Coincidentally after your post I received this in an email from Laithwaites (the wine people)
"Who’d have thought that following in the footsteps of a donkey would lead to one of our tastiest new red wines of the year?
But the verdict in the tasting room was unanimous.
With its aromas of plum liqueur, cherries and wild herbs – followed by layers of silky black fruit flavours and spice – it was, we agreed, ‘bottled poetry’.
Special launch deal – save 25% on GR70 Cévennes IGP – just £9.74 a bottle
But wait – why the name GR70? Hardly poetic … and what does a donkey have to do with it?
To answer, we’ll have to travel back in time …
In 1878, the writer Robert Louis Stevenson set off on foot through the volcanic plateaux and lush valleys of the Cévennes with just a sleeping bag and a stubborn donkey named Modestine. Later achieving international fame with Treasure Island, he was also known for his love of wine, famously describing it as ‘bottled poetry’.
Nearly 150 years later, our southern French wine scout, Mark Hoddy, was out hiking in the same hills (but without a donkey) when he came across the vineyard that produces this wine.
It’s just the style he loves to drink with friends in local restaurants – and after tasting it, he snapped it up exclusively for our customers.
Discover the taste of ‘bottled poetry’ - and save £3 a bottle
If you’ve not tried a Cévennes wine before, you’re not alone. They’re rarely seen outside France. But maybe not for long – fresh, vibrant reds like this are hugely popular right now.
So get ahead of the crowds and enjoy this southern French beauty at a special launch price of just £12.99 £9.74 a bottle.
Oh – and why the name? The route that Stevenson travelled is now known as the GR70. And after tasting this wine, you might just be inspired to walk it yourself.
Can't say I spotted any vineyards on the way along – Perhaps it's on the final day out to Alès that RLS and I didn't do (the limestone country). It's true though that after 200km on the trail, anything at all will taste of plum liqueur, cherries and wild herbs – followed by layers of silky black fruit flavours and spice etc. Just so long as you aren't standing too close behind that donkey.
I missed most of this (grrrr); we only had time to do the second half of the RLS, from La Bastide-Puylaurent onward. I'm doubly regretting that now.
...the Lac du Bouchet looks beautiful, Ronald. And so great to hear that taking steroids has improved your eyesight - that's wonderful news!
Very glad to hear that things have improved. Wonderful quote from Hutton. Thank you and take care.
Tea time last Tuesday made me laugh out loud!
Thanks. I try to be serious but sometimes the silliness just creeps in...
Coincidentally after your post I received this in an email from Laithwaites (the wine people)
"Who’d have thought that following in the footsteps of a donkey would lead to one of our tastiest new red wines of the year?
But the verdict in the tasting room was unanimous.
With its aromas of plum liqueur, cherries and wild herbs – followed by layers of silky black fruit flavours and spice – it was, we agreed, ‘bottled poetry’.
Special launch deal – save 25% on GR70 Cévennes IGP – just £9.74 a bottle
But wait – why the name GR70? Hardly poetic … and what does a donkey have to do with it?
To answer, we’ll have to travel back in time …
In 1878, the writer Robert Louis Stevenson set off on foot through the volcanic plateaux and lush valleys of the Cévennes with just a sleeping bag and a stubborn donkey named Modestine. Later achieving international fame with Treasure Island, he was also known for his love of wine, famously describing it as ‘bottled poetry’.
Nearly 150 years later, our southern French wine scout, Mark Hoddy, was out hiking in the same hills (but without a donkey) when he came across the vineyard that produces this wine.
It’s just the style he loves to drink with friends in local restaurants – and after tasting it, he snapped it up exclusively for our customers.
Discover the taste of ‘bottled poetry’ - and save £3 a bottle
If you’ve not tried a Cévennes wine before, you’re not alone. They’re rarely seen outside France. But maybe not for long – fresh, vibrant reds like this are hugely popular right now.
So get ahead of the crowds and enjoy this southern French beauty at a special launch price of just £12.99 £9.74 a bottle.
Oh – and why the name? The route that Stevenson travelled is now known as the GR70. And after tasting this wine, you might just be inspired to walk it yourself.
Liz Smith
Liz Smith, Wine Director"
Can't say I spotted any vineyards on the way along – Perhaps it's on the final day out to Alès that RLS and I didn't do (the limestone country). It's true though that after 200km on the trail, anything at all will taste of plum liqueur, cherries and wild herbs – followed by layers of silky black fruit flavours and spice etc. Just so long as you aren't standing too close behind that donkey.