Clos Cristal (Saumur-Champigny): fine post by Bertrand Celce

Clos Cristal and the unique vine wall system planted by Père Cristal

Excellent post by Bertrand Celce on his Wine Terroir site on the historc Clos Cristal in Saumur-Champigny.

Some good reads

One of the galeries in the cellars of Langlois-Chateau

Firstly a piece from Chris Kissack on a tasting of Vins Clairs at Langlois-Chateau at the beginning of February – a soirée during this year's Salon des Vins de Loire.

Then a couple of recent pieces from Bertrand Celce's wine terroir site – one on Mathieu Coste in the Coteaux du Giennois and one on Jacky Blot's Domaine de la Butte in Bourgueil. 

To finish there is an excellent and detailed blog on the construction of the new tramway in Tours. Called un tram pour Tours it is written by 19 year old Arnoul Maffre. Article on him here.

Laurent Saillard's new life

Laurent (left) during the harvest last September@Le Clos Roche Blanche

Fascinating account on Bertrand Celce's fine wine terroirs blog of Laurent Saillard's new life in the vineyards of the Cher Valley. Laurent used to be a restaurateur in New York and last year gave that life up to become a vigneron in Touraine. I met Laurent briefly last September during the harvest at the Clos Roche Blanche.