Jean-Claude Boisset Wine Dinner Review
The Jean-Claude Boisset Wine Collection came to South Florida to host several special events. We were fortunate to be invited to a Jean-Claude Boisset wine dinner at the superb French bistro Pistache, in downtown West Palm Beach. The amazing evening was hosted by the charmingly modest Grégory Patriat, winemaker extraordinaire at the Jean-Claude Boisset winery. The artisan Burgundy producer is located in Nuits St. Georges in the Bourgogne (Burgundy) region in eastern France.
The first wine to be served, Jean-Claude Boisset’s 2014 Bourgogne Aligote “Les Moutots”, was an instant hit at our table. Historically, the Aligote grape makes a poor wine. However, winemaker Grégory Patriat took the challenge to vinify the old vine Aligoté with the same care as a fine Chardonnay with great success.
To the nose, the delicious golden-colored white wine had the aroma of citrus fruits. On the palate, a complex wine with citrus fruit flavors and a touch of mineral acidity. The Bourgogne Aligote’s bold flavor was not obscured by the first course, a roasted beet salad with whipped ricotta and dressed with honey and tarragon vinaigrette.
Jean-Claude Boisset’s pale yellow gold 2014 Marsanny is aged for 19 months in 30% new French oak, which imparts a subtle touch of oak as well as bringing out all the minerality from vineyard’s clay-limestone soil.
To the nose, aromas of honeysuckle and fresh pear. On the palate, a vibrant explosion of spice, apple and citrus; followed by a long mineral finish. Fresh and complex, the Marsanny was a good match for our second course of grilled mahi mahi. The delicate and flaky fish rested in a pool of delicious saffron broth with sweet corn, leeks, chorizo, fingerling potatoes and Little Neck clams.
Jean-Claude Boisset’s 2014 Auxey-Duresses Premier Cru “Cilmat du Val” is the most expensive wine made from Pinot Noir. The beautiful ruby red colored wine is produced from a vineyard in a hilly valley, with southern exposure and chalky soil.
On the nose, notes of rich black berries. On the palate, ripe plums and strawberries, with soft tannins and a lingering finish. The savory wine paired well with our third course, Beef Short Rib with roasted oyster mushrooms and roasted beef jus; served with sautéed broccolini and pommes Dauphin.
From 75 year old vineyard, our final glass was JCB’s 2014 Beaune Premier Cru “Les Grèves” The red garnet-colored pinot noir is produced at Grèves, meaning sandy soil, and is one of Beaune’s best-known Premiers Crus.
On the nose, black cherry, floral and spicy aromas. On the palate, black cherry, toast and spice, followed by a long, spicy finish. The assertive wine was a treat with our dessert course, a dark chocolate cake served with vanilla Chantilly, cocoa dusted meringue, and fresh berry salad.
For more information about the Jean-Claude Boisset Wine Collection, visit: boissetcollection.com
The Pistache French Bistro is located at 101 N Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401