In January 2010, Aubert de Villaine, co-director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti receives in his personal mailbox, a letter from a blackmailer who threatens the domaine and demands a 1M€ ransom. He intends to poison the vines of the mythical Burgundy grand cru. Today, I tell you an incredible story of blackmail and extorsion with a tragic ending. Who tried to poison Romanée-Conti ?

The gnarled and twisted aspect of an old vine has an aura, something almost mystic that echoes of history, traditions and romanticism as much as it promises a nectar. But what makes the quality of these ancient vineyards. Discussing viticulture, wine tasting and travels around the world, I invite you to discover the world’s oldest vineyards in a podcast talking about Louis XIV, smugglers and Jimi Hendrix.

Enjoy !

Picture credit : Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Pinterest

What’s the common point between the popes in Avignon, Alexandre Dumas, the creation of AOCs and UFOs? Chateauneuf-du-Pape: 3,200 hectares, 320 producers, 13 grape varieties and 4 main terroirs. Follow me in Provence to discover what makes this unique village, a figurehead of French wine.

Bonne écoute!

Crédit photo : Syndicat des Vignerons de Châteauneuf-du-Pape

In March 2012, Rudy Kurniawan was arrested in his home by the FBI and sentenced a year later to 10 years in prison and nearly $50M in punishment and retribution for mail fraud and wire fraud. While the investigation did uncover the counterfeiter’s workshop, many unanswered questions remain about the character, the money or potential accomplices in this incredible case. Discover the secrets of the Kurniawan case in the 2nd part of this podcast about the fine wines counterfeiter.

Enjoy !

Picture credits : US Department of Justice & Chai Consulting

In the early 2000s in California, a 25-year-old Indonesian starts to make a name for himself as a fine wine buyer and collector. Within a few years, he becomes a fascinating character in the world of wine thanks to his tasting skills and his extraordinary cellar filled with crazy bottles. But this picture of a of passionate and ambitious young wine collector hides a disturbing secret…

Today, the first episode of the Rudy Kurniawan case telling the story of the most notorious wine forger in history based on elements from the trial and the FBI.

Enjoy !

Picture credits: US Department of Immigration