This evening, a couple of American students and I went to a Fete in Peissy, a small village about 15 minutes drive from my place. Now by "Fete" this village meant open cellar... all the cellars in the village were open for wine tasting, which was free after a purchase of a souvenir wine glass. I have no idea why they attach St Martin's name to this event, particularly since, according to Wikipedia, Martin of Tours was a kind man who led a quiet and simple life. The most famous legend of his life is that he once cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm, to save the beggar from dying of the cold.
Anyway, we weren't going to complain about open cellars, whatever the reason for them. *winks* We arranged at meet at 4pm, but it turns out that this wasn't enough time to get to all the cellars, we only did 3 properly before the fireworks at 6:30pm. Can you believe that they can organise fireworks at 6:30pm? It's crazy how early it gets dark here, we are still more than a month away from the winter solstice!
We did go to two more cellars, but didn't really try very many wines from these two. We then went looking for dinner, and found ourselves fondue at what looked like the only cafe in the village. I was surprised at how tasty and filling melted cheese and bread was.
Overall, it was a very pleasant evening, during which I learnt a fair bit more about wine and which I like. Okay, I knew that already, fruity, not dry, with a preference for white, but I'm learning to appreciate red as well. I think my favourite will still be dessert wine though. I tried such a good muscato at one of the cellars, though I didn't end up buying it, as nobody else I know would enjoy it with me. I did end up buying a red, just for the story of the name: Gondebaud, after a Burgundian who passed a law in 443 which punished the theft of grapes with death. Also got myself a rose and a white to make a pretty colourful collection. Now to be invited to a party or two for excuses to open them!
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