Planning a trip to the celebrated French wine region takes some organisation, so here’s the heads-up.
Our timing could not be better. The fabled Saint-Emilion region of south-west France revises its wine classifications once every 10 years or so., a three-storey, 17th-century mansion of softly shaded limestone, tall mullioned windows and topiary hedging, there is a palpable excitement in the air.Just a few weeks earlier, the wine estate had been awarded the region’s highest rank, Premier Grand Cru Classé A. It became one of only two Saint-Emilion châteaux to hold the coveted title.
Overcoming that hurdle, our group of four is rewarded by a personal tour of the winery, which sits in a 54-hectare estate, one of the largest in the region, and where vine leaves are turning gold and deep red in the autumn sun.Much of the wine-making magic happens below ground after the installation, in 2021, of a two-storey deep gravity-fed vat house, barrel halls and cellar.
There are 7000 wineries and more than 50 appellations, or protected wine regions, in the Bordeaux region. Divided by the mighty Garonne river, vines were planted here almost 2000 years ago by the Romans. At its heart is a city built on wine. It’s often called a “mini Paris” and like the capital, Bordeaux is marked by its left and right banks.
The medieval village of Saint-Emilion is picture-postcard rural France with its steep and narrow streets, cloistered church and mellow stone houses. We dine at Lard et Bouchon, a restaurant specialising in local dishes in the heart of the village, at a table in its 14th-century wine cellar.For accommodation, we opt to stay in the centre of Bordeaux, at
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
French government to face no-confidence vote over pension age riseMacron’s decision to push through changes without vote led to widespread protests over weekend
Read more »
French government faces no-confidence votes over Macron pension plansMotions to be put before parliament against backdrop of rising tensions between protesters and police
Read more »
Macron's government survives motion of no confidence by just nine votesAs widespread protests sweep through the country, the French government narrowly survives a vote of no confidence, bringing a deeply unpopular pension reform into law.
Read more »
Macron survives no-confidence votes over pension planThe French government has survived two no-confidence votes in the lower chamber of parliament, proposed by lawmakers who objected to its push to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Read more »
Macron survives no-confidence votes over pension planThe French government has survived two no-confidence votes in the lower chamber of parliament, proposed by lawmakers who objected to its push to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Read more »