The French candle-stand called “Rat de Cave” or Cellar Rat, was the essential working tool used in the wine cellars of Burgundy. Its origin stems from far back in the past. In the year 1000 the Monks of the famous Abbey of Cluny, near Vougeot, used it to illuminate the caves that housed their wine barrels. This provided them with the necessary light to work with the wine barrels throughout the vintage.
We chose this “tool” as a tribute or symbol to the traditional Burgundian methods I am using to craft our wines. Incorporating these traditions is an essential part of my wine making thought process and vision – plus it’s really cool. You will not see this symbol on any of our labels, but should become quite familiar with it on the end of our bottle capsules. We hope that the flame inspires everyone towards a world of hope, peace and love.
During fermentation, the colour of the flame showed the eventual evolution of gases as the wines underwent a chemical transformation. The Monks then knew to leave the caves due to lack of oxygen – a “canary” if you will. The handle or “rats tail” provides an easy grip and the hook permits to hang the stand on a nail or the head of an oak barrel. This would allow the Monks to rack the clear wine off of the heavy sediment or lees.
Growing up, my family and I always had music playing in our house and cars. My dad had a fairly extensive record collection that included everything from Sinatra to Johnny Cash and The Beatles, so I always enjoyed listening to all types of music. I remember seeing Alice Cooper, Montrose, Heart, Journey, KISS, and Rod Stewart when I was a young kid. As I got older, I gravitated toward even more classics—my favorites were Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, and the Rolling Stones.
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