Row upon immaculate row of small green vines slipped by us as we traveled through the French countryside on our way to the Chateau Beychevelle. It seemed like every kilometer had a grand chateau. Unfortunately the cost of upkeep was too much to bear for a lot of the old families, and many of these lovely buildings have fallen into disrepair or been sold to large business and financial organizations that have the necessary deep pockets.
We arrived at the Chateau Beychevelle at that magic time of day known as "the golden hour" when the sun is a low-hung red orb on the distant horizon and touches everything in sight with its golden rays. The champagne flowed freely as we drank in the view from the veranda awaiting the cue to enter the grand ballroom that was to be the scene of our dinner.
Lit by the light from our candelabras and the magnificent chandelier, the first course was brought out along with the first of the wines. The soup was a surprise for many as the first thought upon tasting was " Its COLD!!!!" immediately followed by "Oh! This is REALLY good!!!" I cannot now imagine having the lobster soup warm as the taste was quite exquisite.
The main course of beef fillet with truffle sauce and a wild mushroom pancake continued the gourmet feel. Topping the meal was " Strawberries millefeuille mousse cream" which to my surprise was actually raspberries! My schoolboy French obviously failed me once more!
It's a shame that these grand old chateaux as so rarely in the hands of the families that once owned them, though we should be thankful that at least someone has it within their power to keep them open for our pleasure and that of future generations.
