"I’ve seen a lot of France. After 35 years of traveling to this beautiful country I have visited nearly every region especially the wine regions in search of wine treasures. From the dry rugged stretches of the Languedoc and dramatic arid Roussillon to the lush bucolic slopes of the Loire Valley. But my most recent trip with my family brought me to the Roannais - the gently sloping hills west and north of Lyon. Mostly the hills are populated with the coveted Charolais cow. One doesn’t normally pass through the Roannais as it is not along any main artery unless you are going through central France between Clerment-Ferrand and Saint-Etienne and even then, going to Roanne requires a 50-60 kilometer detour. The main reason to go there is to visit the great restaurant Troisgros now celebrating 40 years of 3 Michelin stars. Precisely the reason for my trip. Michel Troisgros and his wife Marie-Pierre have become friends and during their recent visit to NY for La Paulée de New York Michel introduced me to a terrific producer of wine from the little know Cote Roannaise appellation. Stéphane Sérol is producing delicious wines from the family Domaine. Made from the Gamay grape, they are similar to good Beaujolais but a bit brighter and a touch lighter. Best served slightly chilled the wines are delicious, refreshing and vibrant.” —Daniel Johnnes

Region: COTE ROANNAISE

Winery: Domaine Robert Sérol

Winemaker: Stéphane Sérol

For more information please contact Michael Skurnik Wines