News from the Loire – portes ouvertes Ampelidae 1st May 2018

Many of our clients come down to the Loire for a day trip from Paris. Blessed with perfect sunny days, it’s been a pleasure to get out in the vineyards.

We had a great day out with a group of sixteen classic car enthusiasts.

Made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape (the same one used in still Muscadet), this sparkling wine is just brimming with fruity freshness and hints of ripe rhubarb.

You can buy pastry in any French supermarket and I certainly don’t judge anyone for using it as it saves time, comes rolled and is ready to slide into a tin. But, it’s not quite as good as homemade. Probably because when I make my own I use rather large quantities of really good fresh butter

There are different ways to prune vines. Here in the Loire in Anjou we see a lot of Single Guyot and Double Guyot pruning, a cane replacement system.

A new cheese to us this week. Vacherousse d’Argental – a rich, smooth and creamy cow’s milk cheese from the Lyon area of France.