What is the story behind “Trois Cépages,” and how do I pronounce it?

Trois Cépages (pronounced Twah Say-pahj) translates to “three grape varieties” (or simply, “Three Grapes”). I chose this name for my brand because my passion for wine can be traced back to three particular grape varieties from my time living in France: Chardonnay, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc. Many wine lovers can remember a particular wine experience that inspired them to learn more about wine (maybe you have one too!). For me, it was a handful of experiences that compounded to make me realize just how interesting wine can be.

Chardonnay

I used to think I hated Chardonnay because all I knew was the oaky, buttery style coming out of California. But then I tried a Chablis, which is a Chardonnay wine from Burgundy, France, and my mind was completely blown. I had no idea how profoundly the winemaking process and geography could change the taste of a wine coming from the same grape. Now, whenever someone says they hate Chardonnay, I’ll make them try a Chablis – it’s so satisfying to see them have the same reaction I once had.

Riesling

I used to associate Riesling with being a super sweet wine, which was not a style I enjoyed at all. But then, on a trip to Strasbourg, I discovered the Rieslings from Alsace (a region in the north-east of France near Germany). To my utter surprise, the wine was so crisp and refreshing and not at all sweet, and it quickly became one of my favorite wines even to this day!

Cabernet Franc

I hadn’t even heard of Cabernet Franc until I attended my first wine tasting. This grape is mostly known as a blending grape in Bordeaux wines, but we were tasting a “Chinon” from the Loire Valley which was 100% Cabernet Franc. This wine left a lasting impression on me because it was the first time I experienced how a wine can completely transform in your glass. Now, I love to use Cab Franc as a demo for friends to help them understand why certain wines need to "breathe." Take a sip right after it's poured, wait a few minutes (and give your glass a good swirl), then taste it again – it'll be like you’re drinking a completely different wine!