At the end of the summer the Bailliage resumed its activities with a great day marked by two events.

The morning was spent visiting the “Château des Seigneurs de Pommyers” winery owned by the Piva family, a magnificent property located in the Entre-deux-Mers region. This provided us with the opportunity to taste their wines, which have been certified as being organically produced since 1984.

After that morning excursion - and we would particularly like to thank the Piva family for their welcome - our group repaired to “Chez Darroze” in Langon, a Michelin-starred restaurant which has been well known for many years.

There we were delighted to meet François Ginther, Vice-Échanson from London, who had come down especially for the occasion.

After being welcomed by Jean-François Guichard, Bailli of Bordelais and Chargé de Missions Internationales for the Bailliage of France, and by Dominique Naboulet, Bailli Provincial of Aquitaine, we were presented with a flavoursome, colourful and seasonal menu.

As an aperitif we were offered a glass of Sauternes with a sumptuous amuse-bouche selection comprising a melon and honey velouté, a foie gras crème brûlée and a fish mousse.

We were then served the first course: lobster ravioli, mushroom fricassée and a Newburg sauce emulsion, accompanied by a delicious Chardonnay « Grand Ardèche » 2014.

This was followed by the main course: veal medallion, petit pois ragout and mousseline of sand-grown carrots sprinkled with a sorrel verjuice. The Château La Peyreyre 2011 from the Haut-Médoc was also a judicious choice. A classic pairing that works!

During this delicious meal, Chloé Cazaux Grandpierre gave us a brief and clear presentation on sake. When we came to the dessert, it was Thierry Daugeron’s turn to give us a talk on the serving professions and the skills involved.

Kim Freeman, a new member of our Bailliage who had previously been a member in the United States, reviewed the culinary news and Jacqueline Mazuel, Vice-Échanson, took us back through our vineyard tour.

In short, it was a superb day that brought together many different aspects of all we hold dear.

Chloé Cazaux Grandpierre
Chancelier Provincial of Aquitaine