Wine, waves and song

 

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In vino canto

Sunday on an island. The sun shining on the flora, the fauna and the estuary of the Gironde with its beautiful light. A gentle wind wafts the sound of music across the vines. A “Grand Cru” red wine flatters the palette. A veritable moment in paradise. Like the Renoir painting “Le déjeuner sur l’herbe”.

That’s how it was last Sunday at the Île Margaux which is a privately-owned property not open the public. Thanks to the involvement of the Association “In Vino Canto” a large buffet was organised with a group of happy ramblers, all in the shade of the isle’s fruit and wine store. A “Domaine de l’Ile-Margaux” 2008 was served to the sound of Renaissance drinking songs.

This unforgettable walk started from Margaux at 10.00 – a very civilised hour. Dominique, from the Médoc, and Patricia, from the Rhineland, the founders of “In Vino Canto” , accompanied the well-knit group towards the landing stage with an eclectic programme of music. Saint Pierre Church was filled with the sounds of the flute. Schubert fished for his trout from the stream and Madame la Marquise phoned her valet James * – just to name some of the highlights here in the Gironde estuary.

First-rate entertainment was provided by the two singers, first at the legendary Château Margaux and later on the Île de Margaux, an island well-hidden from the world at large.

* reference to a Ray Ventura song

2018 Verena Willudda (Moulis), translation : Richard Beasley