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Dear wine lovers,
Located south of Bordeaux between Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, there is a large area where are planted the vines of Entre-deux-Mers* controlled appellation.
**In the XI century and within those two "Seas" ("Mers"), the Benedictin Monks, who always chose great vine potential places to settle down, built the Sauve Majeure Abbey, a stop-over on the Saint Jacques-de-Compostelle road that belongs to the world heritage of humanity**.
Vineyards are situated on various table lands cut by many small rivers created by hillsides. With all sorts of favourable exposures, the soil, mainly composed of gravels, is ideal for growing white grapes. Cradled by the gentle oceanic climate, vines have found here a perfect environment.
Entre-deux-Mers area only produces a dry and fruity white wine made from Sauvignon, Semillion and Muscadelle. Sauvignon variety gives fresh aromas like grapefruit. Semillon offers soft hints of spring flowers, like pears or peaches. Muscadelle, floral and fruity, contributes to the aromatic complexity of these wines which should be drunk young at the aperitif, with seafood or with light dishes like this fish soup recipe***.
Because of its size, there are lots of wines from this area. As a result, prices are affordable. Try to avoid negociants and coops here and focus on small owned family Estates such as Château de Crain or Château Bonnet, Château Guibon, Château Grossombre who belong to André Lurton. And my favorite is Chateau de Fontenille located by the majestic Sauve Majeure Abbey, another reason to visit this beautiful area.
Cheers,
Jean-Marc Espinasse
Any comments, edits are very welcome at [email protected]
PODCASTS :
Listen to this whole edition in French (allow some delay depending on your speed internet connection)
Listen to this whole edition in English (allow some delay depending on your speed internet connection)
See Entre-deux-Mers on a French wine map
**Au XI ième sciècle et au sein de ces deux "Mers", les Moines Bénédictins, qui choisissaient toujours des lieux à fort potentiel vigne pour s'installer, ont construit l'Abbaye Sauve Majeure, une halte sur la route de Saint Jacques-de-Compostelle qui appartient à l'héritage mondial de l'humanité.**.
Talking about Bordeaux, here is a fabulous book :
***Fish soup recipe:
Ingredients for 4 people :
8 small sea rock (fresh water) fish
1 can of concentrated tomatoes.
Pinch of saffran, salt and pepper.
Olive oil.
Preparation :
1. Clean and gut fish, leaving heads and tails intact.
2. Put them in a pan and cover them with water, concentrated tomatoes and spices.
3. Boil them at low flame for 1 hour.
4. Pass everything through "moulinette" (or food processor).
5. Add olive oil.
5. Serve warm or cold.
