It seems that despite all of the constant and ubiquitous resources at our disposal for information gathering and communication, we live in a world of disconnection. I can easily know at any time what a celebrity is wearing, what another is promoting or despising. I can tell you the brand of underwear worn by a sports star (ooh-la-la), and a further endless stream of knowledge that provokes curiosity but remains mired in a tar pit of insignificance when it comes to existential questions.
Abandoning a fascination, nay, an obsession with Burgundy is nigh impossible. Unfortunately, a rocky relationship with this precious area has become increasingly tenuous due to the most unseemly question of money. Luckily, there are solid bridges that span this treacherous rift and can help us maintain and cherish our connection to accessibly-priced, high-quality Burgundy wine of both colours. One bridge is the area of southern Burgundy surrounding the town of Mâcon.
The Champagne town of Épernay just reeks of money (not an exclusively French fragrance), with seemingly endless palatial buildings lining the Avenue de Champagne. Up front ; fabulously decorated and opulent reception rooms- very haute couture. In some cases (Moet et Chandon) Versailles-style gardens top off the outside opulence. But in most cases, there hides behind some of the facades winery facilities capable of handling millions of litres of juice that might be destined to fill sporting cups or as a shower for champion Formula One drivers. There are frequently “camions-citernes” (tanker trucks) posed like a supermodel in front of some of these elegant facades. Not when the millionaires are expected, I suppose.
Richard Harvey is a living, indefatigable legend of the Western Canadian wine scene. Particularly in Calgary, there’s nobody doing good work with wine that hasn’t been positively influenced by Richard, even if they’ve never met him and aren’t aware of this influence. Across the decades and through his work as a sommelier, importer, retailer and educator, his infectious and fearsome passion for wine has taken Alberta out of the vinous dark ages. Speaking for all the Metro Mates, countless alumni and innumerable customers, we shudder to think of what we might be drinking and doing if it wasn’t for Richard’s life’s work and perpetual generosity.
