Beaujolais Weekend Break …
at Basse Copette, Normandy
18 – 20 November 2011
“Le Beaujolais Est Arrivé!”
The opening of the first Beaujolais nouveau on the third Thursday of November is now observed the World over. But, it started out as a simple, local tradition that celebrated the end of harvest, with the ‘wine of the year’. The wine was only allowed to ferment for a few weeks, and is therefore very light and fruity and should be drunk immediately, certainly not that much beyond Christmas.
I can’t promise a leather-clad biker hot-footing it from the vineyards of Beaujeu to Basse Copette with a selection of this year’s Beaujolais nouveau, but I can provide the perfect setting for that all inclusive ‘Beaujolais weekend break’ in France.
- Unwind for two nights, with all meals included, in my highly praised B&B
- A tasting of this year’s Beaujolais nouveau
- Relax in an intimate setting with no more than 6 adults
The tradition started when bottles of Beaujolais nouveau were sent to the nearby restaurants in Lyon, and signs were put out claiming “Le Beaujolais Est Arrivé!” After the second World War the AOC determined that Beaujolais nouveau could only be released by a certain date, 15 November. And then the marketing potential was realised. In the 1970s Beaujolais nouveau was rushed to Parisian restaurants, and in the 1980s the excitement of Beaujolais nouveau spread to the rest of Europe. In 1985 the release date was changed to the third Thursday in November so that sellers could take advantage of the impending weekend.
Thankfully bottles of wine are no longer rushed anywhere at the stroke of midnight on Wednesday evening. They are sent ahead and kept in ‘bond’ until 12.01 am Thursday morning.
18 – 20 November 2011
A buffet meal and a Beaujolais nouveau wine tasting
Arrive at Basse Copette Friday afternoon or early evening and get settled for a relaxing and enjoyable weekend. Later that evening enjoy a buffet meal and a Beaujolais nouveau wine tasting. I will have scoured the local wine suppliers for a wide variety of Beaujolais nouveaufor you to taste (it is a tough job, but the rumour is true – I will go to extraordinary lengths for my guests).
After a champagne breakfast, spend Saturday as you wish. I will point you in the direction of the shops where I get the Beaujolais nouveau from should you wish to buy some for yourself. Head on to Rouen or Amiens, or just relax with a book or a DVD next to a roaring fire.
On Saturday evening enjoy a sumptuous gourmet meal, with wines specifically chosen for each course from the Loire Valley. Guests to Basse Copette repeatedly rave about my food, whether it is a bowl of spaghetti bolognaise or a gourmet meal. For the ‘Beaujolais weekend break’ at Basse Copette I have produced a one-off gourmet menu (see below).
On Sunday morning, after or before breakfast, visit the farmers market at the nearby Blangy-sur-Bresle for those foodie treats to take home.
Make your reservation now: there is a limited number of places available.
The Gourmet Menu
Canapes & Kia Basse Copette
***
Tarte a la tomate
Tarte aux cepes
***
Filets de sole au camembert
Pavés de saumon
***
Entrecote a la creme de Neufchatel
Mignon de porc au cidre
***
Neufchatel, red onion confit
Deep fried Neufchatel and red current jelly
***
Clementine marmalade soufflé
Mousse d’abricot
***
Petits fours & tea/coffee
Many of the accompaniments are home-made.
The cost for the ‘Beaujolais weekend break’ at Basse Copette includes:
- Two nights accommodation at the highly praised Basse Copette
- A selection of tea, fresh coffee and homemade cakes on arrival
- First night, buffet and wine-tasting
- two sumptuous breakfasts
- A gourmet meal with specifically chosen wines
So why not come and enjoy an autumn weekend at Basse Copette!
350 Euros per couple sharing in the Normandy Suite
690 Euros for up to 4 adults sharing (520 Euros for one couple) in La Grange
Basse Copette has become a home from home for us; delivering on all fronts. Already booking in mentally for our next trip to BC. Thomas a joy and delight as ever.