Reflections In Burgundy - Magruder's Excursions in Wine

Fran Kysela: Reflections in Burgundy

November 6th, 6pm

Burgundy is the place where Chardonnay and Pinot Noir rose to fame. While Bordeaux produces much more wine each year, Burgundy’s smaller vineyard area, around 30,000 hectares, has earned it equal prestige. Because many vineyards are modest in size, small estates of just a few hectares are common, and the climate and soils are demanding, the very best Burgundies are often rare, sought after, and expensive. Yet it’s precisely these challenges that give Burgundy its unique character.

Wine List

Cellier du Château de la Chaume Bourgogne Aligoté

“Les Gentilhommes” Viré‑Clessé

J. Arthaud Pouilly-Fuissé

Patricia Raquin Bourgogne Rouge Fût de Chêne

Domaine Boussey Savigny‑lès‑Beaune Rouge

About Fran Kysela & Kysela Père et Fils

Fran Kysela is a Master Sommelier who founded Kysela Père et Fils in 1994. His father was an avid wine collector with a cellar of about 4,000 bottles in Cleveland, which helped spark Fran’s early appreciation for wine. Before starting his own company, Fran worked in different roles in the wine business such as doing wholesale work, wine stewarding, serving as national sales director, etc.

His company, Kysela Père et Fils, is well known for offering wines that deliver quality and value, from everyday bottles to high-end imports. Fran is especially careful about selecting wines that reflect their origin and terroir that are balanced, fresh, true to type, and not overly manipulated. In this class, we’ll use Fran Kysela’s perspective as a lens to explore Burgundy: how its vineyards are structured, how its climate and soils contribute to flavor, and why certain producers/wines command such respect. Expect a mix of history, geography, viticulture, and tasting so we all leave with a better feel for what makes Burgundy special.