The Rise of Forgotten Burgundy

A visit with Marc Soyard

Marc Soyard’s Domaine de la Cras is currently the sole Burgundian domaine allowed to have the Coteaux de Dijon appellation. The wines are electric. Eye-catching. Soulful. And yet, so few have visited. I have heard too many people say, “Ah, Soyard, I love those wines, but I haven’t knocked on his door.”

So why do we all conspire to leave Marc to his solitude? Possibilities: He rarely pours at salons (Alert! He will be in Anjou on Feb 1st!) He forgets to pick up the phone. He’s completely isolated from other winemakers. Well, I finally said enough and committed to correcting the wrongs of my past, so last October, I asked if his import company, Paris Wine Company, could try to set up an appointment. With pleasure and as a bonus, Francesca Hansen, their sales director, was happy to come with me.