Blog

Yesterday we went to see Arnaud Herivault of Domaine d’Orfeuilles in the Vouvray appellation. He was preparing preparation 501.

It’s a while since I worked with the Languedoc. A vast region that stretches from the border with Spain right across to Nimes.

As the grapes for the 2021 harvest come in, thoughts turn to the subject of chaptalisation. Have you any idea what it is?

A really delicious starter (appetizer) or light lunch that looks as pretty as a picture on the plate. Sound like a lot of work? No, it’s not.

Walk into any cellar in the Loire valley during harvest time and the chances are you’ll see wooden barrels with lots of chalk scribbles on the side.

All systems go here in the Vouvray appellation today as the 2021 harvest kicks off.

The ban de vendanges is set for Thursday 24th September here in the Vouvray appellation. That means; from the 24th, growers can pick grapes.

So, the Loire is off! They’ve started picking Chardonnay in Anjou, Saumur and Touraine. These grapes are destined for sparkling wine.

The French are very keen on frangipane (an almond cream) but I always think of it as the mixture that goes into English Bakewell tart.

We try to source our food and wine locally wherever possible and it can’t get much more local than this.

The Fiefs Vendéens? Is that part of the Loire? Where is it exactly? What kind of wines come from there?

14 months has passed. Yes, 14 months since we last had the pleasure of welcoming guests into our home, our tasting room.