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Everything and everyone has a story.
Having the honor to chat with a person who lives a passionate legacy and depicts the art of survival is a special time.
Is it possible for one person to host all these elements of human existence? They all demand an immense amount of energy and time. In the midst of these heavy parts of life, where does one find the light?
Before going any further, I'm going to sip some Alexis Bailly's GSM. The wine is a blend of Grenanche, Syrah and Marquette, and it's a hearty and flavor filled drink. There's a bunch of fruity flavors (Think of cherry and plum flavors) mixed with very pleasing black pepper and spice notes. I find it perfect for our fall season.
Whenever I sit with a winemaker, I look for the passion in their eyes. Is making wine just a job or a way for that person to scratch the itch of passion? In the case of this winemaker, her passion for her wine making business was blazing in her eyes.
As we chatted, I only had to nod my head, ask a simple question or two and I knew I was in the presence of a force of nature. She briefly recounted her wine story, and that story revealed how she found her passion for wine. Her father was a huge influence on her. She firmly believes wine transcends many aspects of life and helps to bring people together.
Later as I sipped a glass of Alexis Bailly's Country Red, I enjoyed the wine's earthy flavors as they reminded me of some of the Rhone Valley wines I've tasted over the years. There was the medium body that I expected along with a nice cherry taste. It's a blend, and it's one to slowly savor and to seek the passion of the liquid.
However, there's more to the story, and that's the struggle for survival.
This particular winemaker has overcome institutional, governmental and, at times, pushback from her fellow grape growers. I don't expect she's the only vineyard owner to experience these hurdles and probably wouldn't be the last. Her father's vineyard was Minnesota's first vineyard, and it faced the daunting task of growing grapes in the cold north county. Throughout the vineyard's 50 years of operation, the wine survived.
The motto of Alexis Bailly Vineyard is: "Where The Grapes Can Suffer," and it's a positive testament to the idea of the survival of the fittest.
At this point, a snifter of Alexis Bailly Solaris would be perfect. You want to chill this two year aged brandy infused beauty. It's a survivor!
Throughout my time with this winemaker, the legacy of her father was there. He started the endeavor 50 years ago, and his presence is noted in the wines and the pictures hanging on the tasting room walls. I have no doubt his legacy is in good hands.
Within this vineyard, one can find peace. There's peace in the restored prairie hill, in the vineyard and in all of the outdoor seating areas. Somehow, I believe that sense of solitude can also be found in all of the vineyard's wines.
I encourage you to visit the vineyard. If it's evening time, enjoy a glass of its Golden Gris -- a very tasty aperitif. It's made from La Crescent and Frontenac Gris -- both are Minnesota developed wines. A perfect ending to your day.
The winemaker I keep referring to is Nan Bailly of Alexis Bailly Vineyard. Yes, wine transcends many struggles. Yes, the wines reveal passion. She and the wines have survived the many struggles of the cold north county.
Thank you, Nan, for your time with me. May the Force be with you, and may you always know peace!
As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!
Cheers!