My first update since the 'French exit'
Producers visited, renovation progress, the new business and my wine of the week
UPDATES ON ‘THE MOVE’
The past four weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind since the big move to the Southern Rhône.
Study trips have included some visits to various French producers and an inspiring invitation to the ‘Old Vine Conference’ in Southern Italy last week. So, for now, I’ve time for a simple quick update and then will write up the escapades in full over the next couple of weeks – including a great masterclass on whole bunch Syrah that I attended and some deep-dive-details on the old vine Aglianico I fell head-over-heels for in Italy.
In personal news, the renovation of our little French farmhouse is now underway. Walls have come down to open up the rooms, trees have been trimmed to let in the light and an electrician is currently ensuring we don’t electrocute ourselves. If you’re interested in tracking our progress, then you can follow our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ourlittlefrenchfarmhouse/
In terms of getting my head down for the looming exams, the French phrase ‘être au taquet’ springs to mind. It translates as ‘to be at a piece of wood’ and is used to describe working hard with the hope that something good might happen… I am very much at a piece of wood for the next five weeks.
‘ANNA SPOONER WINE’ BUSINESS UPDATE
My website build has begun. Since I am doing it myself it will be a low priority until post-exams but will allow people to book one-to-one tuition online for wine exams; private tastings for birthdays, wedding planning, regional tasting groups etc.; and OF COURSE winery tours and tastings in France. If you’re interested in booking any services in advance of the launch, for a reduced price, you can take a look at my go fund me -> https://gofund.me/45813986
FIRST FROLICS INTO RHÔNE AND SOUTHERN FRANCE
A study friend and I attended the Découvertes en Vallée du Rhône, the region’s four day trade fair covering the north and south of the region. As well as lots of tasting and chatting to producers, we also attended two brilliant masterclasses, one on whole bunch Syrah in the Northern Rhône and another on Condrieu AOC – a style of wine that I have always struggled to love – call me a heathen, I know. Watch this space for write ups.
We took a trip to the Languedoc to visit Mas de Daumas Gassac as well as a fortuitous detour, inspired by Andrew Jefford, to Picpoul de Pinet. We also visited a close neighbour and dear friend, Madeline Ferran at Domaine des Escaravaille who we subject to several hours of gruelling technical questions from reducing sulphur use in winemaking through to labour laws in France. Again, all coming soon!
WHAT I’VE BEEN DRINKING
This week some family visited who couldn’t attend my wedding thanks to Covid. I had saved a few bottles of the Rustenberg Chardonnay we served at the wedding to enjoy with them and wow, it was wonderful to share it with them. This is a more recent vintage but absolutely stonking! It’s an ideal wine for this time of year too, spritzes of lemon and white peach for the lighter white meat, fish and salad I sway towards at this time of year but enough weight and texture (with really classy oak) to match up to heartier sauces, cream and even cheese.
Buy it from The Wine Society here
