Epiphany to start the year with gourmet delights
The gastronomic year begins on a sweet note with Epiphany and its famous galettes des rois. Whether it's a brioche crown or a crispy, melt-in-your-mouth frangipane, each deserves its perfect companion. To prolong the festive effervescence, we'll opt for crisp, refreshing, and slightly coated bubbles. The Moscato d'Asti frizzante (only 5% alcohol!) and wonderfully aromatic will pair beautifully with soft brioche and candied fruits, as will the delicate Cerdon... a rosé sparkling wine from the Bugey massif. And what about the marriage between that buttery puff pastry and the fine, lively bubbles of Champagne Brut from Gratiot? More traditional but so comforting, almost childlike, indulge in a Basque cider or a Norman perry, combining fruitiness and voluptuousness. 3,2,1 Bubble away!!!
Imanol Garay, Pyrenean vibes
A meeting with Imanol is always a special, suspended, multi-sensory moment. This artist-winemaker is a true Jack-of-all-trades, musician, painter (he designs his own labels), transmitting his overflowing energy through vibrant, mouth-watering, deep cuvées. Imanol explores vineyards on both sides of the Pyrenees, offering us an experience that never leaves one indifferent. Raffiat de Moncade, Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Spanish Pinot Noir from Haute Navarre, and other Mansengs, energized by the "good vibrations" of a vintage piano, offer our alert palates emotionally powerful juices, raw diamonds that sometimes need patient polishing in the cellar. To be enjoyed with a nice vinyl record!
Domaine des Boissières, tailor-made Mansois
Marc brings his "Fraysse" to the Cave du Palais, and it's extremely joyful news in these chilly times. How can one not salivate imagining enjoying a properly stretchy aligot and a bottle of Mansois (the local name for Fer-Servadou), a juicy and flavorful sausage to share among Amics. What Lias always binds hearts and minds.
Benoit Courault, Loire softness
To travel to Faye-d'Anjou and meet Benoit is to enter the sphere of characterful winemakers who express their sensibility through their wines. Expressions naturally infused with fruit, terroir, and humanity – not the omnipotent kind, but rather one who knows he is passing through and accompanies Mother Nature without rushing her. Ethereal yet rooted, delicate yet profound wines that leave the impression of a caress warming our hearts with youthful gaiety.
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