Wine not whine


Sally's Chateau would like to present you all with something slightly different for your edification today, Wine not whine.

For anyone not living in France surrounded left, right and centre by vineyards it must be difficult to imagine that this time of year is the pinnacle of the season with the vendange (harvesting of the grapes) in full swing. I can hear the rumbling of the majestic harvester begin at 6am every morning and slowly trundle off into the distance, a low melodious moan in the air.

On entering any supermarket you are confronted with an instant 'wine cellar'. Arches adorned with grapes, carts loaded with straw and wooden boxes of wine from every region, an alarming array of first growths and more Chateau's than you can shake a stick at. A man in a crisp white apron approaches you, never mind that it is early morning, join the throng of noses thrust deeply into glasses and gargle away with the best of them. His Lordship eyes the display appreciatively, his expression glazing over with lust. Chateau Margaux, Chateau Bechevelle, Chateau Gloria and a 1978 Chateau Rieussec, a snip at 54 euros if you like a little desert wine or something to go with your foie gras.

Coming home empty handed save for a robust local number in a plastic container I announce that I'm going to take a quick dip in the pool as yesterday was utterly glorious. His Lordship however would like a walk and so we set off marvelling at the change of landscape now that the sunflowers have been harvested and admire the freshly ploughed ground. There's something incredibly sensual and fertile about the land at this time of year.

Meandering through the vines we pluck at the sweet grapes left behind. The intense flavour assaults our taste buds.

I do so prefer wine to whine.

Comments

Berlimey - I would NEVER be sober.

How is HL - it sounds as though he is doing really well after his operation . . .
Crystal Jigsaw said…
Ooh, me too! Although too much gives me a blinder of a headache!

Crystal xx
Exmoorjane said…
Oh, words to warm a woman's heart - foire de vins (is that it?)......
A dip in the pool sounds just the ticket..... jxx
Frances said…
Sally, on an early Friday evening in New York, you have just taken me away. Again.

But. I am turning dramatic shades of green. Started with new leaf, passed through emerald, onto deepest forest.

Enjoy the harvest. You do work so very hard, that it is great to see you really enjoying the beautiful land in which you live.

xo
Pondside said…
Mmmmm - what a grocery store!! Another reason to long to visit your part of the world.
Suffolkmum said…
I love a good whine from time to time, but cases of wine - I'm there.
Milkmaid said…
It's glorious here too for the time of year, but not tempting enough to take a dip in an outdoor pool - lucky you
muddyboots said…
oo, wine, sat and listen to a faintly interesting talk about why pinot noir is the ideal grape variety for the ampleforth valley, same terroire you know. must send over a load of bottles so as to fill up at your neighbouring winery!! so very sheap l mean cheap!
Grouse said…
Ooooh! Do you do wine tours Sally? Now THAT's the sort of holiday I could yearn for right now.......

I suppose HL is an expert???
CAMILLA said…
Bonjour Sally,

I am just catching up with your wonderful Blogs. Wine - I just LOVE it, especially the Red variety, I prefer French Wine anytime it beats all the rest I think. I bought many bottles recently of some Beaujolais the first of the season, the taste - oh magnifique.!!!

We have a Grape Vine attached to our old Green House, was planted by the previous owners, an abundance of fruit there growing, rich dark Purple Grapes, the only thing is I have never eaten them, not sure if they are alright for eating.

How lovely to be able to take a dip into that pool, quite fancy that Sally. Hope HL is doing well after his operation.

Camilla.xx
Anonymous said…
'Course 'es an expert. Practising all the time like that!

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