Friday's voyage to and tour of the Clos Triguedina winery, was an adventure in directions and lessons in more than wine.
It was a beautiful day, after a day of rain. We did well until we diverted from the route we were on and then had to back track. Then we found ourselves circling Puy l'Eveque. We called to say we'd be late and found we were close....so near, but yet so far. Frustration was setting, but Ava discovered we could Google map with her phone and we were off.
Teamwork prevailed.
We ended up being thirty minutes late, but were able to join the tour in progress.
A highlight of our "tardiness" for me was realizing that Monsieur Jean-Luc Baldes himself, was exiting the vehicle next to us. Perusing their site and booking the tour, I became familiar with the family photo, and here he was.
After toilette stops (2.5 hours on the road) and a bit of conversation, Madam Baldes made sure that we got to the tour in progress. I knew it would be in French, but we did pretty well.
It's difficult NOT to be wowed by the beauty, expansiveness, and the realization just what it would take to keep everything going.
After the tour of the vines we headed inside for our tasting. Our guide, Floriane, was professional, informative, helpful and also charming.
High tables were ready for two groups-our 3 and the five others in the group who turned out to be from Lyon.
The tour is very reasonable!
I chose the basic tour for us for lots of reasons-5-euros per person for 45-minutes to an hour tour and then tasting of 3 wines; or at least, that's how it was billed. Instead, we found ourselves tasting way more than three selections. It only gets better from there, since you have the choice of more and longer with the many other tours/experiences on the site.
I learned that the Triguedina I've been purchasing on-line is their classic. I knew there were others. I'd had the Prince Probus in the past, but all I'd had were reds.
Here, I was able to try a Chardonnay and a rose that were exceptional. The Prince Probus is now just PROBUS, and it is 100% Malbec grape, where the classic I love is 85%. Floriane described the white as "dry," but it tasted sweet to me. She explained that the sweetness comes from the fruit.
I'd decided that I'd treat myself to 2 of the PROBUS and 2 of the Chardonnay. By the time I'd listened to Ava and Nick deciding on what they would order to get a quote for shipment to the states; I threw in the rose too.
Heading back to the car, Floriane carried my box of 5 bottles for me.
Now, I can ponder whether I want to continue to: order from the on-line company; order directly from Clos Triguedina (full selection, but 12 bottles for free delivery); or, maybe Mikey and I will head out on a road trip and pick it up ourselves!
The beautiful countryside and gorgeous "Nelson" just might be enough incentive to make that drive for me.
We Shall See!
Special thanks to Famille Baldes, and Floriane for a memorable experience, BUT...
...Our day didn't end here...next up, a St. Cirq Lapopie wander and lunch at a favorite, Lou Bolat!
Happy Thursday!