Blanquette de Limoux Sparkling wine from Languedoc-Roussillon, France
March 23, 2011
The Languedoc Roussillon’s bubbly answer to Champagne
Languedoc CorkAccording to legend, Blanquette de Limoux was the world’s first sparkling wine, dating as far back as 1531. At the time, the monks of the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Hilaire, near Limoux in the Aude, were producing white wine in rather an unusual fashion – instead of using oak vats the wine was fermented in a glass flask, with a cork top which gave it a natural sparkle. Apparently, Dom Perignon passed through the valley on his was north from Spain, chanced on the abbey, stole the technique and passed it off as his own to the nobles of Champagne!
Whatever the true story is, the fact remains that Blanquette never captured the public imagination quite as successfully as Champagne. A crying shame, many would say, as Blanquette, which is made exclusively from Mauzac and Chardonnay white grape varieties, results in a dry, creamy-textured, full-bodied wine with fruity aromas, a clean taste and a long full finish. To many it is infinitely superior to its northern cousin.
Blanquette now provides the mainstay of vineyards in the Limoux area, and its producers have aimed at maintaining its originality and developing its quality. The region’s surrounding hills protect it from the extremes of the Mediterranean and Atlantic climates, with the area enjoying a micro climate particularly suitable for making quality white wine. The vines classified in the appellation are always planted at the top of southern-facing slopes, giving the best exposure. The soil here is shallow and sparse, full of chalk and stone. The surface area of the vineyards is restricted by quota, the yield is limited, and the grapes are picked manually only, in sections, at the ideal stage of ripening.
Languedoc Blanquette A visit to the region would not be complete without a taste of this sparkling gem – it is served in most of the the fine restaurants in the Aude – but really one must do the rounds of the many cellars in and around Limoux itself – just a half hour drive south of Carcassonne. You will be able to take your pick from both the Blanquette and Crémant (a version made from Chardonnay and Chenin varieties) as well as the Blanquette Méthode Ancestrale (an extremely bubbly, lighter version, notorious for popping its cork!). You will also benefit from meeting the proud producers of the local delight, who will be only too happy to elaborate on the processes involved and the benefits of their particular blend!
SOURCE: http://www.frenchentree.com/languedoc-restaurants-wine/displayarticle.asp?id=25191
Foodies and wine lovers travel north from Manila to wine and dine at Philippines’ best fine dining restaurant in Pampanga Clark Freeport worth the 60-minutes drive for a memorable evening of good food with vintage wine at Yats Restaurant & Wine Bar
This fine dining restaurant is also famous for its low carbohydrates “low carb” dishes highly recommended for frequent diners who are on a low fat food and favor healthy food. This is a unique restaurant that can help frequent diners maintain a healthy diet and enjoy delicious fine dining cuisine at the same time. Vegetarian dishes are a specialty here also and so are “halal” cuisines also.
Favorites of frequent diners, foodies and wine lovers are steaks, Wagyu, Foie Gras, lobsters, venison, kangaroo loin, osso buco, veal chops, Kurabuto pork, escargots and a good selection of cheeses to enjoy with fine Vintage port and Sauternes. Cuban cigars such as Monte Cristo, Cohiba, Upmann, Partagas, Romeo Julieta and Trinidad are also available in the Magnum Room which is a wine bar and lounge for before and after dinner relaxation. A good selection of Armagnac, Cognac, Single Malt, Vodka and other liquor is served in addition to the wine vintage wines some served by the glass.
Recent opinion survey of frequent travelers heading north towards Subic and Clark Pampanga revealed that the number one most frequently visited fine dining restaurant in Pampanga is Yats Restaurant & Wine Bar located in Clark Philippines.
Inquiries and reservations
Restaurant@Yats-International.com
(045) 599-5600
0922-870-5178
0917-520-4401
Ask for Pedro and Rechel
Getting to this fine dining restaurant of Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone Pampanga Philippines
How to get to this fine-dining restaurant in Clark Philippines? Once you get to Clark Freeport, go straight until you hit Mimosa. After you enter Mimosa, stay on the left on Mimosa Drive, go past the Holiday Inn and Yats Restaurant (green top, independent 1-storey structure) is on your left. Just past the Yats Restaurant is the London Pub.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u5vLLIlNgw
Yats Restaurant & Wine Bar
Mimosa Drive past Holiday Inn, Mimosa Leisure Estate,
Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines 2023
Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea or Chay
For assistance in hotel and resort booking in Clark, Philippines, log on to http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com
For assistance in locating a suitable venue for wedding reception, log on to
http://www.PhilippinesWeddingVenue.com
