Tuesday 9 December 2014

Now it's the "noble rot" under threat

The projected LGV (ligne a grande vitesse) projected to carry the TGV from Bordeaux to Dax by 2027 could threaten the famous Sauternes wines. These wines are valued for their sweetness and quality and the grands crus can command very high prices. The vignerons are concerned that the line will cut away some of the forests that keep the river Ciron cold, and any increase in temperature could reduce the fogs needed to produce the "noble rot" which gives the wines their distinctive flavour. It is the variation between hot sunshine and cold damp fog which creates the micro climate necessary for the production of Sauternes.
Naturally the vignerons are as much concerned for the ecology of the area as for the economic effects. Over 30 wetland areas could be affected and the white footed ecrevisse and other rare flora and fauna would be under threat. The European court judges will be asked to look into the case, perhaps fortified with a nice plate of fois gras and a glass of Chateau D'Yquem.
comments to taglines82@gmail.com