This magazine was shared with %%First name%% %%Last name%% as a member of our community of Bordeaux-lovers all over the world.
|
Opéra Garnier in Paris, one of the most beautiful theaters in the world
|
A Personal Note From Ronald,
|
This month I would like to address passion and emotions. After so many weeks of lockdown, emotions tend to build up between housemates.
But it is not these kinds of passion and emotions I want to talk about.
In lockdown we have time for reflection and time to clear out our desks or reorganize our bookcases. And fall back on the things we enjoy, that spark our passion.
Passion My greatest passion is Bordeaux and its great wines of course. That’s why I love sharing my knowledge of Bordeaux with wine lovers from all over the world.
And that’s also the reason that I am sad that I can’t conduct our tours in May and June this year.
Wine and Music But I have another passion that I would like to share with you and that is opera.
I will use our experience at one of the most beautiful opera theatres in the world, the Opera Garnier in Paris, to bring wine and music together.
And I hope you will enjoy that.
|
|
Ronald and Margaret tasting Chateau Margaux 1985 at
Chateau Margaux. There is more than the wine to the experience
|
|
|
If you are not into opera, I am sure you will enjoy the anecdotes and pictures of the building that stood for the setting of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical: The Phantom of the Opera.
Optimistic
We feel very optimistic that international travel will take off again in the not too distant future. And apparently, we are not alone.
We are getting many information requests for our 2021 Bordeaux Wine Tour program. And even for 2022!
If you are spending some of your lockdown hours at travel planning, then check out our Bordeaux Wine Tours Schedule here.
|
|
Ronald and Margaret in Paris in one of the most beautiful
opera theatres in the world
|
|
|
Ronald and Margaret love welcoming you
in Bordeaux
|
|
For now, please take care and stay healthy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wine, Passion and emotion
By Ronald Rens, M. Sc., Wine Master
|
Chateau Margaux 1985 and many other great wines at the Farewell Dinner at Chateau Coulon Laurensac
|
Wine and Opera: passion and emotion Last October, Margaret and I were in Paris to see Verdi’s La Traviata at the Opera Garnier.
Guests who toured with me know that I simply love opera and I will try to explain the parallels between wine and opera.
And share some opera experiences with you because they were so brilliant.
|
Emotion “A good wine is a pleasure and a great wine is an emotion.”
I will never forget these words of the late Paul Pontallier of Chateau Margaux.
He gave me an intense look and I could see the sincerity in his eyes. He managed to put words on something that I had felt many times before in my life.
I have tasted so many good wines that gave me pleasure. And I had the privilege to taste a multitude of great wines that indeed were an emotion.
|
|
I will never forget the words of the late Paul Pontallier
|
|
|
Making an experience unforgettable
And many wines I can remember to this very day.
There are even some outstanding wines that I will never forget.
But I sometimes wonder if it were the wines that were so unforgettable?
Of course, these wines were great, but for me what made them unforgettable was the entire experience: the wine, but also the food, the venue and most importantly: the people I shared the experience with.
|
|
A great wine, but there is more to the the experience
|
|
|
_____________________________________________________________________
|
What makes an experience unforgettable?
|
What makes a wine unforgettable?
Let’s compare a wine experience with an opera experience.
La Traviata is my favorite opera and I enjoy playing my CD’s regularly.
And although I enjoy listening to a CD, it’s far from the live experience in a beautiful theatre.
And the same goes for wine. I have many great wines in my cellar and of course Margaret and I drink some of them together during this lockdown.
But in many respects, it is like listening to a CD. It’s simply not the same experience.
We always share our best wines with our friends at our dinner table and with our guests on our tours. For me, sharing my wines with like-minded wine lovers is a crucial part of the experience.
Sharing may be even the most important part of the pleasure. And that sharing pleasure is one of the things I miss most during lockdown.
And it is that what frustrates me the most about not being able to conduct our tours this spring.
|
|
Sharing wines is a crucial part of the experience
|
|
|
Not for all money in the world
On our Bordeaux wine tours, our guests taste all five First Growths; some at the chateaux and others at our chateau.
These tours always end with a bang: The Farewell Dinner in the main dining room of Chateau Coulon Laurensac.
At this dinner we serve many great wines and one of the highlights is the outstanding Chateau Margaux 1985.
Of course, you can buy a bottle of Margaux 1985 yourself, but it won’t be the same experience. It would be like listening to a CD versus a live performance.
What makes a highlight?
Why is this wine such a highlight on our tours? Because here everything comes together:
The people, the fun, the venue, the food and of course the wine.
It was the 1985 that Chateau Margaux selected, back in 2015, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the construction of the chateau.
A wine Margaret and I tasted over dinner at Chateau Margaux and in the presence of the owner, Corinne Mentzelopoulos.
A wine that wowed the crème de la crème of Bordeaux back in 2015.
And a wine that never fails to amaze our guests at the Farewell diner.
These are the experiences our guest feel that are: things that we simply can’t buy, not for any money in the world!”
|
|
Staying at our Chateau adds a certain “Je ne sais pas qoi”
|
The dining room of Chateau Coulon Laurensac,
ready for the Farewell Dinner
|
|
|
Ronald and Margaret with Corinne Mentzelopoulos, thanking her for a marvelous night. And for the great Margaux 1985!
|
_____________________________________________________________________
|
Napoleon III and the Palais Garnier
|
Opéra Garnier, one of the most beautiful theaters in the world
|
Worthy of a great Bordeaux
For opera, the venue and the staging are a significant part of the experience as well.
I would like to paraphrase the words of Pontalier here:
Just like wine a good performance is a pleasure and a great performance will create an emotion.
And can be, just like wine, a touching experience.
For many years we have wanted to go to the Opera Garnier in Paris.
But somehow the dates never seemed to work or the performance didn’t fit our tastes.
When Margaret found out that my favorite opera La Traviata would be staged at the Opera Garnier, going there became a must for her.
|
|
Ready for a performance of a lifetime
|
|
|
She surprised me with what would be a performance of a lifetime with plenty of emotion, worthy of a great Bordeaux.
A holy oath
But I am getting ahead of myself, so let’s start with the opera house.
Many of our Tour-Guests fly in through Paris and spend a few days in the city of light to see the sights.
The Opéra Garnier has been a popular Paris landmark for over 150 years.
I remember, when I was a kid, my parents took me to Paris. As a young opera-lover we went to see this famous opera house.
I there and then swore an oath that one day I would go and see La Traviata at this palace-style music temple.
Some 50 years later, Margaret made my dream come through.
|
|
Modern art finds a spot in the Opera as well
|
|
|
Revolutionary and Imperial provenance
It all comes back to the French Emperor Napoleon III.
Indeed, the same guy who was responsible for the 1855 Classification of the Bordeaux wines.
On January 14, 1858, the emperor went to the opera, then located rue Le Peletier, in the current 9th arrondissement.
When his carriage arrived, bombs suddenly exploded, killing horses and riders. The imperial couple survived this revolutionary attack with just a few scratches.
The day after the attack, the Emperor decided to build a new opera with an easier and safer access from his residence in the Tuileries.
12 years later, in the Franco-Prussian War (July 1870), Napoleon III was captured by the Germans.
He was dethroned two days later, and the Third Republic of France was declared.
Released by the Germans in 1871, Napoleon III exiled to England where he died in 1873.
He never saw his Opera Garnier finished.
|
|
The emperor ordered a new opera for his own convenience
|
|
|
Frame eclipsing the painting
The Paris opera house, or Palais Garnier, as it is now often called, is named after Charles Garnier, the architect who created this masterpiece.
Napoleon III’s reign was replaced by a very conservative government. This new regime wanted to erase all traces of the Second Empire. Garnier was seen as a link with the dethroned emperor.
As a result, poor Garnier was not even invited to the official opening in 1875. He had to pay for his box in the upper circle: 120 Francs (over 1000 euros).
The opening performance was a rather poor selection of operas of the period that failed to impress the crowd.
Next day, the general view in the press was that the evening was first and foremost the triumph of the building and of its architect.
At the end of the performance, the crowd going down the grand staircase, cheered Charles Garnier, not the performers.
|
|
The grand staircase where the crowds cheered Garnier
|
|
|
Music not the main attraction
The first year after the opening the musical performances at the Opéra were not the main attraction.
It was the Opéra itself people came to see. For months after the inauguration bookings were made without knowing what would be performed.
Every performance, good or bad, sold out because people wanted to see the building with their own eyes.
The frame had eclipsed the painting…
Cheating government To get the budget for the construction of the Opéra approved, the imperial government lied over the costs. (What’s new?)
Garnier estimated the cost of construction at 29 million gold francs.
The budget had to be reduced to be acceptable. First to 24 million and later to 18 million gold francs.
|
|
A nice backdrop for a glass of Champagne in the interlude
|
|
|
Phantom of the Opera
The largest budget problem occurred because of the site that the emperor chose without even consulting Garnier.
Remember, the emperor was looking for an easier and safer access from his residence.
The site was close to the palace but located on a water table that remained wet, even after months of pumping.
The solution was building an immense leakproof tank. (today still serving as a reservoir for firefighters in Paris).
This tank inspired the idea of the underground palace and lake of Gaston Leroux’s Le Fantome de l’Opéra.
And later the famous Phantom of the Opera musical.
This tank swallowed Garnier’s budget.
In the end, the new Opéra cost 36 million gold francs (about 329 million of today’s euros).
|
|
Scaffolding masked the facade of the opera during
construction as Garnier wanted to unveil the facade in stages
|
|
|
Ceiling by Chagall There is much more to be told about this spectacular building, and I advise you to go and see the Opera Garnier for yourself on your next trip to Paris.
If you can’t go to a performance, there are guided and self-guided tours that you can book online.
There is one detail of the building that I would like to point out to you.
In 1960, in a daring gesture, the original ceiling was covered by Marc Chagall.
When I entered the auditorium for the first time, I was like most visitors, awed by my surroundings. After a few minutes of taking everything in, my eyes were drawn to the ceiling.
I have nothing against Chagall, on the contrary. But at first this ceiling looks a bit out of place.
But after a few minutes, it kind of grows on you. In some mysterious way it all works perfectly well together.
Not doing my homework In this spectacular setting we were to see my favorite opera La Traviata by Verdi. You can image my excitement.
Margaret had organized brilliant seats for us on the 3rd row right in front of the conductor and center stage.
If you toured Bordeaux with me, you’ll know that I am a traditional guy. And that I love the classic and traditional ways in what operas are performed.
If you know me, you’ll also realize that I didn’t read anything beforehand about this performance…
|
|
The original auditorium ceiling was a painting by Eugène Lenepveu. Now it is covered by Marc Chagall
|
|
|
This was what I was expecting…
|
This what we got : a huger than life electronic cube with a modern setting for a brilliant La Traviata
|
Surprise
La Traviata is set in Paris in 19th Century salons. And here we were in a palace-like opera theatre that was more or less the epitome of the 19th Century.
I simply didn’t do my homework. You can imagine my surprise when the curtains opened and the stage was taken by a huger than life electronic cube.
The leading lady, Violetta, was dressed in a contemporary sexy dress and stood texting on an iPhone in line for a nightclub.
Her text messages were projected on the cube behind her. To say the least, I was a bit shocked.
First Growth experience My mood changed as soon as Czech soprano Zuzana Marková started singing.
She was simply brilliant.
The saying about la Traviata is that a Violetta that can’t bring tears in the audiences’ eyes in the third act is a bad performer.
To create this emotion in the first act, is a sign of greatness.
The first act already brought tears to my eyes.
Very relatable
It can be difficult to relate to an 19th century courtesan who is dying from consumption.
After all an 19th century salon is not what we are used to; even for us, living in a chateau.
|
|
A sexy Violetta is not what we are used to
|
|
|
Succumbing to tuberculosis is something not easy to relate to in our western world.
The contemporary setting combined with Violetta undergoing chemotherapy made her underlying suffering very relatable.
And all the more intense.
This, combined with the brilliant music executed to perfection, definitely made for a First Growth experience.
Hope for the future
We’ll cherish these memories until we can go to theatres again and experience live performances.
With the same eagerness we look forward to sharing great wines with our guests on our tours.
These days will come back and we fervently hope it will be as soon as possible because we miss touring Bordeaux with you guys very much!
|
|
Violetta, for the Third Act dressed in her chemotherapy shirt
accepting a well-deserved applause
|
|
|
Chagall wanted to: “reflect, up high, as in a mirror, in a bouquet the dreams, the creations of actors and musicians.”
|
_____________________________________________________________________
|
2021 Bordeaux Wine Tour Program
“A romantic, never to be forgotten, put it on your bucket list experience.”
(a TripAdvisor reviewer)
|
Because you deserve a Bordeaux Wine Experience and not “just a tour”
|
_____________________________________________________________________
|
The Bordeaux Grand Cru Harvest Tour
The Harvest Tour is Grand in every way, both in food and wine.
Enjoy chateau meals and Michelin rated dining.
The most exciting time in Bordeaux is harvest time. You can sense the anticipation in the air.
And the food is superb as well: Exclusive meals at extraordinary venues not normally open to the public.
On top of that you’ll see and taste all five First Growths and Superior First Growth Chateau d’Yquem and many of them will be older vintages!
|
|
Experience Bordeaux in full harvest swing
|
|
|
_____________________________________________________________________
|
The Bordeaux Grand Cru tour
This is probably our most exclusive tour.
This ultimate wine tour for Bordeaux lovers is as good as it gets.
Can you believe that you’ll see and taste all five First Growths and Superior First Growth Chateau d’Yquem including some older vintages!
Of course we include the best of Saint Emilion and Pomerol as well.
Add to this outstanding meals at exceptional venues not normally open to the public and you’ll see why this tour usually sells out early.
|
|
Enjoy meals in venues not open to the public while tasting
the best wines of Bordeaux
|
|
|
_____________________________________________________________________
|
The Grand Tour of Bordeaux
The Grand Tour may be the most special tour we offer,
with meals as exceptional as your visits.
Imagine tasting all five First Growths and Yquem. And there is more: Superb chateau meals and Michelin rated dining…
Add to this the best of Pomerol and Saint Emilion and you’ll see that this dazzling Grand Tour of Bordeaux is your chance to see and taste the very best that Bordeaux has to offer.
|
|
Feel completely Special and Pampered on this Exclusive Experience
|
|
|
_____________________________________________________________________
|
2020 Bordeaux Wine Tour Schedule
|
|
|
|
2021 Bordeaux Wine Tour Schedule
|
_____________________________________________________________________
|
_____________________________________________________________________
|
10 excellent reasons to join
the Bordeaux Wine Experience
1. |
Carefree and truly effortless travel in Bordeaux: We take care of everything, really everything! |
2. |
See and taste all 5 First Growths and Château d’Yquem! |
3. |
Grand Cru wines with all meals (except breakfast…)! |
4. |
Private gourmet meals at Bordeaux Chateaux and in a famous Michelin-starred restaurant! |
5. |
Superb food & wines and great fun in a small group! |
6. |
Expert (and humorous) guidance by Bordeaux Specialist Ronald Rens! |
7. |
An entertaining concise cooking class! |
8. |
Air-conditioned accommodation at our privately owned 18th century chateau! |
9. |
Air-conditioned, luxury motor coach transportation throughout the tour! |
10. |
Grand Cru Farewell Dinner with all Grand Cru wines (including Chateau Margaux 1985, Lafite Rothschild + Superior First Growth Yquem of over 20 years old!). |
|
|
|
|
2022 Bordeaux Wine Tour Schedule
|
→ Planning for 2022? Get your Itinerary as soon as it is released!
(Ask to be put on the invitation list for our 2022 Tour Program) – contact us today!
|
|
|
|
Chateau Coulon Laurensac, without a doubt the best place in the world to taste all five First Growths plus Yquem…
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Bordeaux Wine Experience at Chateau Coulon Laurensac 1, chemin de Meydieu 33360 Latresne (BORDEAUX), France
Website : www.BXWINEX.com
|
|
Call us:
1-877-203-2665 (toll free from USA & Canada) or +33 556 20 64 12 (from anywhere else in the world)
(These lines go directly to our Chateau in Bordeaux so please remember that we’re on Paris time!)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2020 by The Bordeaux Wine Experience. All rights reserved. The content, design and graphical elements of this Magazine are copyrighted. The Bordeaux Wine Experience is a Dutch company specializing in wine and culinary tours in the Bordeaux region for an English speaking international clientele.
|
|
|
Our passion for Bordeaux was shared with %%emailaddress%%. Please add us to your address book to ensure that you continue receiving emails from us. Don’t want to receive this Newsletter any more? Click here to unsubscribe It’s instant and it’s permanent.
|
|
|
|