"Clos du Chateau" Harvest (Valencay)

Hubert Sinson is there, with the first grape-pickers...Each year in Valencay I have a rendez vous with a festive harvest :
The harvest at the Clos du Chateau in Valencay . This is right near the Chateau de Valencay , in a vineyard surrounded by old walls .Vineyards were in the place since Talleyrand's time , and before . Talleyrand was Napoleon's minister and the Valencay Chateau was his home . By the way , you can visit the Chateau , wich is well preserved and even retains Talleyrand's personal furniture and paintings . You actually can see the Chateau in the background , with Hubert Sinson ( orange shirt ) with his famous cigar , helping pick the grapes (Sauvignon grapes, by the way...) .
The walled Clos lost its vineyard with the phylloxera catastrophe , wich at the turn of the 20th century destroyed all european vineyards . The following years, it was replaced by an orchard, until it was decided in 1991 to make wine there again . And replanting was achieved in 1992 , on the 2,85 hectares of the Clos . You see now a well tended and mature vineyard with Chardonnay , Sauvignon , Cot ( Malbec ) , Pinot Noir and Gamay .Back-baskets being filled in the ranks

Any time, Michel and his accordeon , here with an improvised singer, entertains the harvesters.The vineyard land is still owned by the Chateau , but an economic entity has been created , a "societe" managed by a group of Valencay winemakers , who share the responsabilities of the activity . Vinification is made by Hubert Sinson , the colourful winemaker from nearby Meusnes , who also manages his own winery there .

If you want to participate , or just look , come in Valencay the first saturday of october . I think the "Vendange du Clos du Chateau" is is something memorable . This is fun , with musicians, "Chevaliers du Tastevin" , and volunteers joyously participating .
Bernache , this sweet-but-already-lightly-alcoholic beverage drawn off a fermenting vat , is served [ See picture on the right ] , along with toasts and fancy cakes made by the excellent Valencay patissier Jacky Chichery (I swear I'm not rewarded when I make compliments!) .
And don't be deterred by a potential rainy october day : I've been there on a rainy october saturday too , and it was a really memorable experience ... I even remember having a flat with my vintage Citroen Ami 8 while on my way to the harvest that rainy day, and raging , wondering if it was worth the trouble... I changed the wheel on the side of the road , continued to Valencay , and was positively surprised beyond my expectations ...Harvesting is overlooked by Thierry Gauthier , a young winemaker from the Valencay area [ Pictured here, on left , overlooking while a back-basket is being emptied ] .
Each rank has an appointed volunteer , members of the group . Altogether , this makes the necessary number of harvesters , with the "right" to participate to the fete (but actually , everyone is welcome) and who are remunerated with bottles of the Clos du Chateau wine . We did'nt stay the whole day this time , and so, some of the action is missing . Confrerie "Vin sur Vin" in the Clos du Chateau de Valencay vineyard

Comments

[hikalu]

Hi Bertrand!
I'm glad to know the meaning, Thanks. You said you would come back the end of the Octobre. It would be nice if you took some picture while your business traveling. Take care and Have a nice day!

[rita]

Harvest is beautiful! I love those grapes.
I will be at a harvest in Santa
Barbara next week. Sanford and Benedict. It is a beautiful winery, made with adobe bricks. The vineyards are the oldest in the area, with some pioneer pinot noir grapes planted by Richard Sanford. He is one of the visionary winemakers that made wine happen in this region.
I have been serving wonderful wines loving turning people on to wine sensations. I have not done the build out yet in my place. I have just been staying open later pouring wine in the flower shop.
It is fun with a great response,
Be well,
Wine aficionado,

Rita

Tonight I fell in love with a beautiful Chenin Blanc dessert wine I would say it was worldly satisfying.

[Elaine Garry]

The wine from this vineyard is delicious. The family who served us are very friendly and welcoming. We have been lucky enough to visit on Easter w/e when they have an Open Day...well worth a visit. Look forward to returning once more!