Discoveries Beyond the Expected
2018 Domaine de Saint Pierre Arbois Les Brûlées
Antonio Vivaldi, Violin Concerto in A major, RV 340
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There is something about this wine that evokes Vivaldi’s music. While I would not actively seek out Vivaldi, I'm always pleasantly surprised by encountering an unheard Sinfonia or Concerto. The “Four Seasons” are a bit overplayed for me, but there is a certain easy listening quality to Vivaldi that I appreciate. There is a long-standing joke among classical musicians that Vivaldi wrote the same concerto five-hundred times for different instruments! Despite the repetition, his music has endured centuries of upheaval and remains beloved.
Similarly, I have had countless Chardonnays, both good and bad. It is a popular grape varietal, but I do not actively seek them out because truly great ones can be hard to find. However, I often buy Chardonnay based on recommendations. Many passionate wine drinkers, frustrated by mediocre Chardonnays, eagerly share their discoveries with fellow enthusiasts. Just like with music, I am not actively searching for Vivaldi, but when recommended or stumbled upon unexpectedly, I find myself digging in.
While I enjoy discovering hidden gems in Vivaldi’s repertoire, I also love exploring wines from all over the world. My adventure led me to Discovery Wines, a haven for organic, biodynamic, natural, and low-intervention wines, highly recommended by my wife. Stepping inside felt like entering a wine heaven.
Natural wines are a controversial topic among wine drinkers. There is no clear definition, and even enthusiasts disagree on terminology like “natural” and “low-intervention.” While organic and biodynamic farming and vinification have government certifications, some high-quality producers do not bother with bureaucracy. Whatever the label may be, I was thrilled to be at Discovery Wines.
Browsing the store, I reached the Jura section. Having previously enjoyed Jura reds, I was intrigued by the white Chardonnays from Domaine de Saint Pierre. Feeling indecisive, I sought help from a staff member. He explained his impressions of each bottle based on his tastings. According to him, the 2018 Les Brûlées stood out due to its bottle aging, resulting in layers of complexity and savoriness. I trust the recommendations of store professionals, so I grabbed a bottle and headed home.
I paired Les Brûlées with Tteokguk (떡국), a Korean rice cake soup with marinated meat and egg toppings, traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day. The soup's savory notes, particularly the umami-rich oxtail broth, seemed like a perfect match for the wine's complexity. While this may be an unexpected pairing, Korean food is gaining popularity in the U.S., with Western-inspired Korean fine dining featuring wine pairings. However, Korean food is not traditionally paired with wine, which is something I love to experiment with at home. Back in Korea, I remember my uncles enjoying Tteokguk with Cheongju, a clear, filtered grain wine. Inspired by its simplicity, I opted for Les Brûlées.
The wine offered a symphony of flavors: lemon, parsley, orange peel, lime, wet stone, kombu, sea salt, shortbread, unripe tangerine, white peach, and hints of cake icing. Clean yet complex, it was a truly enjoyable bottle that could satisfy both novice and experienced palates.
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The Unexpected Harmony of Wine and Music
Returning to the music analogy, Vivaldi was a master of using melodic and harmonic sequences. These sequences repeat a melodic or harmonic figure in a different key, creating tension and propelling the music forward. Sequences are also commonly used in pop music to make songs catchy and sing-alongable. Just as the easy-drinking nature of Les Brûlées appealed to both inexperienced and experienced wine drinkers, Vivaldi’s music achieves a similar magic. The harmonies progress predictably, yet the creativity of the melody keeps listeners engaged.
The Concerto in A major, RV 340, is a new discovery for me. This short and compact piece features less repetition than most of Vivaldi’s work. It strikes a beautiful balance between soloist and orchestra, with a stunning slow movement and a virtuosic finale. It’s a delightful listen, especially for modern audiences.
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A World Beyond the Familiar
Whether you are tired of the same old Chardonnay or the overplayed “Four Seasons,” I highly recommend exploring this wine and concerto. They offer a fresh perspective and ignite the imagination. As I wrote this post, I listened to many Vivaldi recordings, both at home and on the road. It was a truly enriching experience that opened my ears to a world beyond the “Four Seasons.”
Antonio Vivaldi, Violin Concerto in A major, RV 340
These are from an album, Vivaldi Concerti per Violino X ‘Intorno a Pisendel,’ performed by Julien Chauvin and Le Concert de la Loge.
1. Allegro
2. Adagio
3. Adagio
Appendix:
This wine is ideal for:
Chardonnay Adventurers: If you're looking to explore Chardonnay beyond the typical styles, this bottle offers a unique and exciting experience.
Jura Wine Explorers: New to the wines of Jura? This Domaine de Saint Pierre is a fantastic introduction to the region's white wines.
Culinary Matchmakers: Looking to expand your food and wine pairing horizons? This wine's complexity makes it a versatile partner for a wide variety of dishes
Other great works by Antonio Vivaldi:
Concerto for Violin, Strings, and Harpsichord in E minor, RV 278
Sinfonia in C from Dorilla in Tempe, RV 709
Violin Concerto in D major, RV 217