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7 thought-provoking questions & answers from Gevrey-Chambertin. Meet Frédérique Goulley of Domaine Sérafin.
1. What is your most important wine experience?
The first that comes to mind that I am unable to remember but some photos prove is when I was baptised by my grandfather, Stanislas Sérafin, in Gevrey-Chambertin. I tell myself that somehow it is thanks to him and this event that my destiny has been drawn, the wine flows in my veins.
2. Have you made a ‘wine pilgrimage’ and if so, where and why?
I like to discover the various wine regions at the whim of the wind, at the whim of the spirits that regions or countries offer. For example, I discovered rum in the different islands of the Caribbean and tried them on the spot.
3. Who do you prefer to drink wine with?
I think the best moments are those that were not planned, with family or friends.
4. Who is or was your mentor and why did you choose them?
I learned a lot from my uncle Christian Sérafin. Nothing beats practice. The transmission of knowledge is very important. It was not always easy with my uncle, but in the end, we nearly always saw eye to eye.
5. What is your greatest achievement?
Seeing the pleasure of tasting our wines in the eyes of tasters.
6. What motivates you?
I have always been immersed in this spirit of family winemaking heritage and I am today proud to be able to promote and grow the tradition acquired by my grandparents following their arrival in the region. The work done by my family was so hard during the post-war years and my uncle continued this by making our small area known worldwide. I want to continue on this path by offering wines that bring happiness in every sip. I have chosen a job I like for not having a single day of work.
7. And now?
This is the season of pruning and burning. I’m going to light the wheelbarrow and cook potatoes for lunch to share with my employees.
