It’s Thursday and our turn poker night at our house. The guys were insepcting the labels for a new wine of Benji’s that’s about to be bottled and then got stuck into drinking some others.
I was so excited, Benji put a great bottle of white in the freezer and I left them (wringing my hands in anticipation) in the kitchen as they sat down to play. Half-an-hour later I reminded Benji about his bottle chilling and he held one up and said ‘Oh this one? It’s finished’. My mouth dropped. The scoundrels!
Time to come to the computer and vent some steam.
(I should admit I got to bring a twentieth of a glass of chardonnay with me – so generous of you fellas)
I’d been meaning to put up some long-overdue photos anyway.
So for you, here’s a round-up of the 2012 grape harvest in our little area, the village of La Liviniere, in the Minervois region. In our village alone, of approxiamtely 600 people, there are 16 vignerons (winemakers/vineyard owners producing their own brand) and about 150 viticulturalists processing their grapes with the local Cave Co-operative.
It’s been a good harvest and people seem pretty happy about what they’ve picked – despite the kaleidoscope of weather. Essentially, we had good rain, good sun, good wind and the vineyard owners and vignerons are happy to see their babies off the vines and in the tanks.
Gone for the moment the need to check on the weather patterns 24/7 and the worries of the wiles of Nature , it’s now time to work inside the cellars and nurture the juice.
While the viticulteurs take it easier, the vignerons need to keep up a a seven day working week. It is now that crucial decisions, with their accompanying stress, need to be made regarding the precious juice and its management and development.
However, I can say that the general climate in our house is now pleasantly mild with fewer storms brewing on the front .
But not if the wine isn’t shared around.
The Vigneron's Wife 
Beautiful pics Kat – keep the blog up my little vignerette xxx
Thanks a lot Alice – and that’s a new one, vignerette, kinda like it!
I love the rain and then sun photos – I have always wanted to do a year round vine thing…My favorite post is still the pussy post. Off to make endives in bechamel!
xo
Thanks a lot Jen.
Why don’t your preferences surprise me…
Let me know how you go with the bechamel.
Lovely set of photos, look forward trying the wines.
Thanks Simon. You need to get your …. here and try them then! You know you are always welcome xo
I’ve only just found your blog – and it’s now on my list! I love the photographs They’re giving me my French fix!
Thanks a lot Sharon! I’m glad they’re giving you a sort of holiday!
Oh dear not the treat you were hoping for, did B make it up yto you with a new special white? Have just enjoyed your picswith Dieter, we are both V impressed and looking fwd to Dec. Tante PALeC
Thanks T.P.!
NO, no replacement white in sight. I can wait!
Very much looking forward to seeing you too xo
Hi Kat, Karyn and I will be back in St Chinian in May/June. We’d like to drop by again if you’ll be around or maybe a catch up in St Chin? Guy
Hi there Guy (and Karyn)! Please excuse my absence and lack of communication. I am opening up my blog for the first time in a long while and see your kind messages. To be honest, the past few years have been pretty tough with my family in Australia and I have not kept myself in the loop. I hope you are both well! Maybe one of these days we will catch up!
All the best, Kat
Hi Kat, still can’t wait to get back to St Chin. Will be there some time next year. Definitely will be in touch when we do. I see you follow Peter Woodcock. We did one of his cooking lessons in Carcassonne when he was running them. Best day ever!!!! I’ll start following him now as well. Hope you and everyone are well. Loved the pic of the house you recently uploaded. Made us miss it even more.
Stay well and keep posting.
Guy
Hi there Guy! Please do get in touch when you come to St Chinian next time!
And yes, I follow Peter (and his wife Debrah) – they make the most delicious meals and are lots of fun. I’m not surprised you had a great day with them : )
Take care!
Kat