Cycling in the Languedoc...

This last week or so has been a bit of a revelation for me as a non cycler. We have had a guest with us for ten nights without a car! Yes, without a CAR!!! But despite our reservations about the sense in this he has probably seen more than most, and certainly us, of the surrounding villages and countryside. With the aid of a few well timed trains and buses he has truly been all over. I'm not saying we haven't been to the places he's visited, because we have, but travelling by bike has allowed him to stop at will and go up those small and interesting alleyways without the fear of getting stuck or scraping the paintwork. He has kept a fascinating photo diary of his days out cycling and we are pleased to showcase just a few of his days out on the open road.

and just in case you thought we'd made this all up........

.....here's Dan, our intrepid cyclist enjoying a well earned pint of Guinness in La Galloise in Alaigne. What a great way to spend your holiday and an even better way to enjoy the beauty of our surrounding countryside.

All that Jazz....

with Tweezers Dixie Stomp Quartet, 27th April

More jazz in the Cavo d'Arts at Pieusse. Another brilliant night out. Sadly the next one isn't until 28th September. Why not join us, we still have rooms available. But there will be plenty of other events taking place during the summer if you can't wait until then.

Another wine tasting....

Today I was fortunate enough to be invited to the very gorgeous Chateau Guilhem in Malvies, which is about ten minutes away from Maison Laurent.

They are just releasing the newest vintage and I can honestly say their wines are superb. We will be adding a few to our ever-growing wine list.

Since 2004 Bertrand Gourdou-Guilhem has been at the reigns of this lovely family estate and whilst showing us around and introducing us to his wines it was evident to all that he is both passionate and enthusiastic about improving his wine and raising the profile of Languedoc wines generally. Situated on the southern side of AC Malepère they are producing good reds made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec; a lively dry rosé and lovely fresh Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. They also make a small quantity of a remarkable late-picked dessert wine from Muscat grapes hand picked from a vineyard they have in the Roussillion.

I was particularly taken with the Sauvignon Blanc which was fresh, zinging and well balanced, the Cuvee Prestige was terrific, showcasing the best of the classic fruity flavours of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc with a hint of tannin and complexity from its time in French oak barrels. We tasted the 2009 and 2010 and my preference was the newer vintage. Then the Clos du Blason, a real showstopper which will only improve with age. This wine comes from a single vineyard planted in 1973 with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Made up of 90% merlot it is soft and fruity with lovely ripe black fruit. It also has vanilla and smokey undertones and a hint of chocolate. You may gather - I liked it !!

The bonus to our guests and visitors is that you too can taste these wines if you happen to be visiting us and Chateau Guilhem should be one of the new wineries on tours we can arrange through Wendy Gedney of Vin en Vacances...