Every year we have a group that comes over from the UK for the Le Mans 24 hours race. They’re all interested in cars but they love good food and wine too and a day with us makes a change of scene. Le Mans is only an hour from Le Tasting Room so it’s an ideal day trip.
This year was the 8th year the group has been coming to see us. We welcomed them with a coffee and homemade apricot pistachio and lavender cake before moving on to the wine. Cathy gives them a vintage update every year and talks about the problems and successes of the previous vintage and then as always, we taste a range of wines that they have not tasted before.
Lunch is in the old barrel cellar and is always a convivial affair. This year we enjoyed homemade sausage rolls with a glass of Crémant de Loire from Chateau de Breuil followed by a selection of charcuterie served with freshly made celeriac remoulade, spicy cumin carrot rapée and beetroot with red onion and balsamic. The main course was simply roasted chicken legs that had been marinating overnight in harissa and greek yoghurt served with tiny roast potatoes and a fresh tomato salad. Of course a substantial cheeseboard followed as is tradition in France and then on to dessert, a choice of tarte au citron, blackcurrant and almond frangipane tart and flaky pastry pear and nutella slice.
It’s always a lovely day that we thoroughly enjoy. After 8 years it’s more like having a group of friends over for the day. This is the range of wines that we enjoyed. All from the Loire with a wide selection of grape varieties and wine styles.
Muscadet 2017 from Les Bêtes Curieuses, Le Perdrix de l’Année, Savennières La Frémine 2015 from Domaine FL, Sans Les Mains 2015, Vin de France Pineau d’Aunis from Frederic Mabileau, Clos Moleton 2014, Saumur Champigny from Domaine Arnaud Lambert, Crémant from Chateau de Breuil, Vieille Vignes Saumur Champigny 2009 from Chateau de Villeneuve, Climat No 1 2016, Sauvignon from Touraine-Oisly and Lionel Gosseaume, Pigeur Fou 2017 from Gerald Vallée, L’Envolée 2014 from Gerald Vallée, Cuvée Amiral 2010 from Chateau du Petit Thouars and Domaine de Bablut’s 1998 Coteaux de L’Aubance.
