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.