The House of Wooden Santas - a story by Kevin Major

In May of this year we welcomed Kevin & Anne Major to 'La Bellevue'.

Passionate about wine and a recognized wine blogger - One Brilliant Bottle - Kevin is also a highly acclaimed and award winning writer from Newfoundland, Canada.

Gérald and I, including 'The Sturdies', the affectionate name given to Augustin & Constance, shared a truly memorable three weeks with Kevin & Anne sampling wines over spontaneous bbq's and dinners held outside on the terrace.

Sadly, all good things come to an end and as Kevin & Anne's stay drew to a close, Kevin presented Augustin & Constance with The House of Wooden Santas - a deeply felt story keeping in the spirit of the Christmas season, magically tracing the days of December like an advent calendar.

To say we were heart warmingly touched by this personal and exceptionally kind gift was an understatement, and as we currently move through December 'The Sturdies' share our anticipation for each days chapter as we follow nine-year old Jesse on his journey of personal discovery.

One Brilliant Bottle hit a mile stone this week with its 100th wine entry. Beautiful photographs are accompanied by non-pretentious writing and understandably 'One Brilliant Bottle' was a Finalist of the Wine Blog Awards.

Treasured friends we are looking forward to Kevin & Anne's return to the Loire Valley to once again share tireless conversation over new vintage finds.

Grape Picking in the Loire Valley, 2012

Spend a day at a vineyard alongside a French wine maker and French wine professional. Try your hand at grape picking during the grape harvest, and follow the grapes on their journey to become the next Loire Valley vintage wines.

The day will traditionally start with a ‘vignerons breakfast’ before heading to the vines to embark upon a morning of grape picking. Beside the wine maker and wine professional the matinée will be spent in le chai observing the evolution of the grape harvest and the reception of the different cépages, grape varieties. As the progression from grape to juice unfolds Gérald will comprehensively explain each technical process and the machinery involved.

Following the morning activities will be a three course ‘gourmand lunch’ hosted by Gérald at Bistrot Les Tontons, Gérald’s wine bar located in the historical heart of Saumur. Freshly prepared seasonal French cuisine will be accompanied by wines selected to create an exciting food and wine pairing experience, un accord mets et vins.

Returning to the vineyard the afternoon will comprise of further observations in le chai, and a private wine tour of the Domaine will further enhance an understanding of wine creation. Concluding with a technical and extensive dégustation, wine tasting with Gérald, newly acquired knowledge will enable you to note the individual identities of each wine and distinguish the subtle differences between each vintage year.

Following your grape harvest experience we will keep you updated throughout the development of the wines to the day of bottling.

Festi Vini 2011 - Le Marché des Vins de Saumur

Festi Vini 2011 : 03-11 September was eight days of festivities, culture, fun runs, concerts with the principal event Le Marché des Vins being held on Sunday 04 September in Place de la République in Saumur.



Le Marché des Vins is one of my favourite events of the seasonal calander. A fabulous day out which caters for every family member.

Gérald, representing Domaine de la Paleine for his 6th year was one of the 60 Pays de Loire vineyards to be invited.

Glorious sunshine and high temperatures aided the days festivities, enjoyment of artisans goodies and vignerons wines.

















Having timed their return stays perfectly were our wonderful & fun loving clients, Lisa & John, Susan & Paul, both of whom we had had the great pleasure of welcoming to 'La Bellevue' last year.

















United in one great shared passion, the wines from Domaine de la Paleine ! Armed with their dégustation glasses un grand tour of le marché was in order before concluding at Géralds stand to sample the Domaines latest vintages.

Festi Vini 2012 :
dates to be confirmed

Introducing Biscotte...

I thought it time to introduce the fifth member of the Beaumont household courtesy of an adorable photo taken by Susan & Paul during their return stay to 'Annie's House'.

Welcome to Biscotte, our dear European Tigré who we collected from the SPA, La Société Protectrice des Animaux in Angers.

A curious little fellow with a loud motor, a sweet, sweet nature and who is always looking for a spare lap to curl up on which comes with plenty of tickles in tow.

Needless to say Biscotte is a much treasured member of our family household, in particular with Constance who at 2 years old has made herself in charge of Biscottes welfare, mainly his food and water (under Mummys supervision).

Albeit we are presently unable to have more pets we continue to be active members of La Société Protectrice des Animaux supporting the excellent work they do.

'La Bellevue', Pouançay

Never did I anticipate running our holiday cottages 'Annie's House' & 'La Grange d'Henri' would it bring me so much joy.

Many of our guests arrive as unexpectant holiday makers to the Loire Valley and leave as friends.

And even more touching are the 'reminders' our guests have taken personal time to create giving us wonderful keep sakes to fondly reminise over.

In April, earlier this year, we welcomed Nathalie & Ross to 'La Bellevue'. Albeit we have had a vast number of keen cyclists, for sheer endurance and the vast distances covered Nathalie & Ross impressed us beyond belief and have pushed the distance boundaries of where I advise one to go just from our village, Pouançay!!

















This week I received Nathalies fabulous sketch of 'La Bellevue' capturing 'Annie's House', 'La Grange d'Henri', the main house and the entrance to our troglodyte caves... now I can't wait to get it framed for ALL to see - thank you so much and needless to say Gérald and I are looking forward to welcoming you both back to 'La Bellevue'.

Where to eat in Saumur?

To whet the appetite here is a segment of our menu and options available. Prices start at 5€ rising to 17,50€.

















Nos Viandes
Entrecôte 250gr poêlé, frites maison et salade
Large entrecote steak served with fresh homemade chips & salad

Bavette grillé à l’échalote 250 gr, frites maison et salade
Bavette steak served with fresh homemade chips & salad

Nos Salades
Salade 'Les Tontons au Sud-Ouest'
Salade, magret de canard fumé, toast de foie gras, gésier
Salad, smoked duck, gésiers & foie gras served on toast

Salade 'Les Tontons à la Pêche'
Salade, saumon fumé, crevettes, terrine d’alose sauvage à l’oseille, terrine de sandre au thym terrine d’écrevisses
Salad of smoked salmon, fresh prawns & rillettes of fish

Nos Planches
La P’tite Planche Apéro
Saucisson, jambon de porc noir de Bigorre, comté
A little plate of saucisson, cured ham from Bigorre & cheese

Le Pot de Rillettes pour 2
Rillettes de canard cornichons et croutons grillés ou rillettes de sandre aux graines de sésame, citron et croutons grillés
Choose between duck or sandre rillettes served with garnish & croutons

La Planche de Fromage
Assortiment de fromages – voir notre ardoise
A selection of cheeses – view our slate board

Le Menu du Marché

Le plat du Jour
Dish of the day

Formule Entrée+Plat
Starter + main course

Formule Plat+Dessert
Main course + pudding

Entrée+Plat+Dessert+(verre de vin offert 10cl)
Starter + main course + pudding or ice cream glass of wine offered

Our produce is sourced daily and seasonally dictated and on occasion our menu is subject to change.

Bistrot Les Tontons - wine bar in the pretty square of Place Saint Pierre, Saumur

Located in the heart of Saumur in Place Saint Pierre, close to the Château de Saumur, is our wine bar Bistrot Les Tontons where Gérald unites his two greatest passions, 'food and wine'.




















Wine is of primary importance and extraordinary wines from the Loire Valley and throughout France can be sampled, taken away or enjoyed in the stylish yet informal surround of the wine bar.

Simple eats. Lunch and dinner of 1-3 courses. Saviour traditional homecooked French cuisine served with a twist and ensure to try our frites maison, homemade and prepared by hand they will remind you of the chips your Grandmother made.

You may like to read our clients generous reviews left on TripAdvisor.

One Day Wine Tour from Paris, visit the Loire Valley

Staying in Paris? Why not consider visiting the beautiful wine producing region of the Loire Valley.

Easily accessible by TGV train enjoy a 1 Day Wine Tour from Paris in Saumur.

In the company of Gérald, a bilingual French wine professional sample some of the finest examples of wine produced in the Loire Valley while visiting a highly referenced Domaine close to Saumur.

After a full morning of wine tasting and discovering what life for a vigneron involves lunch follows as un accords mets et vins, a 3 course 'food & wine pairing' lunch hosted by Gérald at Bistrot Les Tontons, our wine bar set in the heart of Saumur in the pretty square of Place Saint Pierre.

Transport is included.

For further information about the day wine tour 'click here - 1 Day Wine Tour from Paris' or contact Sarah-Jane at: info@domainedelabellevue.com.

Awarded 'Certificate of Excellence 2011' by TripAdvisor.

Bistrot Les Tontons, Saumur

After a glorious day of sunshine on the 14th, le 'Pont', the Friday commonly taken in France to extend a Bank Holiday weekend, appeared to take a turn for the not-so-great.

Holiday makers, locals and passer-bys were undeterred from a spot of drizzle and Bistrot Les Tontons continued to exude les sentiments des vacances as the terrace and festivities reflected.

As the evening drew in the ambience moved inside the wine bar - those choosing full dining residing at the tables and those casually sharing a glass or two of wine stood at the bar enjoying a plate of charcuterie.

With an atmosphere accueillante et chaleureuse it was no surprise the evening ran into the small hours!

Bistrot Les Tontons

With much of Saumur cordoned off to traffic for this weekends festivities Fridays deadline deliveries were unable to reach us and albeit this wasn't quite to plan there was much to do in preparation for the now opening of Bistrot Les Tontons on Tuesday 05 July 2011.

BEFORE

Gérald and I viewed the then called Cafe La Grange back in March when it resembled the Pompidou Centre, Paris.

Since signing on 21st June the future Bistrot Les Tontons has undergone a vast transformation.


WORK IN PROGRESS

For those of you who know Gérald from Domaine de la Paleine you will be delighted to learn Gérald will continue to represent the Domaine.

Further more the wines from Domaine de la Paleine will be available to enjoy during lunch and dinner and can be purchased directly from la cave at Bistort Les Tontons.

In addition, Loire Valley Uncorked will continue to provided privately conducted wine tasting tours at the Domaine de la Paleine and NEW for 2012 - wine tastings & river boat trips on the Loire river held on Domaine de la Paleines own private la toue, river boat.

OPENING SOON - Bistrot Les Tontons, Saumur

Yesterday was an exceptional day for 'la famille Beaumont'. After many long, long weeks of anticipation our final meeting was scheduled with the Notaire, after which, Gérald and I left as the owners of the future Bistrot Les Tontons, Saumur.

Set in the heart of the historical quarter of Saumur, in the pretty square called Place Saint Pierre, Bistrot Les Tontons will open on Monday 4 July 2011.

Providing a relaxing and welcoming environment for all, whether it's for a coffee, a light refreshment or glass of wine with a friend. For those seeking a wine from the Loire Valley or throughout France. Lunch or evening dining. A private evening event... for those of you who know Gérald you can be rest assured his passion, enthusiasm and knowledge of wine combined with his love for the olde French traditions ensures the je ne sais quoi will be present in Bistort Les Tontons.

Gérald Beaumont is the man!

During the month of May 'Annie's House' was home to Anne & Kevin Major, their love for France and French wines brought them to the Loire Valley to discover in depth the variety of wines produced by the chenin and cabernet franc grapes.

Kevin Major, a highly acclaimed writer with an impressive number of awards to his name and is also a wine blogger; One Brilliant Bottle, a Finalist for Best New Wine Blog, Wine Blog Awards Vintage 2010.

Appreciating his time with Gérald and Géralds introductions to his vigneron friends, I will leave you to read Kevins touching comments:

I came to the Loire Valley with little appreciation of Loire wines. I left with a great deal, due in large part to Gérald Beaumont. Gérald is a storehouse of knowledge because he has lived with these wines all his life. He grew up in a family of vignerons, the lure of wine-making deep within him. It has very much shaped the person he is today.

It is one thing to hold knowledge, another to be able to impart it. Fluent in both French and English, Gérald is the specialist one always hopes to encounter – affable, good-humoured, full of knowledge grounded in experience. He is more than willing to answer any and all questions (no matter how basic or esoteric), willing to go out of his way to help connect you with vignerons and their wines.

With the help of Gérald I was able to taste more distinct versions of chenin and cabernet franc (the two main grapes of Loire wines) than I ever thought existed. But, beyond that, he led me to other varietals in several other regions of France with which he had personal connection through his years operating a wine bar. It was wine tasting flavoured with the stories of French rural life as well as the realities of winemaking in modern France.

If you are looking for an authentic wine experience, one you will long remember and value, Gérald Beaumont is your man.

Kevin Major
writer, wine blogger
one brilliant bottle

TripAdvisor - Certificate of Excellence

It's a joy for Gérald to share his knowledge of wine and today Loire Valley Uncorked was awarded with a 'Certificate of Excellence' from TripAdvisor for the wine courses and privately conducted wine tasting tours hosted by Gérald.

• Loire Valley Uncorked

Le Figaro - Brighton la Pétulante

Word of Ten Green Bottles is spreading across The English Channel/La Manche into France. To read the full article visit : Le Figaro.fr

Domaine Huber-Verdereau, Bourgogne - organic & biodynamic wine tasting, Brighton

A good friend of Géralds, Thiébault Huber from Domaine Huber-Verdereau will be hosting a private wine tasting at The Wine Shop & Tasting Room in Brighton on Sunday 15 May 2011 at 15h00.

(photo : The Wine Estate, Bourgogne)

Thiébaults wines are certainly a 'must have' chez les Beaumonts and a personal favourite is the Bourgogne Chardonnay which is most likely to be amongst the chosen wines to be sampled.

History : Domaine Huber-Verdereau was founded by Thiébault Huber in 1994, but originates from the 19th century, when family Verdereau began to grow wine on the estate in Volnay. Thiébault runs 6.5 hectares of vines in three parishes: Volnay, Pommard and Meursault. Convinced that the true wealth and flavour of Burgundy comes from the soil, he controls yields and makes his wines in the traditional manner, though not hesitating to use modern techniques such as thermoregulation and pre-fermentation maceration when necessary. The Domaine has worked organically since 2001, and applied biodynamic principles in 2005.

Burgundy Tasting - booking can be made online; click ‘here’ or by contacting either Sam or Simon at The Wine Shop & Tasting Room on: 01273 567176

'Annie's House' - Nathalie & Ross

During April we welcomed Nathalie and Ross to 'La Bellevue'.

It was soon apparent they were great appreciators of the outdoors, lovers of food and budding wine enthusiasts... we knew they were in for a fantastic time!!

And to get their week off to a flying start it was 'A Vineyard Discovery' with Gérald.

A matinée meeting at the Domaine and Gérald soon got the visit underway.

Lead through the vines, les caves and le chai, Gérald unravelled the art of wine making, methods used in old and modern times and explained vinification, of course there is much more but I don't want to give all the fun away!!

Concluding with an extensive wine tasting in la Salle de Dégustation it was here I met up with Natalie and Ross again before taking them back to 'La Bellevue'.

I think this is a fabulous photo of Nathlie & Ross and it is accompanied by their generous comment of their stay with us:

We had the perfect stay in Annie's House. From the moment we arrived we were warmly welcomed and treated like one of the family. The immaculate house with all its rustic charm had everything we needed for a luxurious stay. Sarah-Jane was always on hand and was only too willing to recommend great days out tailored to our interests. We were spoilt with Gérald's wine knowledge and generosity. We would definitely recommend both the 'Vineyard Discovery' wine tour and table d'hôte to compliment the perfect stay. We look forward to coming back for another tour and to explore more of the beautiful sights the Loire has to offer. Thank you for a lovely holiday.

Kevin Mayor, highly acclaimed award winning writer

For the month of May we have Kevin and Ann Major staying in 'Annie's House'.

Learning Kevin is an award winning writer I got 'googling' and soon discovered his great passion for wine, and not only that! Kevin's fabulous wine blog; One Brilliant Bottle.

If this coincidence wasn't enough I couldn't believe it when Kevin mentioned my post on Domaine Singla, whose wines he and Ann have much interest in and had missed sampling the last time they were in the south of France.

Interest in Domaine Singla is equally shared in la famille Beaumont household and needless to say, it was a great pleasure for Gérald to introduce his great friend, Laurent de Besombes wines; Passe Temps and El Moli to Kevin and Ann, these wines are perfection.

Read about Kevin and Ann's exceptional wine finds during their stay in the Loire Valley by visiting : One Brilliant Bottle.

The Who
I’m Newfoundland & Labrador author Kevin Major. I’ve written fifteen books, including “No Man’s Land”, “As Near to Heaven by Sea”, and ”Hold Fast.” And plays, most recently “Lead Me Home.” The most recent novel, titled “New Under the Sun”, was released in 2010.

Nothing about wine, however.

For a good part of my life my wine purchases were based on: a. the price ($10-$15, depending on the decade) and/or b. the label (whether it was eye-catching, preferably with a gold sticker from some competition).
It was Hemingway who wrote, “Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world.” Somehow that line had escaped me.

For years I skirted the world of exceptional wine, intimidated, ambivalent. But now, though late to the oasis, I’ve plunged feet first into it, reading as much as I can, and tasting as much as my pocketbook will allow. I’m feeling more confident.

I’ve taken a particular interest in organic, biodynamic, and natural wines. My original goal was to search out and experience One Brilliant Bottle a week, each week for the first year of the new decade, 2010. That accomplished, I’ve extended the project into 2011. It’s been too much of a treat to stop!

With Constance & Augustin in mind...

We thought it would be rather fun for Augustin and Constance to each receive wine for their birth years. Wine they will be able to appreciate at an appropriate time later on in their lives, and this week we received their gifts.

Naturally the choice of wine was made by Gérald whose expertise and choice never disappoints.

Géralds Choice :
Domaine Huber-Verdereau, Pommard 2008 and Pommard 2009, Bourgogne rouge; a blend of wines from three parcels, one of which was planted in 1930. The Pommards are very representative of the appellation, being very powerful, tannic wines they need to be left to age for a few years before drinking and can be kept for at least ten years.

Wine Tasting: Domaine de la Paleine, Le Puy Notre-Dame, Saumur, France at The Wine Shop & Tasting Room, Brighton

This weekend will see the return of Gérald Beaumont from Domaine de la Paleine to The Wine Shop & Tasting Room, Brighton.

Hosting a private wine tasting event on Sunday 13 March 2011 amongst the selected wines will be the recently awarded Ligers 2011 wines from the Loire Valley Wine Fair.

Domaine de la Paleine - the vines of the chenin blanc and cabernet franc grape make up the majority of the vineyards 32 hectares.

Leaving grass to grow in between the vines encourages her roots to grow deep into the limestone soil.

Exceptionally chalky the soil acts as a sponge retaining surplus water, a natural reservoir during the hot summer months thus allowing the vines to feed their growing fruits. It is this action that gives the wines of Domaine de la Paleine their unique character: full bodied, yet subtle and fruity.

Booking can be made online; click ‘here’ or by contacting either Sam or Simon at The Wine Shop & Tasting Room on: 01273 567176

Time to enjoy 'la belle vue'

Since moving to our home in Pouançay, Gérald and I had been wondering what to do with the space that had been semi created prior to our arrival.

A lovely spot to the side of the house where one can enjoy the sun and take in the full impact of our specatular view.

An area outside for the family had always been our intention but careful consideration had to be given to 'le look', keeping in mind the spirit and tradition of the village and in addition, complimenting our home, 'La Bellevue'.

Much to my excitment yesterday saw the finishing touches put to the terrace. Created in tuffeau, the signature stone of this region, the height of the terrace has been created by carefully selected plants.

Not missing out too was the 'light well' leading into our trogodyte caves, soon to be a mass of colour as soon as the Pierre de Ronsard roses, the chèvrefeuille (honeysuckle) and clematis burst into flower later this year.

Spring.. Summer.. it's on its way.. yipeee!

One morning I am driving Augustin to school in -5°C and within a couple of days collecting him in 13°C.

"Do we have a log fire or don't we"? "Humm.. when does spring officially arrive"?

Winter seems to have felt unusually long this year so it was a joy over the weekend to see the tractors turning the fields, the spring flowers making an appearance and local vignerons busying themselves in the vines.

Nothing quite like blue skies and glorious sunshine to return life to the land, I love this time of the year, and with temperatures predicted to reach 15°C by Friday, long may it continue, we'll be rummaging to find my summer clothes before long!

Photograph : 'en route to Pouançay'.

Sunday chez les Beaumonts

A popular excursion on a Sunday is to visit a local Brocante (flea-market) and albeit Montreuil-Bellay was playing host this weekend we decided to ring the changes and visit the Brocante at Les Rosiers sur Loire, a picture postcard town set along the edge of the Loire river.

In her element to potter around the Brocante while Mama searched for 'finds' was Constance whose eagerness to touch everything did hinder somewhat !

Augustin grew bored after a short while and decided it best to assist Papa at the Boulangerie, passing the time eating freshly baked baguette and sipping orangina.

Wine Tasting : Domaine Singla, Côtes du Rousillon, France at The Wine Shop & Tasting Room, Brighton

Laurent de Besombes from Domaine Singla and Gérald have been professional and personal friends, dating back to the days when Gérald owned his cave à vin/bar à vin in Paris so it was a natural progression for Gérald to introduce me to the unique and biodynamic wines from Domaine Singla.

In my privileged position of being exposed to a great number of French wines my first tasting of Domaine Singla left me speechless, it is sublime and a ‘must have’ in our personal wine collection. It is tasting unique wines such as this that ignite the desire to learn about wine and the great news is… you can at The Wine Shop & Tasting Room in Brighton!

Wine Tasting - Sunday 27th February at 15h30 with Laurent de Besombes from Domaine Singla, Côtes du Roussillon, France

Located at the foot of the Pyrénees, just north of the Spanish border, Domaine Singla produces unique, biodynamic wines with a blend of vibrancy and acidity unique for wines this much exposed to the sunshine of southern France.

Not interested in appellation rules, from an interview in Decanter, ‘if the taste matches AC regulations, then fine; if not, I don't care', Laurent De Besombes makes wine that suits him, and we agree in every respect - yields are tiny (15-20 hl/ha) and all are selected by hand for maximum ripeness.

The fruit arrives in the cellar by nothing other than the force of gravity, and the grapes are pressed by treading. There is no fining or filtration, and, finally, each year Laurent allows the nature of the vintage to be the primary force in dictating the winemaking methods, not just what has worked previously.

If you are looking for a unique expression of terroir, you would be doing well to find a winemaker more dedicated to the cause.

Booking can be made online; click ‘here’ or by contacting either Sam or Simon at The Wine Shop & Tasting Room on: 01273 567176

French Lessons with the 'je ne sais quoi!'

French lessons with a Glass of Wine - Tuesdays from 18h30

During my London days of work and French lessons, I recall confiding in my French boss the consciousness I felt speaking French openly. In his cool French manner he suggested I learn while enjoying French wine... a simple suggestion and as soon as the new strategy was applied my spoken French improved, as did my confidence and my knowledge of French wine!

Offering this very same fun and relaxed approach to learning the French language while enjoying quality French wine is The Wine Bar & Tasting Room in Brighton. Every Tuesday from 18h30 French lessons can be attended.

Set in the friendly atmosphere of The Wine Bar & Tasting Room their experienced and qualified teacher, Amanda, will focus on a new topic and language point each week while you enjoy a glass of quality wine. The evening is divided into two sessions: a one hour lesson, which will examine a language point suitable for beginners; followed by an optional informal one hour discussion using the language learnt in the first hour.

Bookings are taken on a weekly basis. To book your place pay online here, send Ten Green Bottles an email at shop@tengreenbottles.com, drop into the shop or call: 01273 567176.

Great News for French Wine Production

Vins: la France repasse premier pays producteur mondial en 2010

France has reclaimed the title of being the World No 1 Wine Producer in 2010, ahead of Italy and Spain after producing an estimated 419 million cases.

January in Pouançay

Enjoying mild temperatures for the time of year and glorious winter sunshine I took Augustin and Constance for a walk through the vines. Not wanting to be left out Biscotte came too!




















After harvest and during the winter months the taillage of the cabernet franc and chenin blanc vines begins in preparation for spring and I wasn't alone enjoying the glorious day, many of the local vine growers were too.