April-May 1996
This is the place to find information and discussion in wine, food, and life in the Southwest of France. Wine regions include Bergerac, Buzet, Cahors, Monbazillac, Gaillac, Jurancon, Fronton, Pecharmant, and more.
We have just returned from a visit to Cahors and Gaillac where we selflessly sampled many new wines. Best among these was the winner of the 1995 Gold Medal at Macon, Cahors 1993 Chateau de Gaudou , produced by Durou et Fils of Vire-sur-Lot.
It was late February, time for local farmers to sell their fattened ducks. Following traditional recipes, we made Foie Gras and Confit . Further north in Perigord, the goose is king. In the true south, it is the duck. Connaisseurs hold that duck is superior to goose for both taste and texture. Prices at the time were in the 200-220 franc per kilo range for the liver and 17-20 franc per kilo range for the duck without liver. Having been raised for its fattened liver, the duck itself is too fatty for the meat to be cooked by traditional means, such as roasting. Instead it is used for confit . The meat given a healthy dose of salt and left to macerate overnight. The fat is then melted and the meat cooks over low heat for several hours. It is then placed in containers and covered in the fat. The containers are processed for conservation. Confit is an integral part of the local delicacy, cassoulet .
Get more info on the FEATURED WINE, or try a new recipe found in CUISINE OF THE SOUTHWEST. You can also get related information of wines currently distributed in the U.S in our WINELIST.
Some of the wines areas of the southwest of France. The Southwest is a region comprising several separate areas, from the Bordeaux neighbors, to the Basque region of Irouleguy, to the Mediterranean areas of Fitou and Corbieres. Bergerac and Monbazillac flank either side of the Dordogne, bordering on its better known neighbor, Bordeaux. Buzet lies to the south along the Garonne. Lying to the east is Cahors, through which winds the Lot river.
Good food and good wine are part of "L'art de vivre" that the French are famous for.
This month's FEATURED WINE is a selection from the area of Buzet, located on the left bank of the Garonne river as it winds its way through the department of Lot-et-Garonne on its way through Bordeaux.
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