Fine Wines And Dining In Languedoc, France

Claire — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:20:11 +0000

It’s thought that the Greeks planted the first vines in the Languedoc region of France in around 2000 BC. Later, the Romans arrived and improved and refined the wine-making process. The vines in Languedoc are mature and the Mediterranean climate perfect for growing fine grapes that make excellent wines.

As one of the most prestigious vineyard areas of France, Languedoc has many estates that offer a taste of the finest wines the country has to offer.

Which wine?

Many well-known grape varieties are perfectly suited to growing in the Languedoc region. The prominent red grape varieties of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are popular in the area, along with Rhone grapes like the Grenache.

The most common white grape grown in the area is Chardonnay, which is used in the most popular wine from the region – Vin de Pays d’Oc. Chardonnay grapes are also used to make the deliciously sparkling Cremant de Limoux in the same way as champagne, with a second fermentation in the bottle to trap the carbon dioxide that gives the wine its fizz.

In addition, the fortified wines produced in Languedoc are a real treat. Sweet dessert wines like the indulgent Muscat de Frontignan and Muscat de St-Jean are perfect with some of the fine charcuterie and cheeses also available in the region.

Photo of Bottle & Glass of St. Hilaire Blanquette de Limoux, France by Agne27

Which producer?

There are several wine producers in the region that allow visitors to their vineyards to see the process of wine-making in action.

Domaine O’Vineyards, now run by two American expats in France, overlooks the castle ramparts at Carcassonne and offers tours to learn about the vineyard, the grapes and wine-making. A full-day tour is offered to small groups and gives the opportunity to wander amongst the vines with a glass of the vineyard’s finest in your hand, learning about how the wine goes from vine to bottle. The owners welcome you to their own table as family and lay on a delicious lunch that best compliments the wine that they produce while answering all your questions about the production of the wine and their experiences of the local area.

Vineyard in Languedoc, France by Kafeole

Another vineyard tour run by an Anglophone is Chateau de Combebelle near Villespassans. The tour gives visitors the opportunity to walk amongst the grapes and also see the cellars where the wine is stored in vats for its maturation. Once you’ve learned more about the vines and the making of the wine, you have the opportunity to sample some of the local product and buy some bottles – or maybe even a magnum – to take home with you.

If you’d like to see a number of vineyards to compare and contrast, there are several winery tour operators that offer the chance to have a guided expedition around several in one day. Vin En Vacances and Vindage Wine Tours are two such operators that you could check out to see if they have something that takes your fancy.

Something to go with it?

Once you have your wine, it would be nice to have some food to complement the flavours of your chosen domaine. There are fantastic Saturday markets in Pezenas, Ceret, Arles and Carcassonne where you can find a fabulous array of locally grown fruit and vegetables along with fresh fish and excellent cheeses and charcuterie. It’s certainly no chore to visit any of these to find provisions to stock your villa’s larder for a week of fine dining and excellent wines.

Conclusion

Although it may not be the best known of the winery regions of France, Languedoc has a great deal to recommend it. Visit Janu Villas to select a local villa, you have excellent vineyards and fabulous fresh food on your doorstep and just waiting to be discovered.

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Zlatá ulička (Golden Lane) – the most romantic and famous part of Prague Castle | Czech Republic

Claire — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:02:31 +0000

Golden Lane (or Zlatá ulička in Czech) was created after the construction of the northern ramparts of the Prague Castle, in the 16th century. The area of northern moat was used to build decent homes, which are now the last remains of the small-scale architecture from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance in Prague Castle. The houses were homes to the castle servants, e.g. goldsmiths or the castle marksmen and various artisans.

Houses were occupied until the Second World War, but the area was protected already for several years, and no changes which would change the character of the street or houses were allowed. The writer Franz Kafka lived here in the house no. 22 between 1916-1917. The last owners and the tenants moved out in 1948, and despite of receiving high quality houses, they left with protests.

Golden Lane was reopened to the public on 1 June 2011 after one year of reconstructions. It is probably the most romantic and famous part of Prague Castle. You can access the Golden Lane if you buy a ticket for a Long (350 CZK) or Short (250 CZK) Tour around the Castle.

You can take really interesting Virtual Tour by visiting the following website:
https://virtualni.praha.eu/nocni/zlata-ulicka.html

View Zlatá ulička (Golden Lane) – the most romantic and famous part of Prague Castle Czech Republic in a larger map