In the cellar with… Susan Bora and Benoit Yon

Let’s push the boundaries of exhilaration and ask some questions to the owners of La Cave de Bacchus in Rouen, Normandy.

Wine accompanies the moments of our lives, from the most intimate to the most memorable. To explore this connection and introduce you to new cuvées, I interview winemakers, sommeliers, and enthusiasts about themes linked to the emotions of different occasions.

For this third episode, and following the publication of the latest itinerary, Benoît Yon and Susan Bora, founders and managers of La Cave de Bacchus in Rouen, have taken on my wine-themed Proust questionnaire.

What do you think is the greatest virtue of wine?
Susan: Creating exchanges—it gets people talking, whether they agree or not.
Benoit: Its connection, or the connection it should have, with good food. It calls for gastronomy!

What about cider?
Susan: Incredible terroirs and sometimes century-old apple varieties—what a treasure!
Benoit: A treasure that’s so underappreciated!

…And what bigger flaw could there be?
Susan & Benoit: There’s too much of it! We’d love to taste everything !

Which vintage for a special occasion?
Susan: Syrah by Stefano Amerighi in Tuscany—any vintage!
Benoit: Cuvée 909 (Gamay, Pinot, and Chardonnay millefeuille) by Ben Walgate in Sussex!

…And for a non-occasion?
Susan: Le P’tit Vaillant Rouge from Domaine Les Grandes Vignes in Anjou.
Benoit: Cuvée Primeur Supercinq by Lori Haon in the Gard.

Which wine for love?
Susan: A Chenin from Château Bonnezeaux—any parcel or vintage 😄!
Benoit: Garnacha by Antoine Clavel on Pic Saint-Loup.

…And for an amicable breakup?
Susan: L’Amour du Risque Pet Nat Rosé from Château Peybonhomme-Les-Tours.
Benoit: Baiser Salé (Loin de l’Œil) by Aurélie Lataix in Gaillac.