Firstly, news from Puimisson. If you want to keep up with Jeff Coutelou then his Facebook and Instagram pages are the places to find posts and videos. He has certainly been busy planting. Trees, shrubs and flowers by the hundred in various sites, reinforcing his belief in biodiversity and breaking up the monotony of the monoculture of the area.
Meanwhile planting of new vines continues. The extension of the Syrah part of La Garrigue took place. The land has been fallow for a few years and will now add more to the production of La Vigne Haute in the best years (though these new vines will need many vintages to be properly mature). Meanwhile the new land in Peilhan with the animal reservoir, bat and bird sanctuaries in the background is being planted with Spanish white varieties such as Parellada, Malvasia de Sitges and more Muscat D’Alexandrie. This will be alongside the planting of Xarel-lo which will go into production in 2024. The Spanish influence is one of Jeff’s responses to climate chaos alongside the planting of trees seen above.
Over a few days with friends and family I shared some favourite wines including a youthful, vibrant 2021 Flower Power in magnum from Jeff as well as a prime 2015 Barral Faugères full of dark fruit and spice. The Gahier Lou Blanc 2020 was fresh, full and delightful made from Chardonnay in the ouillé style, ie topped up barrels. A word too for the delicious South African sweet Chenin which delivered lots of fruit and a cutting freshness to the richness.
The meal at Askham Hall’s Michelin starred restaurant Allium included wine pairings and they were well chosen by a very good team. Highlights included a lovely Puligny Montrachet and Spätlese and a real treat with a 1928 Maury fortified wine made by Gauby.
The London trip was to visit two very good tastings which I shall write about soon. However, it was also a great time to revisit Noble Rot restaurant. The cod dish I had was superb but the star was a wonderful Savennières La Roche Aux Moines 2021. It delivered rich fruit with a fresh acidity, beautifully balanced and a great wine with food though it would be great to drink at any time. It was expensive enough at £74 but the retail price is over £40, I wish other restaurants would price wines with less than 100% mark ups! This is certainly already a candidate for my wine of the year, superb.
amarchinthevines 