Classic pairing this, and easier shopping for us while being in France where these bottles are available in many supermarkets. The 2021 Roc de Breyzac, Monbazillac was a reminder of the GLME summercamp of 2005 in Limeuil (Dordogne), where we enjoyed this style of wine as Vin de Table with meals. Tonight in Marseille I paired the Monbazillac wine with premium duck pâté and salad, a substitute for Foie Gras. The wine was a delight, smooth and of course sweet but fragrant and not syrupy. Premium ducks may think they are special but in the end they are just pâté...
Then the Seigneur de Renouard Réserve, Séguret 2022, accompanied salmon from Norway which I poached with a tarragon and passion-fruit sauce. This Séguret is at the top of its game, full-bodied and rounded, the tannins integrated in the ensemble. It’s to my taste the equal of many other Côtes du Rhône Villages that are more highly rated. My local caviste has been surprised to see me clear his stock but hasn’t yet adjusted his pricing!