WINES ON BOARD
French wines from far and near are chosen to complement the menu. With Chablis on our doorstep, local vineyards are well represented. Wines from the Cote D'Or and Loire Valley are also on our list, together with selections from Bordeaux and the Alsace.
The Burgundy wines from our region have their own distinctive character. Generally, Pinot Noir grapes are harvested for the red wines and Chardonnay for the whites with the extra selection of Aligoté, Gamay and César, originally grown by the Romans.
The 'terroir' of the Burgundian vineyards is stony which contributes to the complex flavours of the wines. Their appreciation might even take a little longer to understand and enjoy, compared to the robust wines of further afield, but with a little time and tasting on board the Luciole and during out wine tour, we know our passengers return home converts.
The Burgundy wines from our region have their own distinctive character. Generally, Pinot Noir grapes are harvested for the red wines and Chardonnay for the whites with the extra selection of Aligoté, Gamay and César, originally grown by the Romans.
The 'terroir' of the Burgundian vineyards is stony which contributes to the complex flavours of the wines. Their appreciation might even take a little longer to understand and enjoy, compared to the robust wines of further afield, but with a little time and tasting on board the Luciole and during out wine tour, we know our passengers return home converts.
An interesting French fact.......
Grapes are pressed to make wine, the pulp remaining is called a pomace. The fermented pulpy mixture of skins, stalks and pips is distilled and then known as Marc (pronounced 'mar') de Bourgogone. The Marc de Bourgogone alchohol content is between 80 - 90%. There is no extra sugar added so there is quite a bite and the colour of the Marc depends on whether red or white grapes are used. Marc is drunk as an apperitf or digestive at the end of a meal.
Crème de casis is the liqueur of the black currant famously used in the drink Kir
Canon Felix Kir was made Mayor of Dijon in 1945 and popularised the drink combination of white wine (traditionally Aligote) and Crème de casis. The drink is served as an aperetif and if Burgundy Crement substitutes the Aligote, this delicious drink is called 'Kir Royale'. Canon Kir was a brave man, he was a Resistance member during World War II and assisited with the excape of 5,000 prisioners of war. Following his own capture, he was condemned to death, but released because of his status.