Le Detour reopens

Was very sorry to learn that Philippe, one of the proprietors of Le Detour, had fallen off a ladder from four metres a few days ago. He broke a number of bones arou d his should and arm and will have to be virtually immobile for several months while he recovers. The only consolation is that it could been much worst. 

Following the accident Laurance closed Le Detour for several days but reopened this Monday. We hope that Philippe will soon be fit again so that he can take up his duties behind the bar and serving in the restaurant. 

Philippe and Laurance 

Le Détour‎, 1 Rue Bléré, 37150 Civray de Touraine, France‎ - 02.47.30.99.30‎

Neat and tidy often isn't best practice

Total blitz in Touraine

There is a very good but disturbing post (7th September) on Hervé Lalau's Chroniques Vineuses about the weed police in the Beaujolais. No it isn't April Fool's Day they really do have people from an organisation called Le CIBAS employed by the ODG du Beaujolais (l'Organisme de Défense et de Gestion de l'AOC) employed by the appellation to visit vineyards to check on the state of the weeds. If your vineyard is too weedy then those vines may be declassified and the wines won't have to right to be called Beaujolais etc.

The two photos below were taken in Touraine – two vineyards almost adjacent in the Cher Valley. I presume from Herve's post the vineyard in the top picture would pass – perhaps be highly commended, while the lower one would fail.

Beaujolais approved?

Beaujolais failed?

If my assumption is correct then there are a number of questions to ask:

a) Which of the two vineyards is more healthy?
b) Which has greater biodiversity?

c) Which system is more sustainable – la vie durable?

d) Which vineyard has obvious signs of erosion even though the slope is slight?
e) Why do have to look impeccably neat and tidy as though manicured?

 

Never forget that the wines of Claude Papin are superb!!*

* Jamais oubliez que les vins de Claude Papin sont toujours superb – Premier Règle de Château Pierre-Bise!

 

Joëlle Papin forgets the First Rule of Pierre-Bise 

(Stars of the Layon – L-R: Catherine and Vincent Ogereau, Joëlle and Claude Papin, Marie-Annick and Yves Guegniard)

Stars from the Layon in London: Guegniard, Ogereau, Papin

At least Eurostar arrives on time for strike threatened party 

The stars from the Layon – Martie-Annick and Yves Guegniard, Catherine and Vincent Ogereau and Joëlle and Claude Papin – arrived in London early yesterday afternoon for a brief 24-hour visit for a couple of tastings at the RSJ Restaurant in London's Waterloo. Unfortunately the six are threatened with transport strikes on both sides of the Channel. Starting yesterday evening there is a 24-hour London tube strike and when they get back to Paris later today they could hit the start of a French rail strike. 

Here are some photos from the tasting at the RSJ last night:

Claude Papin

Catherine Ogereau

Joëlle Papin

Marie-Annick and Yves Guegniard

Vincent Ogereau

Tasters