From Ukraine to Burgundy: Big Wines Big Art added Ukrainian flavor to the famous Fête de la Vigne festival in Dijon

Every two years, the heart of Burgundy, Dijon, comes alive to the sounds of the Fête de la Vigne – a vibrant festival dedicated to the international traditions and rich cultural and viticultural heritage of France and many other countries around the world. This year, from July 5 to 10, the festival was held with a special emphasis on Ukrainian wine and culture, because for the first time since the festival was founded in 1946, Ukraine was welcomed among the participants. Music, singing, dancing, performances, wine, food – Fête de la Vigne opened up the multifaceted Ukrainian culture to French and foreign guests.

A unique presentation of Ukrainian wines

For the first time in its history, Ukrainian wines were presented at Fête de la Vigne, and it was an exclusive opportunity for visitors to taste our original drinks. The tasting took place at the Cité International de la Gastronomique & du Vin, a place renowned for the diversity of wine and gastronomy from around the world.

Wine and Art: A Showcase of Innovation and Tradition

Big Wines Big Art wines were among the presented Ukrainian wines from different regions of Ukraine. We are known in Ukraine and abroad as a promising young winery operating under the world-famous Vinos de La Luz brand. We embody the best practices of winemaking and artistic expression in our work. The labels of our bottles are decorated with the works of the famous Ukrainian artist Ivan Marchuk, which adds visual mastery to the sensory experience of wines.

The highlights of the tasting were wines from autochthonous local varieties Telti-Kuruk 2023 and Odessa Black 2023.

Telti-Kuruk 2023 is produced from a unique Ukrainian grape variety, known for its bright, floral-honey aroma, harmonious, pleasant, full taste, with tones of white fruits, a hint of quince and feijoa.

French wine connoisseurs and sommeliers highly appreciated our Telti-Kuruk, pointed out its unique character. According to the organizer of the Evening of Ukrainian Wines and Food, sommelier Oleksandra Minenko-Decamp, she liked the light saltiness of the wine, "Ukrainian minerality like water in the Black Sea", as well as vanilla notes with a lemon accord and green apple.

As noted by experts, sommeliers, winemakers from Burgundy, tasting Telti-Kuruk enriched their already considerable tasting experience. I liked the wine with its good freshness and fullness of taste at the same time. It perfectly complements the traditional Burgundian escargot (Escargot de Bourgogne) and stewed pochus fish (Pôchouse).

Odessa Black 2023 is produced from the Ukrainian grape variety of the same name, bred in the middle of the 20th century. at the Tairov Institute. It is known for its rich aroma, strong character and depth of taste.

As sommelier Oleksandra pointed out, our OC is a very powerful wine that would be interesting to try in 5 years, and with such an exquisite label, its potential will only grow over time.

It is difficult to surprise the French when it comes to wine, but our Odessa Black managed to do it. The wine received many good reviews for its luxurious deep ruby ​​color, intense aroma with notes of ripe blackberry, blackcurrant and a hint of smoke. Despite the fact that the wine is from the 2023 vintage, the tannins are quite well integrated, the wine is balanced on the palate.

It was great to hear from the French and Americans that the depth and complexity of the wine's aromas are truly exceptional. Its bold profile goes well with roast game, grilled lamb, veal in Burgundy (Bœuf bourguignon), rooster in wine (Coq au vin). It has the potential to become a new favorite among European wine enthusiasts.

Ukrainian winemaker Lesya Markevich, who works at the famous Clos de Tart vineyard, came for the holiday with her French colleagues. According to her, the French are more and more open to trying new varieties, wines from other countries, which cannot help but please.

"I had the opportunity to attend a small and cozy event that was permeated with Ukrainian culture, music, dance and wine. The main idea of ​​the evening was to open the curtain to the world of Ukrainian wine to the residents of Dijon. And I cannot convey my delight and the whirlwind of emotions that enveloped me when I enjoyed the evening among my compatriots with a glass of Odesa Black to the dancing and singing of the Vinnytsia team, which specially came to France to remind the European society about Ukraine with its performance," she shared the guest's impressions.

An artistic touch

One of the distinctive features of Big Wines Big Art wines is the artistic collaboration with the famous Ukrainian artist Ivan Marchuk. His works decorate the labels of our wines, reflecting the cultural wealth of Ukraine. This artistic touch not only improves the visual presentation of wines, but also symbolizes the combination of tradition and innovation in Ukrainian winemaking.

We are grateful to the guests of the Fête de la Vigne who left the warmest comments about the appearance of Big Wines wines. We are inspired by the fact that consumers are interested in Ukrainian culture and art while tasting our wines.

In conclusion, the Fête de la Vigne 2024 in Dijon not only showed the rich traditions of Burgundy, but also opened its arms to the vibrant culture and winemaking skills of Ukraine. This combination of local and international flavors made this year's festival an unforgettable experience for our winery. The inclusion of Ukrainian wines in the program is an important event in the promotion of Ukrainian winemaking traditions on the international stage.