members receive carefully curated selections of wines that reflect the diversity and quality of France’s wine regions. The club ships throughout Europe and the USA, making it easier for wine lovers to enjoy the best of French wine no matter where they are.

Each wine shipped through the club comes with detailed tasting notes, along with a story about the region, the winemaker, or the unique terroir. In this way, Erwan’s passion for storytelling extends beyond the walls of the Secret Wine Door, allowing members to feel connected to the history and culture behind every bottle they open.

Unveiling the Secrets of French Wine

Through its carefully curated tastings and extensive selection, the Secret Wine Door offers a unique way to explore the vast and diverse world of French wine. Whether you’re savoring a bold Bordeaux, a delicate Burgundy, or a sparkling Champagne, each bottle tells its own story—a story that connects you to centuries of winemaking tradition, the richness of French culture, and the passion of vintners dedicated to their craft.

Masquerade Magazine wishes to thank Erwan for his extraordinary discussion of French wines, hospitality, and use of his website photographs. Visit Erwan and the Secret Wine Door at https://www.secretwinedoor.com/ or when in Paris as he greets you …. Bonjour, I’m Erwan