Delicious desire

It is fascinating to establish the connection between Bordeaux and England.

You may recall from an earlier column that, in the 4th century, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the Bordeaux area had suffered incursions by both the Goths and the Vandals, who were just passing through. The Visigoths later resettled the area. It was during the 6th century that the Franks successfully invaded and settled the region. The Saracens later devastated the area and were finally driven back at the battle of Poitiers in 732. In 764, Charlemagne—the Holy Roman Emperor—finally established a castle at Fronsac to mark the southern frontier.

The area was still afflicted by waves of Viking attacks, which restricted the economic growth of the region up to the 11th century. Bordeaux became part of the Duchy of Aquitaine, extending from the Pyrenees up to the Loire Valley. This was the birthplace of Eleanor of Aquitaine, who married Louis VII, of France. Eleanor accompanied him on the second crusade to Palestine.

Upon their return to France the Duke of Normandy and his son, Henry Plantagenet, visited them. Eleanor was rather taken by Henry, who was 11 years her junior. After fifteen years of marriage and two daughters with Louis VII, a divorce was arranged with the blessing of the church, justified by the fact that they were cousins. Two months later, Eleanor and Henry were wed and the dowry was the Duchy of Aquitaine. In 1154, Henry was crowned king of England.

This established the link between Bordeaux and England’s love for Claret wine.

Next week, the English love Claret.

I recommend with Lili’s steamed chicken, the 2009 Trumpour’s Mill Pinot Gris from the Grange of Prince Edward, which is available at the winery or at the L.C.B.O.

From the start, you will be delighted by the light pink hue; notes of spicy poached pear on the nose and the palette is a pleasing combination of apple, peach, and a hint of honey, all laid over a solid backbone of acidity. The crisp, dry finish makes it an ideal accompaniment to this dish.

With the chocolate-coveredstrawberries, you want to try this festive bubbly from the County Cider Company. Bubbling Fool is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, created by winemaker Jennifer Dean, from grapes grown on their vineyard in Waupoos.

The pink bubbles catch the eye; the nose is candy apple and poached pear with a palette of an Amaretto crème brûlée. This sparkling is slightly sweet with a balanced acidity and minerality, which makes it a great wine to finish with.

The County Cider Company is located at 657 Bongards Crossroad, in Waupoos. You will have to pay a visit to the winery, but call ahead.