A test that will reinvent your holidays in France

A veritable adventurer and explorer, you know better than anyone that there are all sorts of winegrowers. And you (like us) are delighted at this emerging breed of young vintners who have their heads screwed on the right way. They’re kissing goodbye to conformism in many respects and rethinking the way the profession is conducted. Stéphane and Véronique Azémar are clearly part of this new trend. “When we moved to Clos d’un Jour in Duravel in 2000, there was no way we wanted any vintages marked by the flavour wooden barrels. Our research led us to be innovative, ageing the wine in ceramic jars, which means it can oxygenate without the wood aromas.” And so was born the vintage Un Jour sur Terre — “One Day on Earth” — 100% Malbec, the appellation’s original grape variety. Stéphane and Véronique apply this technically sound approach to the entire wine-making circuit: they refrain from any chemical treatment and put Ouessant dwarf sheep to work clipping the vines. So, the wine has a concentrated, fruity and wood-free taste in the mouth. This is an adventurous explorer-certified visit, and is only 40 minutes west of Cahors!

Info and reservations

This restaurant, housed in an old winery, is based in Cieurac in the Château de Haute-Serre, five minutes from Cahors. While the decoration is a contemporary mix of wood and metal, the food is a mix of bistro and gastronomic, with novel interpretations of traditional recipes using produce from the Lot terroir. It is one of the area’s best establishments.

In Marroux, 30 minutes east of Villeneuve sur Lot, housed in an old winery from the 17th century. There are four cosy bedrooms upstairs in the large house and two rooms made from natural Lot stone in the farm tenant’s house with a terrace or garden area. The setting is peaceful and natural, and gourmet cuisine is served in the restaurant.

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