For Albert Fouquet, September in Burgundy was a time of harmony and inspiration. He returned to his family’s château to personally oversee the grape harvest, a season that began with peaceful mornings overlooking the vineyards and ended with the bustling energy of the harvest. Every day was filled with rituals, from berry tasting to long walks in the serene countryside, all while crafting his next olfactory masterpiece.
"Sérénité en Bourgogne" captures the tranquility of these moments. A vibrant opening of Saffron and Pink Pepper blends into the warmth of Myrrh, while a rich base of Madagascar Vanilla adds a sensual gourmand touch.
This fragrance is an invitation to experience the sophistication and serenity of Burgundy’s vineyards.
For Albert Fouquet, September was the most eagerly anticipated month of the year. From the first week until well into October, he would settle in the château his family owned in Burgundy to personally oversee the harvest of their estate.
The Fouquet family had owned some of the finest vineyards for many years. Though not the largest in Burgundy, they undoubtedly produced the most exquisite grapes. Their harvest was highly sought after by the region's top winemakers, who competed each year to secure their production. The family reserved only 10% of the yield to produce their own wine.
They spared no resources or effort in this endeavor. Albert, with his refined sense of smell and taste, relied on the invaluable expertise of Simon, who managed the estate masterfully. Following the advice of a landowner from La Rioja, they hired Thomas Bodes, a talented Spanish expert in viticulture, forming a key committee for the season's success.
Fouquet's time in Burgundy was divided into two distinct phases. The first extended up to the start of the harvest, a period during which the region displayed its full splendor, captivating the senses of any visitor.
For most winemakers, these were days of tense anticipation, but for Fouquet, they were days of fulfillment and contentment.
Each day at dawn, Albert enjoyed breakfast on the terrace, overlooking the majesty of his vineyards. The rest of the morning was spent reading, walking through the countryside, and indulging in his most cherished passion: creating new perfumes. The climate and rich soil of Burgundy, along with the vineyards, made it ideal for cultivating a variety of flowers and plants for this noble craft, which Albert nurtured in a spacious garden.
At midday, precisely at 12 o’clock, Albert, Simon, and Thomas gathered with meticulous punctuality in the stables for the “berry tasting.” This technique involved bringing a grape cluster to the mouth and crushing it to assess its sugar content and, therefore, its alcohol potential. Based on each participant’s impressions, they would make the challenging decision of whether it was the optimal day to begin the harvest. If it wasn’t, they would enjoy a hearty lunch and a leisurely afternoon.
For Albert, the harvest marked the end of the serenity he had relished and the beginning of the field’s bustling activity. The harvest lasted approximately 20 days in an atmosphere of celebration and collaboration. At its conclusion, following family tradition, Albert hosted a grand party at his home, inviting all the harvesters, winemakers, and friends.
"Sérénité en Bourgogne" was the name Fouquet gave to this olfactory masterpiece, aiming to convey the tranquility he experienced during his time in the region.
NOTES:
