An evening in Valvignères (Ardèche)...
Ah the Ardèche! A real little paradise for natural wine aficionados. An Eldorado symbolized by the village of Valvignères which shelters a ribbon of winegrowers who defend free and joyful wines!
One fine day in July, here I am on the zigzagging road leading to Valvignères, a small village well known to lovers of good wines, in the south of the Ardèche. The outside atmosphere is very conducive to go and taste some skittles. The sun is shining, the car slides between trees and ravines, and vines as far as the eye can see!
Arrival in Valvignères After 30 to 40 minutes of meandering along the road, we arrived. It's quiet, the bell tower is alone in the middle of the village, the 500 inhabitants escape the heat of the day, preferring a little nap! Time passes, the temperature drops slowly and the village comes back to life. A revival embodied by one of the local lungs, "La Tour Cassée". THE HQ for local grape lovers, with the excellent cuisine prepared by Claire, reopens its doors for the evening service. I rush to take a table and am told that the restaurant is full. I was disappointed. Despite this, we are kindly allowed to have a drink in the restaurant's garden. In the shade, relaxed, we savour the syrah from Les Vigneaux, a couple of winegrowers settled at the exit of the village. The wine is straight, fresh, crisp and perfectly spiced with peppery touches. Ideal for an appetizer! Then, as if by magic, we are told that a table is available. Let's go for it!
La Tour Cassée also has a tempting wine list, with more than 100 natural bottles in reserve. Local wines include Jérome Jouret and Hervé Souhaut. So there's plenty to enjoy. To continue ideally, my choice is the "Babiole 2013" vintage ofAndréa Caleka hidden artist a few miles from the village. On the plate, it is a delight. The bottle is pure and fresh to the core. Wisely supported by spices and splendid tannins, this Syrah is worth the diversions. The Ardèche in a bottle and the pleasant sensation that I have nothing better to do than to be here. Around us, the terrace is in full swing and the flock of gourmets who have taken possession of it seem to be enjoying this beautiful place as much as we are. It's all about drinking, chatting and it's only just beginning! Long live Calek! Long live the Ardèche!!