VINE LINES - JUNE 2010
A monthly update on the wines, the vines, and the times at Rives-Blanques.
As we write, we are preparing to set off tomorrow into the Pyrenees to climb Mount Rives Blanques in celebration – or in penance, perhaps – of the approaching tenth harvest at Chateau Rives-Blanques, which lies under the peak's benevolent gaze. Lt Col Dougie Keelan, immortalised in a BBC documentary for his courageous assault on Mount Everest (from the West Ridge) with a party of 54 men, will be leading the way. I dare say that on this particular occasion, some of us will be following quite a long way behind - particularly this one of us. So if you have a kind thought to spare, please spare it for the one at the back, struggling up a metaphor as high as a mile. |
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Which brings us to the dedication written on the label of Dédicace 2009, our Limoux Chenin blanc “To the good neighbour”. The good neighbour in this case has the same pneumatic winepress we have. Trouble is, the state-of-the-art compressor in ours broke down on a Friday night in mid-harvest, full of our top hand-picked grapes, with no replacement parts, help or hope in sight. There are no words to describe the pain of that moment: without a compressor, you cannot compress, you understand. And that is why we say a heartfelt “Thank you, James” to our neighbour, for allowing us to transplant the essential organ from his press into ours for the day - thus saving our 2009 vintage. |
If enough is enough, please click on takemeoff@rives-blanques.com to be released from next month's Vine Lines. June 30 , 2010
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