THE MASTER CRAFTERS OF ORIGINAL GRAPE VARIETIES
During the ancient la Tène Era
within ancient France, at the birthplace
of the first Pinot grapes
As dawn
breaks over primeval France
The AEDUI Celts ruled over ancient Burgundy while contemporary Celtic craftsmen were establishing the LA TENE art form which blossomed spectacularly between the 5th and 1st centuries B.C.E. Centred on present day AUTUN - as AUGUSTUDUNUM became - some 25 miles west of BEAUNE, the AEDUI had the respect and favour of Imperial Rome. Crucially, they reformulated Roman viticultural knowledge enabling them to domesticate the wild local vines which were to become the first PINOT varietals.
The master crafters
Of vine & wine
Imagine the scene in Augustodunum as the Celtic explorers return after a long expedition… As Augustodunum awakes, groggily triumphant at the return of their heroes, the Druid Diviciacos is already agilely apace in the vines; the first hesitant rays of sunshine illuminate his face and reflect onto his long white beard. The bunches of Pinot are perfectly formed, the tiny black grapes are ripe and ready for a new vintage. On this victorious Autumn day, as the vine leaves take on a golden sheen, the harvest is imminent.
The Origin
Of la Tène
In the year 1857 , near the village of LA TENE on a lake not for from the sacred lands of the AEDUI tribe , a fisherman cast his net and brought up an unexpected treasure. His fished out more than 4,500 ancient objects. Among them were finely crafted tools, formidable weapons, jewelry adorned with Celtic patterns, and coins—poignant witnesses to exchanges from a bygone era. This event marked the beginning of a fascinating rediscovery of the Celtic world and its enduring influence through the centuries.
The Golden Age of
Celtic Craftsmanship
These objects, of unexpected finesse and splendor, imbued with a mysterious elegance, embodied the legacy of a civilization whose creativity rivaled its ingenuity. In tribute to this mythical site, the name "La Tène" was given to these exceptional works, forever marking the second phase of the Iron Age. This term has since become the symbol of an era in which Celtic art and spirit flourished in all their glory.
The creations of this period stand out for their stylized figures and bold geometric forms, leaving an indelible mark on the shores of history.
A symbol
The Triskel
Among them, the TRISKEL, an ancient symbol, is woven into a history rich with meaning. In Celtic culture, it embodies a multitude of interpretations, but the most widespread remains its representation of the solar cycle: sunrise, zenith, and sunset a metaphor for the eternal movement of life and time.
In tribute to the virtuosity of the artisans of La Tène, we have chosen to let this fascinating symbol shine upon our labels. Through it, we celebrate the legacy of that era, where art and spirituality were one and the same.
The AEDUI
Between War and Trade
Guided by their knowledge, the AEDUI tamed the wild vines that grew in their lands. Though the conflicts between Celts and Romans are legendary, relations between the two civilizations were not always tumultuous. Over half a century ago, Rome granted this tribe the sacred right to cultivate the vine, thus unlocking the secrets of its ancient winemaking traditions. Through careful observation and experimentation, the Aedui learned to elevate Pinot grapes—from near and farto give birth to the wines of La Tène.
They were the undisputed lords of ancient Burgundy, ruling over the banks of the rivers that wound their way through the region. These waterways, the vital arteries of transport in their time, were essential to trade especially the trade of wine.
All kinds of pinot
“CAEsar bottle today”
The AEDUI became distinguished vignerons but also with aid from the Roman emperors the greatest merchants in Gaul and controlled trade throughout the vast reaches of the Celtic world. Thus, the many stops made by these small riverboats ply the waters exchanging cloth, salt, oils, bronze vessels, barrels of wine and other precious wares.
Masters of the art
Of selection
The AEDUI vignerons meticulously taste each juice, selecting only the finest, most refined and aromatic elixirs of Gaul. Artisans of vine and wine, they are past masters in the art of selection and ageing.
As tradition dictates, once ageing is complete, the wines are gently poured into magnificent stamnoi, where they await their moment to be served and savoured during the famed banquets.
At dusk
Let's celebrate victory like bacchus
The flamboyant sun gives way to a majestic moon. At dusk, music rises from the amphitheatre. Bards play festive themes of welcome to the victors amidst torrents of acclaim. The ladies, worthy representatives of the city, sport elegant, finely braided hairstyles, sumptuous jewels, torcs and other golden accoutrements. Warriors, artisans, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, vignerons and merchants together celebrate at a splendid banquet with a goblet of LA TENE wine in hand.
Wholesome,
loyal and worthy
In the midst of these choice dishes, transcending time and space, the wines of LA TENE are to be found on the finest tables. Wholesome, loyal and worthy - in the past and still today - these wines are firm favourites in many countries both at high level celebrations or a simple aperitif between friends.
- Pinot noir
Pinot - pending
- Chardonnay
Raise Your Glasses
to LA TENE art and the AEDUI’s good health!
As a tribute to LA TENE art and the brilliance of the AEDUI, we sought to create wines that reflect the aromas, flavours, and texture of Burgundy grape varieties. We carefully selected terroirs with geology similar to that of the Burgundian soil layers. Our conundrum was to produce wines that taste similar to Burgundy, that can be enjoyed in their youth and cost a fraction of the price!
Contact
Say hello
9 Boulevard Georges Clémenceau
21200 BEAUNE - FRANCE
tel: (+33) 380 240 625
Email:
contact@vins-divins-burgundy.com
Legal notice - Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Please drink responsibly. Creation Aneox
