On our way to the third wedding of this year. Two to go! Off across the Entre deux Mers, then left through the Marmandais, past Buzet, Bruhlois, and the Agenais, to Fronton near Toulouse then through Gaillac to Albi.
All those lovely little wine regions that even today hardly anyone knows. I did my best. I really did. The Great Little Wines of France was always my 'thing'. Comes from having started in 'unknown' Castillon, I suppose. I like discovering unknowns.
France has so many more wine regions and grape varieties than most people realise. My favourite wine map is the first one in 'The World Atlas of Wine': shows all - almost all - the wine regions of France. I have 'bagged' them all. Actually I'd bagged them all by 1988. I would really love to go round them all again, slowly this time, with Henry and Tom, and a van to load up, and a camera. Now that would make for an INTERESTING diary!
Anyway.... On arrival we find our Dan - Henry's friend from Durham and until last month our Company Treasurer - wandering about looking soooo relaxed. Later in Albi's town hall there he stands in a suit next to his Laura... he looks tenser. But then he has no idea what the Deputé Maire is saying. He only knows he has to say 'Oui'!
He waits for his moment. Slight dig in the ribs and "OUI!" Very, very Loud. The room erupts. No tension from then on. Mr and Mrs. and the rest go for pics in the Cathedral gardens and drinks in Toulouse-Lautrec's favourite bar. Albi got Unesco status thingummy on Thursday. Good timing. Good party. Good Gaillac wine.
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