The Last of the Summer Wine

The days are getting shorter and summer will soon be completely gone. For much of September there has been a chill wind blowing, so with the promise of a couple of warmer sunny days ahead, we decided to take a short boat trip along the Canal Rhone Sete, and venture into the sea for a swim . This will probably be for the last time this year. However , it would seem that we weren't the only ones determined to make the most of this Indian summer Sunday. The towpath was veritable busy highway of joggers, cyclists and walkers. And of course the anglers were determined not to miss out either.

Out and About Along the Canal Today

We weren't alone on the water, for there are still quite a number of large tourist boats around as well. And in addition we saw a few Sunday rowers in single and double sculls, from the club in Palavas, and some individual canoeists too.

All those who weren't enjoying the canal or its towpath in some way or another, would seem to have gone to the beach. For when we arrived at Maguelone for a swim that evening the beach was still packed . But unusually there did not seem to be so many people in the sea. We soon discovered why. The sea temperature has dropped considerably since August. Whilst we very much appreciated our dip, I can definitely say that it was fairly short. But sadly , this may very well be the last beach outing for many families. Le petit train will stop running very soon.

And as summer cools , we may well literally be seeing ' the last of cool summer wine ' too. Rosé has become the favourite summer wine for drinkers in many parts of the world, and in France, where the most rosé is produced, sales have increased from 16% to 3O% in the past twenty years. This now outstrips the production of white wines. Drinking rosé is considered trendy...the paler the better. Not all rosé enjoys the same attention to production quality however, and there are many marketing gimmicks, especially to ensure the that it does not appear too pink. That didn't worry us yesterday when we chose to have lunch at 'Le Comptoir des Compagnons.' This restaurant is part of the charitable concern that manages the whole of Maguelone (see my earlier blog.) Many of its staff members are disabled, and are supported in their employment and also offered accommodation here at Maguelone. It is an excellent enterprise , and well worth supporting.

Perhaps it isn't surprising that we decided to salute the end of summer with a bottle of rosé. And so we bought a bottle of Maguelone's own rosé , produced on this very same domaine. (Their own Maguelone oysters are served here. too) Needless to say this rosé was a beautiful bright pink( no additives here) and moreover it tasted absolutely delicious. Goodbye Summer! A bientôt!