Château de Gourgazaud

Last night I took a sip of Chardonnay that knocked my socks off.

In the past, I was not, repeat not, a big fan of Chardonnay.  Too much butter, too much vanilla, often too oaky.  Like licking a strip of bark slathered in butter.

Then came my Chardonnay revelation in the form of a white Burgundy that was included in the Tour de France of Wine tasting at Ô Château in Paris. 
That Chardonnay was an entirely different creature, with its bright aromas of apple and almond, and hints of pineapple, tangerine and cream.  Nothing like the over-oaked abominations from California.

So I've happily sought out bottles of white Burgundy, all the while carefully avoiding any bottle that includes the words élevé en fût de chêne*.

Then the other day, thanks to a local vigneron and her family, I learned that oak barrel aged Chardonnay can be a sublime experience.

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Languedoc Cheese Course

Sometimes you just have one of those perfect days... Pin It

La Fête du Fromage - Beaufort d'Été

There's still a bit of time left to get a hold of Beaufort d'Été, but you better hurry! 
And you'll have to find a Fromagerie that will sell it to you.

The friend who carefully transported this generous slab from the Alps to the Languedoc a couple of weeks ago told us that the Fromagerie where he bought it refuses to sell this seasonal cheese after September 15.
The rules state that Beaufort d'Été must be made from Tarine and Abondance cow's milk produced between June 1 until the end of October, however this particular Fromager thinks the cheese is past its prime after mid September. 
So if you don't care to follow the Fromager's advice, you still have a chance to try it.  And you'll be happy that you did.

Beaufort d'Été is packed full of fruity and zingy yeast flavors, and has a delightful, slightly crumbly, dense texture.  Much less complex, buttery and grassy than a more mature Beaufort, but equally delicious. 

White wines from Burgundy or Beaujolais pair well with this cheese. Pin It

Things Making Me Smile This Week

The window of la Boucherie in Olonzac

The discovery of a cheese-themed restaurant in Tours. L'Affiné is most definitely on the top of my list for our trip to the Loire Valley in October.

Fig Walnut Pesto with Honey.  Yes, please!

Two old friends and their family have embarked on a new adventure and their rental home comes complete with a pink kitchen and a pink oven!  Pass the pearls, a frilly apron and a pair of high heels!

Camille vs. the bees.  

Another gorgeous September evening. Pin It

The Color Purple

Rich and regal, strong and saturated; purple has always been my favorite color.

Icy wisteria hanging in clusters.
Deep purple figs plucked from the trees and unavoidably squashed underfoot. 
Shutters in a light shade of violet always capture my attention.
Ripening grapes thriving on the vines.
Amethyst tinted garlic, lush, juicy plums and heavy globes of eggplant.
Pale violet skies at sunset.
A glass at the end of the day.  Santé!

Its presence is appreciated all year, but these last days of summer are infused with all shades of purple, violet and lavender.  So gorgeous. Pin It