Couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy for leaving a remarkable indian summer in San Francisco. The fog had eased, the sun emerged, and temperatures began to climb. Still, there was something comforting about September in France, the soft light, temperate days, and evenings that would allow for a log or two on the fire. Then... somebody turned up the dial.
The Monday morning of our last group began oddly warm, and wouldn't stop there. By mid-morning it was in the 70's, and would consistently hover about 90 degrees for the entire week. So, you get lemons... With a full group, we'd chosen well the large Maison de Maître in a hamlet a short walk from Neuvicq-le-Château. Bearing all the necessary amenities (i.e. a private pétanque court), the most appreciated aspect was the VERY LARGE SWIMMING POOL!!! An afternoon dip, a cold beer or a sip of rosé, followed by a nap proved refreshing, and set us up for the evening aperitifs and dinner that would follow.
Gone were the deep braises of the first week, and the rich reds that went with them. The reds chosen were more light, there was of course an array of whites, and the subtlety of really well made rosé was introduced. (It helped to have laid in some crisp and dry offerings from Bordeaux and the Loire, along with a slightly more round version by local vintner Roland Vilneau made from merlot grapes.) The group was a blast, and easily took to the warm weather, with two guests even committing to daily afternoon "blood matches" on the badminton court.
Having thought that we'd left indian summer in the Bay Area, we were pleased to have found that it had followed us to the Charente.
Chez Gautier Cooking School: http://www.chez-gautier.com
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| Neuvicq-le Château |
Gone were the deep braises of the first week, and the rich reds that went with them. The reds chosen were more light, there was of course an array of whites, and the subtlety of really well made rosé was introduced. (It helped to have laid in some crisp and dry offerings from Bordeaux and the Loire, along with a slightly more round version by local vintner Roland Vilneau made from merlot grapes.) The group was a blast, and easily took to the warm weather, with two guests even committing to daily afternoon "blood matches" on the badminton court.
Having thought that we'd left indian summer in the Bay Area, we were pleased to have found that it had followed us to the Charente.
Chez Gautier Cooking School: http://www.chez-gautier.com
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