This month, we chat with Vincent Desnoes, who, along with his wife Brooke Desnoes, owns the classic wine shop Gervais & Lulu in downtown Cullman.
Cullman City Lifestyle: Can you tell me how Gervais & Lulu came to be? And is there a special meaning behind the name?
Vincent Desnoes: The shop is named after my father and my uncle. They worked and sold wine together for over 40 years in a very busy market street located in the Latin Quarter, the very heart of Paris. Wine and food have always been part of our family life, and by the age of 14, I was already helping the real Gervais and Lulu sell wine during school vacations. At the end of the 70s the Beaujolais nouveau had become extremely popular with the Parisians and I spent many cold Christmas vacations selling it outside the shop.
To answer your first question I will simply say that I felt that not using my knowledge of wine was a waste. I also knew that Cullman would quickly understand the difference between soulless industrial wines found in grocery stores and the natural wines carefully crafted on family estates that I select for my clients.
CCL: How does a specialty shop like this fit into a smaller community like Cullman?
VD: Cullman is growing right before our eyes, so the timing is perfect for a small specialty shop like mine. Coming from a large city and knowing what is happening in most of them, I foresee a bright future for smaller communities like Cullman. However, Cullman's attractiveness will only last if small businesses are not smothered by large franchises. My shop is located in the historical district and being surrounded by independent friendly businesses such as restaurants, florists, antique stores and the oldest hardware store in town is a great advantage and I hope that more small businesses join us in the future. Small businesses are the heart and soul of a community.
CCL: What is something you would tell someone who is not well versed in wines and champagnes, but wants to choose one for a special occasion?
VD: Every time you open a bottle of wine is a special occasion. There is no reason to drink bad wine even during a casual evening, and a good bottle does not have to be expensive. I sell wonderful wines that people love starting at $17.
For someone celebrating a special occasion, the only advice I can give is to visit my shop. My role is to offer my clients a selection of wines they can enjoy without having to second guess what's inside a bottle. If a bottle is on the shelves at Gervais & Lulu, it is because it has been tasted and approved. The people I source my wines from know how difficult I am, but they also respect my opinion. I did not learn the trade by taking a sommelier class over the internet. I learned on the ground from the winemakers themselves, the only people who truly know about wine.
CCL: What are your recommended selections for the fall season?
VD: Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy Chardonnays and Pinots from Burgundy. Older vintages will display rich nuances of reds and deep yellows that will bring the colors and the fragrances of the season in your glass.
CCL: Which pairs best with Halloween treats?
VD: Nothing pairs with Halloween treats, but a red Givry or a white Rully from Southern Burgundy will do very well with a spicy pumpkin pie covered with dark chocolate.
CCL: And Thanksgiving dinner?
VD: I am old-fashioned, and as far as I am concerned, a turkey needs a Pinot from Burgundy. Over the 25 years we lived in Paris, my wife Brooke became a true chef and always prepared beautiful and tasteful Thanksgiving dinners for our friends and guests. Monsieur Paul Garaudet's gracefully aged Monthelies and Volnays were always on our table on those very special nights.
You can find Gervais & Lulu at 117 Fourth St. SE in downtown Cullman.
"If a bottle is on the shelves at Gervais & Lulu, it is because it has been tasted and approved. The people I source my wines from know how difficult I am, but they also respect my opinion. I did not learn the trade by taking a sommelier class over the internet. I learned on the ground from the winemakers themselves, the only people who truly know about wine."