Blog

How chuffed was I to see that Nigel’s brother has framed the lovely prints of the paintings Louisa of Montdomaine created during lockdown.

We often ask our guests to tell us the difference between one parcel and another. What can you see that’s different ?

At last it feels as if Spring has arrived and in the vineyards, things are moving quickly.

Here’s a seasonal spicy salad that is great on its own as a light lunch or perfect served alongside crispy pork belly or griddled salmon.

One of the winemakers we were keen to meet at the Salon des Vins de Loire was Thomas Frissant, young vigneron in the village of Mosnes.

Sebastien du Petit Thouars was on good form at the Salon des Vins de Loire and it was great to taste through the current range with him and his winemaker Clement.

Straight back to work – the first thing to do was to take a walk around the vineyards here to see the state of play.

Anne-Claire Vallée was on top form at the Salon des Vins de Loire. We tasted the current range and one or two new wines to the portfolio.

The Côte Roannaise is a long way from us here in Noizay but it’s still considered to be part of the Loire when it comes to wine.

One of the highlights of the salon in Angers was meeting up with Ina Smith who works for the Chenin Blanc Association in South Africa.

Flaky pastry with a rich, cheesey, bean, leek and thyme filling. Comfort food for a winter’s day.

We didn’t know whether to be excited or sad as Nigel reached for the final bottle of Coteau des Treilles in the cellar last night.