Blog

What a beautiful day. The first bright and sunny day for weeks. Something to lift the spirits as we enter into a rather dark period of our lives.

Yesterday we drove into Tours to collect some paint that we’d ordered and took the opportunity to pop into Les Halles to buy some cheese for the week.

So it seems I’m going to have plenty of time to wander around the vineyards over the next few weeks. The plateau just above the house is planted with Chenin.

Vines are hardy plants that will grow in the most unlikely of places. Does that mean that we can make wine anywhere in the world?

Small businesses such as ours are suffering in the wake of the Coronavirus but at least we’re not on total lock down like they are in Italy.

I mentioned that growers have been leaving pruning late to avoid the risk of frost and that some are pruning in 2 passes.

To be honest, my experience of wines that come from historic monuments is mediocre. It’s perfectly understandable, the château is the main business.

Last year I was invited to pick Chardonnay grapes with a lovely bunch of ladies. It was the initiative of Louisa Plou, wife of winemaker Fred Plou.

Pruning continues as growers set up their vineyards for the coming season and fingers are firmy crossed as the daffs are already showing their blooms.

Peter and Julette Hahn’s tiny estate in the heart of the Vouvray appellation in the winemaking village of Vernou sur Brenne is rather special.

It’s ages since I made a home made Croque Monsieur and it was so tasty and so easy that I had to share this super simple recipe with you.

This delicious hazlenut dessert can be prepared well in advance. It goes in the freezer and then you can just cut a slice as and when you need it.