LOCAL FLAVOUR

Beyond its history and culture, France is best known for its wines. The Burgundy region is favoured by many for its great labels and understandably there is a rivalry between both the whites and reds. There is also a friendly banter with other wine regions including the Sancerre, which borders the Burgundy region.

The Loire, one of the five great rivers of France, helps to shape the topography of the region and this local rivalry. Rising in the Massif Central, as it flows north, the Loire crosses Burgundy, then curves progressively westwards. We are in the Sancerrois vineyard. On the right bank of the river, you are in Burgundy with the Pouilly Fumé appellation for example, and cross the river at La Charité sur Loire and you are in Sancerre wine country. Not strictly part of the Burgundy region, you will discover here real surprises to satisfy the palate.

Traditionally, the red wines of Sancerre have been seen as secondary to the white Sancerre not only in terms of reputation but also quality. But no longer! So, as you travel throughout the region, take a trip across the river to discover some very real charming alternatives.

However, we digress. back to the order of the day. In each edition of this newsletter, we make some recommendations on restaurants and wines you should try and vineyards you should visit while in Burgundy; so, let’s narrow the focus and look at the village of Saint-Andelain, slightly to the north of La Charité sur Loire.

Saint-Andelain is a classic wine-growing village and perhaps one of its best-known vineyards is Domaine Champeau. This is Pouilly sur Loire wine country – think of Pouilly Fumé (Editor: Not to be confused with Pouilly Fuissé, which is found to the west of Macon in Burgundy).

The white wines are the specialty here and like many winegrowers, Domain Champeau encourages visitors, so don’t hesitate to ask for a tasting of this golden nectar! (Editor: it’s called a dégustation in French, although they speak several languages at the vineyard).

The Pouilly Fumé wines are exclusively made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape. These dry crisp wines are best known for their gunflint aromas. The broader Pouilly sur Loire grouping includes Chasselas, a full-bodied, dry, and fruity white wine; Pouilly Fumé Silex, again a pure Sauvignon Blanc grown in flintstone soil, and Cuvée Vieilles Vignes, a Sauvignon Blanc, grown in flintstone soil and matured in oak and acacia barrels for at least 8 months.

After your visit, pop back down to La Charité sur Loire for a bit of indulgence. Here you will find Chariteas, a cosy, vintage tearoom serving traditional afternoon teas, sandwiches, scones, and a large selection of tempting cakes. Charles is the owner and your host and knows his tea, and more importantly his cakes!

Just round the corner on Rue du Pont is Le Bouchon de Loire. It’s a great place to match your cheeses with your recent wine purchases. Franck, the owner will be happy to suggest a platter selection for those of you looking to impress your dinner guests.
Surely there’s time for some shopping too? In La Charité sur Loire, there are several boutiques, brocantes, some home furnishing shops to help you plan the décor for your new home in France, and a number of craft shops, like La Broc des Filles and Art en Loire.

Time flies when you are having fun, so why not finish off the day with a cocktail and a dinner menu straight from Madagascar? Le Cocktail de Clémentine, located at 4 Grand Rue François Mitterrand, fuses Asian, Inde and African food into a surprising stimulation of the senses… as one visitor earlier this summer said in an online review: “It’s a very cosy place, nice food, tasty cocktails, good music and hardworking people.” (Editor: Sounds like the perfect mix to me).

Overall, that sounds like a pretty busy but enjoyable day in La Charité sur Loire to us!