Sunday, September 26, 2010

Reason we live here #2

I was going to put a higher number in the title, but then I just couldn't bring myself to do it. So while it's not the number one reason we live here, it's very close. Living within reach of a wine producing region is great; I've lived in Upstate New York, Washington, DC, and San Francisco, CA, all close to wine production.

I think these might be côt (a.k.a. malbec) grapes.

But now I'm living among the vines. The growers and wine makers are my neighbors. I watch the transformation of the vineyards through the seasons of the year from my windows. I walk among the vines nearly every day. I know the sights, the smells, and the tastes (yes, I pluck the occasional grape) of the vineyard. I share it with dogs, cats, pheasants, foxes, and deer.

And I drink the local wines, almost exclusively. The Touraine region is rich with wine styles. Red, white, and rosé. Dry and sweet. Still and sparkling. The local varietals include gamay, cabernet, côt, sauvignon, chardonnay, and chenin. There are also several old varietals grown around us with less familiar names like pineau d'aunis and grolleau.

Many of the people who grow grapes and make wine in this region descend from generations of winemakers. A lot of them are small and medium sized producers. When you visit a winery here, you will likely be talking to the winemaker or a member of the family.

It's a very interesting and a rather delicious place to live. You can read what I wrote four years ago about our wine country lifestyle here.

10 comments:

  1. Lucky you to be in the thick of it all - having all that lovely wine grown right under your noses.

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  2. Hi, I just started stalking you and I find your Site beautiful. My Partner Frederic is from the North, specifically, Verzenay/Reims and his family is in the Champagne business. Less these days.
    Come this May, we will be deciding what Country to call our home; the U.S. or France. I'll start following you and perhaps you can help me prep for this possible move. I'm quite nervous about it.
    Your New Friend, m.

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  3. Well stated!
    And that is an absolutely stunning photo. So excited for our 1st visit to the Loire next month!

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  4. When living in SF, did you also indulge in the wine of Napa and Santa Rosa.
    I still have friends from the area when I spent the summer of 79 there.
    Leon.

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  5. gorgeous pic....i think yall picked a wonderful spot...would have been my choice too...i'm looking forward to my 2 weeks in paris in oct

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  6. Oh yeah, baby....show us the color!!

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  7. Walt, how soon after you moved in did you learn about the hours for hunting? Geeze... is it posted clearly somewhere, before one might enter the woods for a walk with one's puppy dog!?!?

    Judy

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  8. You're very fortunate to live in such a lush, beautiful area. I love hearing your stories and seeing the wonderful pictures of the area.

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  9. It is a lovely area to live in indeed....but do stay out of the vineyards and out of the way of the bullets during hunting season!!!

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  10. jean, ain't it the truth!

    mark, hey! Thanks for coming by and leaving a comment. Your blog is beautiful and so are your kids! Stay in touch. :)

    loulou, thanks! We're looking forward to finally meeting you both next month!

    leon, oh, yes! We spent a lot of time in that area, once or twice a month. We had some favorite wineries and restaurants.

    melinda, we agree. Enjoy Paris!

    alewis, it's starting now!

    judy, we learned about it as soon as we heard the gunshots outside our yard one September Sunday. Much later, we found out that it's all posted in town hall. Before that, our neighbors explained it all to us.

    rick, it's very nice to enjoy where you live. As you do!

    lynn, we do our best!

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