Bistrot Les Tontons : Gérald's Wine of the Week (No.9)

‘Le Clos’ 2009
AOC Savennières
Château de Plaisance

This week Gérald has selected the elegant, ‘Le Clos’ 2009 (AOC Savennières), produced by the organic & biodynamic wine maker Guy Rochais from Château de Plaisance, as his wine of the week.

Harvested by hand, post pressing the juice is placed into oak barrels of 2 to 5 years old and left for 11 to 12 months, a process which creates a white wine whose perfume is of fruits with an impression of minerals.

Another popular choice at Bistrot Les Tontons, ‘Le Clos’ 2009 is suggested served alongside our supper dish; Brioche de Saint Jacques Risotto Crémeux.

Bistrot Les Tontons
Place Saint Pierre
49400 Saumur
t: 02 41 59 59 40
e: bistrotlestontons@gmail.com

Bistrot Les Tontons : Gérald's Wine of the Week

Bressol 2010 
AOC Côtes du Roussillon Villages 
Domaine Singla 

With Christmas celebrations starting to get underway our attentions turn to food & wine to be enjoyed in the company of friends and family. 

For the 1st week of Christmas Gérald has selected the beautifully balanced Bressol 2010, a red wine (mostly Grenach noir) produced by the talented Laurent de Besombes of Domaine Singla. 

Another firm favourite at Bistrot Les Tontons an interesting selection of Laurent’s wines are available at our wine bar, The Wine Shop & Tasting Room in Brighton, UK. 

Harvested by hand, a maceration of 25 days is followed by an oaking in high quality oak barrels (chéne nadalie, chauffe noisette+), a process of which creates a delicious full bodied red wine with hints of licorice, dark in colour and wonderfully aromatic on the nose. 

Bressol 2010 is suggested served alongside Faisan sauce morilles a l'armagnac. 

Bistrot Les Tontons
Place Saint Pierre
49400 Saumur
t: 02 41 59 59 40
e: bistrotlestonton@gmail.com

6ème Salon Mets et Vins de Mazé

Post harvest, winter arriving, one would be right in thinking this is a quieter time for many of the Domaines, au contraire! The wine festival season, winter porte ouvertes are in full swing...

Today Gérald is representing Domaine de la Paleine at the 6ème Salon 'Mets et Vins' de Mazé.

Bonne dégustation !

Bistrot Les Tontons : Gérald's wine of the week

Le Rouge aux Lèvres 2010 

Faugères

Les Amants de la Vigneronne

As the end of November nears so is the colder weather and the demand for ‘winter warmers’, slow cooked/grilled meats with sauces.  With this in mind, Gérald has selected Le Rouge aux Lèvres 2010 as his wine of the week, a sublime full bodied red wine produced by Les Amants de la Vigneronne in Faugères.  

A firm favourite at Bistrot Les Tontons this wine is also referenced in our wine bar, The Wine Shop & Tasting Room in Brighton, UK.

Harvested by hand the two cépages are; Grenache 60% and Syrah 40%.  A lengthy maceration is followed by a further 18 months in oak barrels to create an aromatic full bodied wine, dark in colour and fruity on the nose.

Bistrot Les Tontons

Place Saint Pierre

49400 Saumur

t: 02 41 59 59 40

e: bistrotlestontons@gmail.com

Bistrot Les Tontons : Gérald's wine of the week

l’esprit d’Eloi 2010
Minervois
Château Guéry

This week Gérald’s wine of the week is l’esprit d’Eloi 2010' which comes from Minervois.

Produced by la famille Guéry of Château Guéry, l’esprit d’Eloi is 100% Petit Verdot cépage and oaked for 12 months to create a smooth elegant red with a lovely finish on the oak.

Suggested to accompany rabbit and exotic cuisine, this is also a wine for aging.

Bistrot Les Tontons
Place Saint Pierre
49400 Saumur
t: 02 41 59 59 40
e: bistrotlestontons@gmail.com

'Grapes of the Loire Valley' - Brighton, UK

Last Saturday Gérald was in Brighton at The Wine Shop & Tasting Room hosting a private wine tasting afternoon – ‘Grapes of the Loire Valley’ – a superb wine loving crowd compiling of clients from Ten Green Bottles & Bistrot Les Tontons, as well as past guests from Loire Valley Uncorked & La Bellevue, all of whom spent 2 hours discovering further, the Loire Valley varietals.

The selection of wines to be sampled were from: Domaine de la Paleine (AOC Saumur, AOC Saumur-Puy-Notre-Dame, AOC Saumur-Champigny), Domaine de l’Oubliée (AOC Bourgueil), Aigues Vives (Côt) & La Pente de Chavigny (Sauvignon) produced by Mikaël Bouges located in the Touraine, and the exquisite La Tête dans les Etoiles created by Eric Gastellier, a biodynamic producer located outside of Saumur – here are some of our photos from the afternoon…

Bistrot Les Tontons : Gérald's Wine of the Week

Notre Histoire 2010
AOC Bourgueil
(Domaine de l’Oubliée)

This week, Gérald’s wine of the week is Notre Histoire 2010 from Domaine de l’Oubliée, a 7 ha vineyard owned by Xavier Courant and as a great admirer of the film producer Bertrand Blier, this beautifully structured 100% cabernet franc pays tribute to one of his many films - Notre Histoire (released in 1984).

The father of Bertrand Blier is the late Bernard Blier who starred in Les Tontons Flingueurs (released in 1963) – Bistrot Les Tontons.

Some Bourgueil’s tend to be light with a green pepper taste at the back of the mouth but Notre Histoire is totally the opposite and it is this which makes it an interesting wine – a lovely structure and a beautiful finish.

Notre Histoire 2010 will be one of the wines Gérald will be presenting at the wine tasting this weekend held at The Wine Shop & Tasting Room, Brighton, UK.

Available to enjoy at Bistrot Les Tontons by the glass or bottle, and/or purchased to take away.

Bistrot Les Tontons
Place Saint Pierre
49400 Saumur
t: 02 41 59 59 40
e: bistrotlestontons@gmail.com

Lunch or dinner, select a formula or à la carte at Bistrot Les Tontons, Saumur

Bistrot Les Tontons

Formula’s
 9,50€    Plat du Jour

12,90€   Plat du Jour + Dessert du Jour

17,90€   Entrée + Plat du Jour + Dessert du Jour
Bistrot Les Tontons

A la Carte

Les Viandes

17,00€   Tartare de Bœuf au couteau 250g VBF et frites maison
15,00€   Bavette sauce du jour 250g VBF et legumes du moment
25,00€   l’Entrecôte 350g VBF et legumes du moment (poids avant cuisson)

14,50€   Confit du Canard
19,50€   Tripe à l’Ancienne
Poisson

La pêche des Tontons (prix selon arrivage)

Les Planches des Tontons

21,00€   La Planche des Tontons

Dessert

Dessert du jour (le choix du Chef)
A Grignoter

 7,20€   La petite planche apéro
 8,00€   Le pot de rillettes (porc ou canard)

 5,60€   Poêlé d’escargots de Cornille (49) x6
11,00€  Poêle d’escargots de Cornillé (49) x12

Bistrot Les Tontons

Le Menu du Marché (17,90€)

Uniquement le midi : du mardi au vendredi

Lunch time only : Tuesday to Friday

Entrée du Jour

starter of the day

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Plat du Jour

dish of the day

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dessert du Jour

pudding of the day

Bistrot Les Tontons

Le Menu du Tontons (23,50€)

Uniquement le soir : du mardi au vendredi

Evenings only : Tuesday to Friday

2 entrées au choix du jour

choice of 2 starters

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

2 plats au choix

choice of 2 main courses

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

2 desserts au choix

choice of 2 puddings

 

Please note Credit Card payments have a minimum charge of 15€. 
Tax & service are included.

Wine with Bill Zacharkiw (Montreal, Canada)

Today, upon recommendation, Bill Zacharkiw and his colleague, both Sommelier/ Journalist / Wine Critic's from Montreal dropped into Bistrot Les Tontons for lunch and a tasting of the Saumur rouge, Saumur-Puy-Notre-Dame, Saumur Champigny, Gamay & Saumur blanc with Gérald.

Click here to read Wine With Bill Zacharkiw

La Tête dans les Etoiles, Saumur 2011

La Tête dans les Etoiles is our latest niche find and already proving to be a popular choice at Bistrot Les Tontons.

Created by Eric Gastellier, a biodynamic producer located outside of Saumur. Eric grows his chenin blanc grapes on 40 year old vines over an area of 30 ares – this equates to just 10 lines of vines which produces 1500 bottles !

A white oaked wine, mineral in tasting and albeit La Tête dans les Etoiles is still young (2011), it opens itself quickly.  Needless to say we will be following the evolution of this wine with great interest.

The grape harvest dates will be announced later this month and we have been invited to join Eric for this year's vendange... something I am looking forward to.

Bistrot Les Tontons : Two versatile summer wines from our 2012 Summer Selection

Selected by Gérald, Pot d'Vache (Gamy) is currently featuring amongst our 2012 'Summer Selection' of wines being served at Bistrot Les Tontons.

'Un vin de soif', this light and fruity red is a versitile summer wine and can be enjoyed alone as an apéritif, or enjoyed alongside saucisson, rillette and galipette (stuffed mushrooms).

A fun label, a lovely little find, Pot d'Vache won't disappoint.

Another of Bistrot Les Tontons 2012 'Summer Selection' is Blet Tendre, a fruity white wine (combo of chenin blanc & tri-selection), as well as being a rare find !

Over the last few decades production of chenin wines from the départment 79, Deux-Sèrves has disappeared but Domaine des Terres Blances continues the tradition.

Selected by Gérald, Blet Tendre is perfect served alone for the apéritif. Equally enjoyable alongside cheese and one wine most definitely not to be ignored this summer !


Bistrot Les Tontons
1 bis Place Saint Pierre
49400 Saumur
e: bistrotlestontons@gmail.com
t: +33 (0)2 41 59 59 40

Go Team GB ! London 2012 Olympic Games

During the month of June a package arrived for me from Sue & Paul, our clients for a number of years who have become treasured friends.

With great anticipation I opened my package and inside was a parcel reading 'do not open until Team GB have won their 1st Gold medal'.

With London 2012 Olympic fever in the Beaumont household; London having been my home for 16 years, and having Team GB and Team France to cheer on, my parcel was put in a safe place until Team GB struck Gold.

Yesterday, upon learning Helen Glover & Heather Stanning had won Team GB's 1st Gold medal in the womens rowing pair, at Olypmic speed my parcel was unwrapped.

Thrilled with my Union Jack mug a celebratory cuppa was brewed and it tasted FANTASTIC !!

It wasn't long before the kettle was boiling again after seeing Bradley Wiggins win Gold and Chris Froome win Bronze.

And... with Rebbecca Adlington qualifying with ease. GB's lightweight rowing four winning Silver, and Sir Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton to start their campaigns I am quiet sure more cuppa's are on their way.

20th Grand Prix Rétro

Le Grand Prix Rétro returns to Le Puy Notre-Dame for the 20th time; weekend Saturday 28 July & Sunday 29 July 2012

Something for summer time...

Fresh seasonal fruits, crisp salad vegetables and light fish dishes... a couple of summer time dishes being served at Bistrot Les Tontons.

















Salade des
Tontons

Tartare de
Poisson

Bistrot Les Tontons, Place Saint Pierre, 49400 Saumur

Tel : +33 (0)2 41 59 59 40 / Email : bistrotlestontons@gmail.com

Scrummy combo... summer has arrived !

Glace Fraise-Basilic
- homemade by Romain, strawberry & basil ice-cream

Bistrot Les Tontons, Place Saint Pierre, 49400 Saumur

Tel : +33 (0)2 41 59 59 40 / Email : bistrotlestontons@gmail.com

Bryan & Dorothy - what a truly inspirational couple !!

My first contact with Bryan & Dorothy was in October 2011 as they planned their impressive 'Tour de France' - Annie's House was their chosen residence while staying in the Loire Valley.

From this moment I had waited in great anticipation for their arrival, from the open exchange of emails I could tell Bryan & Dorothy were going be great fun... and what a truly inspirational couple !!

The Val de Loire's riches; Châteaux, history, architecture, good food, conversation & fine wines, were embrassed while I received lessons on how to use some of the latest available technology... goodness me, suddenly I felt very out of touch.

Bryan & Dorothy dropped into our wine bar, Bistrot Les Tontons for lunch and this is what they had to say...

Not To Be Missed : (source TripAdvisor)

Everything from a cup of coffee to a delicious meal is available in this wonderfully positioned restaurant / wine bar. A great place to while away an hour or two with a beer, a coffee or a glass of wine from the great range available. Looking across the busy little square with it's lovely trees, being able to take advantage of Gerald's faultless recommendations - c'est la vie!

OldFars - 12 June 2012

I spy with my little eye something beginning with B !

Enjoying the warmth of the sun on his coat, it was whilst taking photographs of the massif did I spy Biscotte's new bed...
















Lying amongst the flower beds. Curled up in a ball on the lawn. Lay full length along the bench in front of Annie's House. Sprawled out on the terrace of La Grange d'Henri.
















Today Biscotte appears to have found a secondary purpose for the massif.

Bistrot Les Tontons - Sunday opening throughout July & August 2012

In addition to the usual Tuesday to Saturday opening hours, throughout the summer months of July & August 2012, Bistrot Les Tontons will be open all day on Sunday.

Lunch & Dinner Serving Hours
Tuesday to Sunday : 12h00 to 14h00 & 19h00 to 22h00

While pottering around Saumur on a Sunday, in addition to visiting the Château consider meandering around Saumur's monthly brocante (flea-market) set in front of the Théâtre overlooking the Loire river.

Brocante dates : Sunday 22 July & Sunday 26 August 2012

Cheap Flights from London City Airport to Angers (49), France

The Loire Valley has become even more accessible !!

Courtesy of British Airways and their new flight path : London City Airport to Angers (49), Loire Valley, France. 

Flights are available on Tuesday's, Thursday's & Saturday's.  Commencing at £92 in June  (outbound), dropping to £68 (inbound) throughout September and October (prices taken from the British Airways website 06/06/12). 

As a big fan and past user of Angers Airport this is BRILLIANT news !!

Angers Airport is convenient, small with great parking and to keep younger members of the family amused before take-off, there is a museum next door.

Uphill to the Sea by Gordon Simms

Moving to France in 2006 I had the great fortune of staying with Joc & Gordon Simms.  Treasured friends Gérald and I were thrilled to learn not only is Gordon's work published but is also the Biscuit Prize winner, 2011. 

Adding to our joy are the comments from internationally respected poets, Christopher North and Katherine Gallagher.  Christopher North says, ‘poems of great sensitivity, physicality and muscle,’ and Katherine Gallagher says,’ lyrical, highly visual poems which dance off the page.’

Gordon has been living in France for 10 years and this year he is organising the first ever LitFest in his village of Saint Clémentin, 79150.  The principal guest author is Helen Dunmore who will be joined by a most interesting band of authors and workshop presenters.  Many of Gordon’s poems have won prizes and been published in anthologies and he is available for poetry readings and for workshops on poetry or other forms of creative writing in France and in the UK.  For details of his online poetry course, Correspondences, visit http://www.poetryproseandplays.co.uk/ 

La Bellevue's continued transformation

Courtesy of Mme Papin and her fabulous team at Loire Piscine Jardin.  La Bellevue has undergone a considerable transformation in preparation of the 2012 Spring/Summer season.

Which, much to my delight, has also seen an overhaul of the massif.

Remarkably, in a matter of weeks and since the down pour we had during April the shurbs, roses and lavendar have tripled in size...

May 2012 - after so much rain ! What a transformation !

A bientôt, Sarah-Jane & Gérald

Introducing 'les tontons'

Bienvenue to les tontons.

Gracing the front of our wine bar and bistro's cards are our two jovial uncle's.

Symbolic of Bistrot Les Tontons, our two chipper chappies, (who look ready to enjoy themselves!), have now been become a permanent fixture on the front of our wine bar and bistro door.

les tontons = uncle's


Bistrot Les Tontons : Place Saint Pierre, Saumur : Tél: 02 41 59 59 40

Weekend de l'Amateur du Vin d'Evreux

Representing Domaine de la Paleine Gérald returned to Evreux for the Weekend de l'Amateur de Vin d'Evreux wine fair and caught up with Thiebault Huber-Verdereau, Domaine Huber-Verdereau and Géraud Fromont, Domaine des Marnes Blanches both of who we work with at Bistrot Les Tontons and at Ten Green Bottles Wine Shop & Tasting Room in Brighton.

The weekend provided a great opportunity for new vintages to be sampled and future business ventures involving Domaine Huber-Verdereau, Domaine des Marnes Blanches, Bistrot Les Tontons and Ten Green Bottles to be discussed.  One of which will include wine tastings hosted by Thiebault and Géraud in Brighton and Saumur.

Thiebault Huber-Verdereau - Domaine Huber-Verdereau

Géraud Fromont - Domaine des Marnes Blanches

Wine tastings at Bistrot Les Tontons with Thiebault and Géraud will be arranged soon...