Explore Perigord
The Perigord–aka the Dordogne–specializes in three declining agricultural products: wine, tobacco, and foie gras. Although wine consumption is rising in the US, it is headed the other way in France. Grape vines used to be more abundant up the Dordogne River in centuries gone by but now it is pretty much limited to the thirteen appellations around Bergerac. Bordeaux lies downriver what is today a couple of hours drive. Cahors and its vineyards lies to the south on the River Lot but several wines are available in the Dordogne. I’m tasting through many of these wines and some of my notes and picks will follow.
Originally imported from America, the producers in the region used to make dark tobacco that was a specialty of French cigarettes (think Gauloises). But dwindling demand for that has led growers to transition to lighter varieties for the international market–or stop production altogether.
The Perigord has typically been a center for foie gras production. This, the object of American bans and boycotts, is produced and consumed throughout the region. More on this fascinating subject too in future postings.
The region is also known for other gastronomic delights including its walnuts, truffles and strawberries. We bought some strawberries in town over the weekend and finished the whole box before we got back to the kitchen. They are like candy. It’s great to have real strawberry flavors. Too often at home strawberries look pumped up and are strangely white inside and relatively flavorless.
I have managed to find a way on to the internet so I can resume a more normal schedule of posting . Although we’ll see just how normal–excuse me while I go get the rose…
tags: wine |
On July 10th, 2006 at 5:58 pm ,Jack wrote:
Doc, Go to a Foie Gras tasting room and report!
The Dordogne is one of my favorite places in the world. I’m fortunately to have my favorite aunt and cousin living there, too!
On July 12th, 2006 at 2:20 am ,Dr. Vino wrote:
Gald you have explored the area yourself! It’s lots of fun with a ton of things to do.
I’ll do more than venture into the tasting room at a foie gras producer–I’ll investigate the farm itself!