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.