Welcome summer. Here's some reading to help you approach the warm season in the best conditions, remembering to stay hydrated, and why not join us on our charming terrace for some cool drinks with friends. And why not discover the new Jura vintages from Les Dolomies, a domain we visited on our previous trip through France, or quench your thirst with Guillaume Noire and his laid-back cuvées! A quick Gascon culture point: the age statements on Armagnac bottles – we'll help you understand them ;)
Drink well and be happy!
Les Dolomies, Jura emotions
- During our oenological journey, we visited one of the most fascinating terroirs of our hexagonal vineyard, namely the Jura. Neighboring Burgundy, the Franche-Comté vineyard continues to emancipate itself from this cousin who too often takes all the spotlight. Historic winemakers, talented youngsters, endemic grape varieties, and specific expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, deeply marked by marls of various colors—red, gray, blue, black—a tactile patchwork impressing our hearts and souls.
Les Dolomiesare clearly part of this movement. Céline and her husband settled in 2008 in the charming village of Passenans, amidst majestic farms and Franche-Comté roofs. Aided by the Terre de Liens land collective, they structured the vineyard around 3 plots, in Passenans and Frontenay, and a small island in Château-Chalon (which they later sold), for a total area of 3.5 hectares.
The sun that day led us to do the tasting in the family garden, surrounded by flowers and bees. And there, it was a whirlwind of sensations, like a fleeting relationship, a brief encounter that would mark us, between perfumes, powdery or more carnal touches, the freshness of rock water or a more generous texture. A big favorite for the domain, and a huge one for their Trousseau "Bordel c'est Bon"... it's written on the label ;);)... taking on the delicate air of a Poulsard.
Guillaume Noire, Elément(s)'aire
We are happy to announce the arrival of Guillaume's new juices. Based in Rablay-sur-Layon, this neo winemaker-farmer, as he likes to define himself, continues his quest to deliver unadulterated, pure, no-fuss juices where the only ambition is to enjoy oneself, to refresh, to chat simply and gently, accompanied by friends who are not afraid to use the corkscrew given the extreme drinkability of the bottles. A playful touch: labels featuring the periodic table, evoking the grape varieties and winemaking methods (maceration, "blouge," "pet' nat'"). Will you be able to find your way? Don't panic, we're here for that ;).
The Wine Bar
The summer novelty at Cave du Palais. Always with the idea of sharing quality moments with you, we have decided to launch a small wine bar activity. On the program: a regularly changing by-the-glass selection, bottles to share or not at wine shop priceswith a corkage fee of 7 euros (enough to treat yourself), platters of local products to share, all on an intimate terrace, seated on benches that invite you to linger without worrying about time passing. And of course, smiles and advice are always de rigueur. Cheers!
VSOP, Hors d'âge... how to read an Armagnac label
We often find ourselves at a loss to know the number of years an Armagnac has been aged, with too many mentions that aren't always clear. Today, we're shedding some light on it.
The mention on the bottle indicates the age of the youngest eau-de-vie present, with the Armagnac producer using blends of several years to add complexity to the whole.
-VS or ***: blend of several Armagnacs aged at least 1 year;
-VSOP: at least 4 years;
-Napoleon: at least 6 years;
-XO or Hors d'âge: at least 10 years;
-15 years, 25 years, 50 years: same principle as the previous mentions, as you will have understood ;)
-Vintages correspond to Armagnacs from a single vintage, which can only be marketed after a minimum of 10 years of aging (often longer).
Note that once bottled, Armagnacs, like all spirits, no longer evolve. It is therefore important to pay attention to the number of years of aging, especially for vintages (a 2005 vintage bottled after 10 years will not have the same depth as a 2005 bottled after 20 years).
Remember to store your bottles upright to prevent the alcohol from deteriorating the cork!
