Sorry about the pictures. Not sure why I can't upload them, but when you check back later, they may be there.
No Pirates game last night. We got to sleep in an extra half hour this morning since our departure time was 9:00. Breakfast routine conquered and cooked a hard boiled egg. Interesting appliance that keeps water boiling and you drop a color-coded dipper into it.
Voila!
Stepped outside to be pleasantly surprised to find the temperature a comfortable 63 degrees. We left just a couple minutes late while some folk went back for a jacket. Go figure! Just about an hour’s drive to the Domaine du Clos Roussely, a family owned winery. Pedro gave us a great tour of the vineyard, storage cellar and the press.
The ladybug is a wonderful helper to rid the vines of destructive insects.
Roses at the end of the rows foretell a problem with the soil so that the vintners can be alerted to a problem. The vines are trimmed to one stalk so that the grapes become more full of flavor.
After the vineyards, we went into the cellar that included both stainless and wooden barrel casks. Also there was a terra cotta amphora that would create a more robust wine, both in taste and price.
Then the wine press. All most of us could think of was the I Love Lucy episode. Just the memory still cracks me up.
We then did a bit of tasting of the Domaine’s product. We had two whites - a sauvignon blanc and a sauvignon finesse. We then moved to a little house where we were treated to a luncheon with more wine tasting. Lunch consisted of grilled chicken, a couscous salad, potato salad, and a fried pork skewer. Then a cheese course and, finally, some regional biscuits. Accompanying these courses were a rose, a rouge, and sweet wine. It was delightful and we bought a couple of bottles for the ship.
From the winery we drove about 50 minutes to the charming town of Amboise. There we toured Leonardo da Vinci’s house, Clos Lucé. How did I not know that da Vinci worked and died in France, but he did. The Chateau was charming, well furnished, and well guided. We had just a few moments stroll through the gardens. We could have spent longer there, but wanted to get into the town.
It was about a 15 minute walk to the center of the city that is dominated by the Chateau Royal D’ Ambiose.
It was just about time for a gelato! Had about 45 minutes to explore the little town before heading back to Blois.
Got back to the hotel around 5:30 and so had a bit of time in the room readying suitcases for our departure tomorrow
Gilliaum and Marco, our coach driver invited everyone for a farewell aperitif overlooking the river. It was a thoughtful and generous act.
Dinner tonight at Poivre e Sel. It caught our eye the first night in Blois. The food was delicious as we sat on the terrace on a beautiful evening. I had duck breast and Earle the special of the day - filet with prosciutto. We couldn’t resist dessert when we saw a caramel sundae delivered to another table.
Back to the hotel to finish packing and then to bed.
No comments:
Post a Comment