Maison Des Bulliats

Meanwhile in Beaujolais the landscape is a thick lush carpet of green, the growth has been amazing since we were here last, upwards and outwards, so it is difficult to determine where the tiny paths are between the vines.

The miniscule yellowy green flowers have almost been and gone, and remember it is the saying that one hundred days are counted from their first appearance to the grapes being ready for gathering, that time of intense activity throughout the region, to pick the fruit by hand and turn them into the delectable heady juice, the fine Beaujolais wine.

It is not uncommon to see bold hares scurrying between the vines, occasionally stopping, ears pricked, looking around as if they might have forgotten something or late for an appointment and wondering which is the quickest route to follow.
I protect my vegetable garden from these delightful creatures who, in passing may be tempted by a juicy lettuce or a beetroot top!

There is great tractor activity, to clip, with flymo type mechanisms ‘rogneuse’ in french ,the long thin shoots of new growth that appear almost overnight. This can also be done by hand, the vigneron walking between the vines and deftly wielding a whip or antenae like wires, flicking to and fro. There will be minimal spraying of products, only what is essential, and if there is rain when the fruit start to form we must protect against mildew to ensure an excellent harvest.

The days are long and sunny and almost unbearably hot, and I look forward to a stroll in the evening cool and enjoy the quiet and beautifully peaceful scenery.
I listen to the church clock sound and am always surprised at the night sounds, the busy crickets a croaking toad and birds that do not seem to want to sleep.

A paper by geriatrics researchers at the University of Bari in Italy appearing in the May 22 issue of Neurology, revealing that the progression of dementia may be slower in people who drink moderately than in teetotalers.

A survey of elderly Italians — 1,445 of whom had no cognitive impairment and 121 who suffered mild cognitive impairment (MCI) — found that, over 3.5 years, those with MCI who drank less than one drink a day progressed to dementia at a rate 85% slower than those who drank nothing.

Drinking more did not seem to be better than drinking nothing.   So to make sure that you do not suffer, place an order our fabulous 2005 Regnie, that fine French Beaujolais.  Simply drop us an email and we will be happy to supply!

You can read more on that research here.

Tasting note
Good depth of fruit, with a polished texture. Aromas and flavours of redcurrants, blackberries & raspberries.

Wine note
The hamlet of ‘Les Bulliats’ in the Regnie region situated between Brouilly and Morgon. 7.75 of hectares, vines have an average age of 40 years - grapes hand-picked. Can be kept for up to 4/5 years. Owned by Canadian, Fred & Helene Lockwood.

Producer note: Maison des Bulliats
Régnié is the most recently created of the Beaujolais Crus, the appellation having received its official decree only in 1988. As such it is still relatively unknown, and remains to be discovered by many.

The 650 hectares of gently sloping vineyards are situated at an average altitude of some 300 metres, around the pretty village of Régnié-Durette, known for its church with twin bell-towers.

Soils are mainly granitic and sandy, and rich in the minerals necessary for the Gamay to flourish.  (more…)

The last few days have been spent looking after our regular and loyal clients in the U.K. while looking as always for new customers.

I was invited by a dear friend, who thought I should get out of the kitchen, where it is true I spend a fair bit of time.  Fred was in the U.S.A. exploring wine sales there.

We arrived at the Brown Dog pub and dining room,   in Barnes south west London, nestling between exclusive boutiques, little vegetable allotments, gourmet delicatessens and pretty terraced cottages.

The delightful interior and the friendly staff made us feel immediately comfortable, the food was excellent, fresh ingredients imaginatively cooked and presented, a real treat!

The Brown Dog tried our fine Regnie a few days later, Jamie the owner and the staff together with their customers gave it rave reviews, and have been selling it by the bottle and glass ever since.

We are delighted to be selling our wine in such a go-ahead first class establishment.

By the way the ‘in house’ white dog is an adorable mischievous three year old with a brown patch over one eye, I think called Beau Geste not Beau jolais! When delivering the second order of wine at lunchtime we were able to enjoy another superb stack of roasted vegetables and goats cheese cooked to perfection.

You must try it!

We dash off to see one of our best customers in the South East. I love visiting Neville Sparks at his magical wine shop,‘Wine Etcetera’ in Midhurst, Sussex. It is an amazing, complete wine experience, he is incredibly knowledgeable about every bottle he sells and gives each customer his undivided attention. Interesting wine quotations adorn the walls and the ‘etceteras’ are lovely decanters, elegant glasses, corkscrews and in fact everything surrounding the joyful activity of drinking wine. Neville writes regularly on wine for Sussex Life magazine, we were delighted that he chose to select our Regnie as recommended to drink with the Christmas season feasts last year. Our wine is arranged temptingly in an attractive assemblage by the bar like desk, his thoughtful, informative description of the fruits and flavours to be experienced, also suggests that our Regnie ‘tastes as a Beaujolais should tase’. We have made contact with and sales to many other independent wine merchants thanks to Neville, such as Cooden Cellars in Eastbourne, behind the Grand Hotel, who have our wine at the moment at a very attractive introductory offer, and Adrian Walsh, Food and Fine Wine, in Sheffield.